Transporting Chemicals on Campus

The employees involved in moving the hazardous materials (i.e., hazardous chemicals, biohazardous agents, or radiological materials) must be familiar with present hazards and trained in basic handling techniques. Before commencement of moving activities, a plan for emergencies must be established and a spill kit must be on hand in case of an accident or environmental discharge. Secondary containment consisting of a shatterproof, securely sealed container marked with the hazards contained must be used for all materials in transport between locations. 

Items of a dangerous nature are not allowed on any public bus, or personal vehicles. These could include but are not limited to flammable liquids; dangerous, toxic or poisonous substances; storage batteries; and caustic chemicals. 

1. Review SDS prior to transport. Be knowledgeable of the hazards and precautions of the material being transported. Familiarize yourself with product regulations and supplier instructions. 

2. Small quantities (≤4L) of individual containers may be carried within a shatterproof, leaf proof, lidded secondary container or bucket. 

3. Large quantities (≤ 20L) of individual containers/packages must be transported in a within a shatterproof, leaf proof, lidded secondary container on a cart. 

4. Transport incompatible materials (e.g., acids /bases; flammables/oxidizers) within separate secondary containers. 

5. Primary containers must be labeled with full chemical name in English with primary hazards communicated by verbiage or GHS pictograms. 

1. Inspect dewars, cylinders, and hand trucks for damage prior to transport. Do not attempt to transport damaged dewars or cylinders. 

2. Ensure cylinders are secured with a chain, protective caps, and valve outlet caps in place. 

3. Transport cylinders and dewars using suitable material handling equipment (e.g. cart, hand truck). 

4. Dewars equipped with integrated castors may be transported outdoors using two people to stabilize and control the dewar during transport. 

5. Transport via elevator presents potential entrapment hazards. Transport via passenger elevator is prohibited when a freight elevator is present in the building. Freight elevators should be used when transporting compressed gas cylinders and dewars. 

           I. Warn potential riders to use the stairs or wait for an unoccupied car.

          II.Arrange to have a colleague meet the cylinder on the destination floor. 

         III. Load the cylinder/dewar into the empty elevator. 

         IV. Place a sign across the entrance of the elevator or in a clearly visible location on the hand truck. 

         V. Press the number for the destination floor and exit the elevator; do not ride in an elevator with a compressed gas cylinder or dewar. 

         VI. Remove the cylinder/dewar and signage from the elevator at the destination floor.