Special Considerations When Shipping Chemicals

The word chemical may sound scary as people often assume they are hazardous and inflammable. However, chemicals are a lot more than this. Chemicals are also found in various materials that are used in construction and other industries. Irrespective of how large or small the chemical shipment is, one should contact hazardous material shipment companies to transport it safely.

Hazardous material shipment companies face many issues and they need to be very particular with their shipping and safety protocols. These products need extra care and must be handled carefully. The company should also ensure hazardous materials storage is done safely. There are chances that they may explode, emit toxic gas, ignite and cause severe injuries if not handled safely.

As mentioned above, there are various protocols to be followed to prevent leaking and spilling during hazardous materials transportation. Companies dealing with the transport of these materials need to be very careful and must be aware of all the protocols and precautions. If any of the rules are violated or not followed, this may lead to fines and civil penalties, not to mention the danger to human life.

Points to Consider for the Shipment of Chemicals

Specific steps need to be followed before transporting hazardous materials to ensure safe delivery and minimal damage. As a result, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) & the Department of Transportation (DOT) have released some additional requirements that need to be taken into consideration by these companies while delivering or carrying the chemicals.

The shipping companies need to be compliant with these requirements. The driver who will transport the materials should have a hazmat certificate on their Commercial Driving License (CDL) and should carry their hazmat certificate for registration with DOT.

What Could be the Consequences of Not following these Considerations?

There are consequences the hazardous material shipment companies will have to face if they do not meet the requirements and follow protocols while carrying the shipments for these chemicals. An individual should understand that the considerations are meant only for their safety and the safety of all involved during the transit.

In 2014, an incident occurred with a Mexico-based firm. They did not follow the protocols related to hazardous materials storage and 22 lives were lost during an explosion.

A similar incident related to the shipment also took place approximately a year ago. In this incident, the authorities asked a driver for his documentation and he didn’t have it on him. This led to a lifetime ban and the authorities also ceased the chemicals he was transporting.

To ensure the safety of the drivers and the people around, companies should follow the set norms and inspect them regularly. You can speak to our experts by filling our online form or calling us at (618) 283-9360.