Adopt Best Practices when Shipping with Hazardous Materials
We have put together a few recommendations on how to ensure your employees grasp the process of shipping dangerous goods.
1. Employee Training and Awareness - Education is important so train all your employees involved with shipping. This training should cover many topics such as identification, handling, and documentation of dangerous goods. Conduct refresher training and update/review all existing training material on a regular basis.
2. Accurate Documentation - Ensure that all relevant shipping documents, such as the Shipper's Declaration of Dangerous Goods, are completed correctly and include detailed information about the nature of the goods, their hazards, and necessary safety precautions. Always double-check the declarations to prevent human errors.
3. Packaging and Labeling – Use only approved packaging materials specifically designed for the transportation of dangerous goods as these will minimize the risk of leaks, spills, or damage during transit.
4. Adequate Handling and Storage - Establish clear protocols for the handling, storage, and segregation of dangerous goods. Train your employees in proper storage practices. Ensure that hazardous materials are stored separately to prevent accidental mixing or reactions that could lead to hazardous situations.
5. Conduct routine inspections and audits to verify compliance with shipping regulations and internal safety protocols. Regularly review and assess your internal processes, procedures, and documentation to identify any potential gaps or areas for improvement.