US Regulations covering transfer of Research Items: packaging and transportation

A variety of regulations govern the domestic and international transportation of numerous items; some of the items may also be subject to export controls. The variety and scope of these regulations are too numerous to mention here, but some of the most frequently applicable to UCSC research are discussed here.

Since 1990, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has regulated the transport of "hazardous materials" in all modes of transportation (air, ground and sea). The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has regulated transportation of “dangerous goods” by air since 1956. The DOT and IATA regulations are intended to ensure that all who come in contact with a shipment of hazardous materials are properly informed of the hazards presented by the materials, and the measures necessary for their safe transport. Hazardous material, as defined by the DOT, is any substance that appears in the 49 CFR Hazardous Materials Table. There are nine classes of hazardous materials including:
1. Explosives
2. Gases
3. Flammable Liquids
4. Flammable Solids
5. Oxidizing Substances and Organic Peroxides
6. Toxic and Infectious Substances
7. Radioactive Material
8. Corrosives
9. Miscellaneous Dangerous Goods

Materials meeting these criteria that are shipped off the UCSC campus, whether for testing, sent to a colleague for collaborative research, shipped to another research facility, returned to the manufacturer, or sent to a field research site must follow all applicable shipping requirements. To comply, regulated materials must be classified according to their hazards, properly packaged, labeled, documented and must be handled by trained employees.

For questions regarding the transportation of Hazardous Materials, please contact Buddy Morris, Director of Environmental Health and Safety at 459-4454 or bmorris@ucsc.edu

Radioactive materials:

Off campus shipments of radioactive materials are governed by both the Federal and State agencies. Any off-campus shipment of radioactive material (domestic or international) needs to be arranged though the Radiation Safety Officer. Per the policy established in the UCSC Radiation Safety Manual, no researcher may transport themselves nor offer to a carrier for transport radioactive material without first obtaining permission from the Radiation Safety Officer.

If you have questions regarding these regulations or their applicability to your research, please contact the UCSC Radiation Safety Officer at ehs at ucsc.edu.