Shipping: Hazardous Material Description

Last updated August 13, 2009 4:41:51 PM PDT

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If you are shipping something that could be hazardous, read the following description.

Regulations

UCSD conforms to strict government regulations when transporting hazardous materials. Shipments must arrive at their destination in good condition and present no hazard during shipment. Prior to shipping any hazardous material, you must contact the Shipping Coordinator at (858) 536-3225, Ext. 244.

Definition

The U.S. Department of Transportation and the International Air Transportation Association (IATA) define hazardous material as substances capable of posing a risk to health, safety, or to property when transported.

Following are examples of commonly shipped materials that are considered hazardous:

Battery powered equipment
Biological substances
Contents of first aid kits
Corrosives
Diagnostic specimens
Dry ice
Environmentally hazardous substances
Explosives, gases, and flammable liquids
Flammable solids (substances liable to spontaneous combustion or substances which, in contact with water, emit flammable gases)
Genetically modified organisms and micro-organisms
Infectious substances
Inflatable life saving appliances
Magnetized material
Many consumer commodities such as aerosols and lighters
Oxidizing substances and organic peroxide
Radioactive materials: Follow instructions on How to Transfer Radioactive Materials
Toxic substances

If you need help, the UCSD Shipping Coordinator will research your item and advise you. Contact Shipping, (858) 536-3225, Ext. 244.

More information

To read the regulations concerning the transport of hazardous material, see:

U.S. Department of Transportation's detailed Hazardous Material Table (click on Hazmat Table in the left navigation bar)
U.S. Department of Transportation, Office of Hazardous Materials Safety, 49 CFR Regulations 171.8, 172.101, 173
International Air Transportation Association (IATA), Dangerous Goods Information Online

For more information, contact Shipping, (858) 534-7467, Ext. 244.

Facilities & Services

Hazardous Materials

Departments

Shipping/ Receiving, Surplus