Question: What do paint, resin, adhesive, a car battery, grapefruit peel oil, valeraldehyde, an empty automotive engine, organic peroxide, and fireworks have in common?? Answer: All of these products were improperly shipped (or attempted to ship) on domestic US airlines. The FAA continues to propose fines in excess of $50,000 for violations involving quantities of hazardous materials as small as one gallon. Approximately 17 companies received proposals of alleged violations totaling $1,062 million with an average fine of $62,500 per company. Some of the violations were for 2– one-gallon paint cans; 2 plastic bottles of paint, a box containing fireworks, a single car battery and a one-gallon container of adhesive. Suggestion: Know what is a hazardous material. Know the regulations that pertain to its‘ transport. And seek assistance from the DOT, your transport company or a Freight Consultant before you tender the shipment.
Drum It Up
STEEL DRUM INDUSTRY NEWS, TRENDS AND ISSUES
Archive for April, 2002
Torque Wrenches Specifically Sought By DOT
As reported in previous Newsletters, the DOT inspectors are making their rounds to ensure that packaging manufacturers comply with Performance Oriented Packaging requirements and that fillers comply with proper closure instructions (CFR 178.2©). If you are using either Open or Closed Head Drums, proper closure requires a specific measured torque. Therefore, DOT Inspectors will expect you to have a Torque Wrench in use when closing drums prior to shipment and to be able to demonstrate current torque calibration. Available in 30, 20 and 12 foot-pound capacities, SKOLNIK‘s Torque Wrench set is designed to "click" when desired torque is reached. Furthermore, color-coding makes choosing the right wrench a snap.
Shipping Dangerous Goods Can Be A Dream — Or A Nightmare
Knowing the labyrinth of rules and regulations that govern the process of shipping dangerous goods is not optional knowledge. The laws that govern dangerous goods shipments can be financially burdensome, technically complex and enforced with iron-clad scrutiny. Too often, however, shippers choose to focus on saving relatively small sums of dollars by neglecting to properly train their employees in Hazardous Materials shipping guidelines and even shipping hazardous materials in non-compliant or marginally safe containers. Some shippers actually "cross-their-fingers" in the hopes that potentially dangerous shipments will get on board aircraft and not be discovered in violation of FAA or DOT regulations. However, recent fines from the FAA for these offenses start with a $50,000. price tag!! Safety, security and compliance are the main components of shipping dangerous goods in a manner which will save lives. From clothing dyes to shampoo additives; infectious disease samples to prescription drug additives, it is the regulatory agencies and their in-field representatives that protect us from those that dare to ship unaware. For training program recommendations, call Howard Skolnik at 773.735.0700 x 113, or email me at howard@skolnik.com.
