Some common hazmat products include flammable liquids like fuels and solvents, compressed gases such as propane and oxygen, oxidizers like bleach, toxic pesticides and heavy metals, corrosive acids and bases, radioactive materials, and lithium batteries in consumer electronics.
Improperly handled hazmat products can result in fires, explosions, toxic inhalation, chemical burns, environmental contamination, property damage, and serious injuries.
Major international bodies that provide regulations and guidelines for shipping hazardous materials include IATA for air transport, IMO for sea transport, and ICAO for air transport.
The U.S. DOT mandates proper hazmat classification, packaging, labeling, documentation, personnel training certifications, and more to ensure safe and compliant transport.
Hazmat packaging must be leak-proof, made of compatible materials, sufficiently strong and durable, properly labeled, and have seals and closures that prevent leaks and spills.
Key safety measures include securing packages firmly, maintaining proper conditions like temperature and pressure, ensuring adequate ventilation, having emergency response protocols ready, and thoroughly inspecting all transport vehicles and equipment.
Personnel must have training on topics like hazard classes, labeling/marking, documentation, packaging and loading procedures, and emergency response. Certification is often required verifying competence in hazmat regulations.
