There are many common mistakes when it comes to hazmat shipping because of the complicated process where even the smallest mistake can have devastating consequences. A mislabeled container, an improperly secured package, or a failure to follow the necessary regulatory guidelines can lead to leaks, explosions, or toxic exposures and put workers, emergency responders, and the public at risk. Apart from the immediate dangers, these mistakes can cause long-term environmental damage and lead to serious penalties and liability issues for companies involved.
Proper training is the best way to minimize the risks involved in hazmat shipping. At Hazmat University, we offer expert-designed online training courses that can provide the knowledge and training that hazmat employees need to stay compliant and avoid mistakes that can increase the risk of hazmat incidents.
To make regulatory compliance easier for you, we offer ShipHazmat – an online tool that can simplify the process of creating shipping papers for all modes of hazmat shipping. With its user-friendly interface and built-in regulatory logic, ShipHazmat can help you create accurate and compliant shipping papers fast. With the right training and the right tools, you can greatly reduce the risks involved in hazmat shipping and increase the overall efficiency of your operations.
Common Mistakes in Hazmat Shipping
Improper Marking and Labeling
Proper marking, labeling, and placarding of hazardous material shipments is extremely important, as it is the only way to make sure that everyone handling the shipments – from warehouse workers to transporters – knows what they are dealing with. These visual indicators can provide critical information about the nature of the materials being shipped and the risks involved. In the absence of clear and accurate marking and labeling, hazmat shipments could be mishandled, which can lead to serious accidents.
Improper labeling can also make it harder for first responders to respond to hazmat incidents. Without the necessary markings, labels, and placards, first responders might not know what they are dealing with, as a result of which they might not be assess the severity of the situation and respond accordingly. Ensuring that all hazmat shipments are correctly marked and labeled is a fundamental step in preventing accidents and maintaining compliance.
Failing to Consider the Differences in Regulations for Different Modes of Shipping
Hazardous materials regulations and guidelines tend to vary depending on the mode of transport. Failing to account for these differences can lead to compliance issues, shipment delays, or safety hazards.
For example, magnetized materials are generally not classified as hazardous when shipped by ground or vessel. On the other hand, they are subject to stringent regulations when shipped by air, as strong magnetic fields can interfere with aircraft navigation and communication systems.
Similarly, the packaging requirements for dry ice are far stricter and far more extensive for air and vessel based shipping compared to ground transport. Knowing these differences is critically important, as it is the only way hazmat employees can make sure the shipments are safe enough to be transported.
Incorrect Classification or Failure to Classify a Hazardous Material
Incorrect classification of a hazardous substance can result in inadequate packaging, which can increase the risk of spills, fires, or chemical reactions significantly.
Another common mistake is failing to classify a hazardous material or underestimating the risks posed by hazardous material. For example, toys and other devices containing lithium batteries can pose fire and explosion risks and must be classified and packaged properly. Similarly, certain chemical substances might be stable at room temperature, but can be dangerous when exposed to heat or moisture. Therefore, proper classification is extremely important in hazmat shipping.
Incomplete or Inaccurate Information in Shipping Papers
Shipping papers are essential to identify the contents of hazmat shipments. If they’re incomplete or contain inaccurate information, it can lead to shipment delays, penalties, and rejected cargo. More importantly, first responders might not be able to respond effectively in the event of a hazmat incident, as they might not know what kind of precautions to take or how to bring the situation under control.
Given the importance of shipping papers, it is important for hazmat employers to incorporate technology in the documentation process to reduce human errors. At Hazmat University, we offer a solution to this problem in the form of ShipHazmat – a user-friendly web-based tool that can automate the process of generating shipping papers and make sure all the information entered is accurate and compliant with the necessary regulatory standards.
Involving Untrained Employees in Hazmat Shipping
Involving untrained employees in hazardous materials transportation is one of the biggest mistakes a hazmat employer can make. Untrained employees might unknowingly misclassify hazardous substances, mislabel packages, use improper packaging, or mishandle materials, all of which can increase the risk of hazmat incidents significantly.
If untrained employees are involved in the shipping process in any capacity, they must be under the direct supervision of a trained employee. Failure to comply with training requirements can result in serious regulatory violations, heavy fines, and legal liabilities.
Avoid Common Mistakes in Hazmat Shipping and Stay Compliant with Hazmat University Online Training Courses
The best way to avoid mistakes, oversights, and errors in hazmat shipping is to provide adequate training to all the employees involved in the operations. Trained employees are significantly less likely to make mistakes with hazardous materials classification, marking, labeling, placarding, and other associated duties and they are better prepared to face the challenges involved in the shipping process and respond to emergencies.
At Hazmat University, we offer the latest and most comprehensive online hazmat training courses for employees involved in all modes of hazmat shipping. Our courses can equip you with the knowledge you need to understand your compliance requirements and impart the skills needed to perform your duties safely and efficiently.
ShipHazmat, our web-based software, is designed to make it easier for you to create accurate and compliant shipping papers for all modes of shipping. ShipHazmat’s intuitive interface automates the process of filling out shipping papers and its regulatory logic ensures 100% regulatory compliance every single time.
Call us today at 844-864-1762 or get in touch with us online to find out more about our hazmat training courses and tools.
Be Confident. Be Competent. Be Compliant.
