The transport of laboratory chemicals is not just about getting substances from point a to point b. It requires careful planning, meticulous packaging, and adherence to strict regulations. Whether you’re shipping hazardous chemicals or temperature-sensitive reagents, ensuring that chemicals are handled properly can prevent dangerous incidents, regulatory fines, and operational delays.
Unfortunately, many organizations make critical mistakes when it comes to the transport of laboratory chemicals, leading to significant risks. To help you avoid these pitfalls, let’s explore the three most common (and costly) mistakes when shipping laboratory chemicals, with a focus on the importance of separating chemicals by compatibility and proper labeling.
MISTAKE 1
FAILING TO SEPARATE CHEMICALS BASED ON COMPATIBILITY
One of the most dangerous mistakes in the transport of laboratory chemicals is failing to separate substances based on their compatibility. Shipping incompatible chemicals together can cause hazardous reactions, including fires, explosions, or the release of toxic fumes.
Understanding Chemical Hazard Classes
When preparing for the transport of laboratory chemicals, it’s essential to separate chemicals based on their properties and hazards. For example, acids should never be shipped alongside bases because they can react violently if they come into contact. Similarly, flammable chemicals should never be stored with oxidizing agents that could cause combustion.
Separate by Hazard Class: Chemicals are assigned to different hazard classes according to their properties (such as corrosives, flammables, or oxidizers). In many cases, chemicals from different hazard classes must be packaged separately to prevent reactions.
Secondary Containment: Even after separating chemicals by compatibility, using a secondary containment (such as spill-proof trays or sealed bags) is often required. This minimizes the risk of cross-contamination in the event of leaks.
Real-World Example:
Imagine transporting a flammable solvent alongside an oxidizer. If a leak occurs and these two substances mix, the result could be a fire or the release of dangerous fumes. Proper segregation and containment of chemicals are essential to preventing such disastrous events.
MISTAKE 2
INCORRECT OR INSUFFICIENT LABELING AND DOCUMENTATION
In the transport of laboratory chemicals, accurate labeling and thorough documentation are non-negotiable. Incorrect or incomplete labeling can result in safety risks, regulatory fines, and shipment delays.
Applying Proper Markings:
Hazardous materials (hazmat) and chemicals regulated for shipping must be labeled with specific UN numbers and hazmat labels to ensure safe handling and compliance with international shipping laws. Incorrect labeling is one of the most common mistakes in the transport of laboratory chemicals.
UN Numbers: UN numbers are unique identifiers assigned to hazardous materials and must be clearly marked on all chemical shipments. These numbers help handlers and emergency responders identify the chemical and understand the hazards involved.
Hazmat Labels: Hazmat labels indicate the chemical’s hazard class (e.g., flammable, corrosive, or toxic). These labels must be prominently displayed on both inner and outer packaging to ensure safe handling during transport.
Additional Markings: Depending on the chemical, you may need additional markings, such as “This Side Up” or “Dangerous Goods in Limited Quantities.” These markings help ensure that chemicals are handled carefully during transport.
Safety Data Sheets (SDS)
An SDS provides critical information on the properties, hazards, and safe handling of each chemical. This document must accompany any shipment of hazardous materials. Before transporting chemicals, ensure that all necessary SDS documents are up to date and included with your shipment.
MISTAKE 3
IGNORING TEMPERATURE AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROLS
Many laboratory chemicals are temperature-sensitive and can become unstable or dangerous if exposed to the wrong conditions. Failing to control the temperature during the transport of laboratory chemicals can lead to degraded substances, compromised research, and serious safety risks.
Determining Temperature Requirements
Different chemicals require specific temperature conditions during transport. For example, biological reagents may need to be kept refrigerated, while other chemicals may need protection from heat to prevent evaporation or decomposition.
Refrigeration or Freezing: For chemicals that must be kept cold, use appropriate cold storage containers to maintain the required temperature. This is especially important when transporting materials over long distances.
Monitoring Devices: For high-value or particularly sensitive shipments, consider using temperature monitoring devices. These devices track the conditions throughout the shipment and provide data in case of temperature deviations.
CONCLUSION
The transport of laboratory chemicals requires more than just following basic shipping guidelines. It’s about ensuring the safety of everyone involved, protecting the integrity of the chemicals, and maintaining compliance with regulations.
Separating chemicals based on compatibility, complying with DOT regulations, including the necessary declaration of dangerous good paperwork, properly applying labels to include, UN number, proper shipping name, hazard class and packing group, as well as applying the appropriate hazmat labels, and ensuring appropriate environmental controls are critical steps in ensuring your shipments are compliant, safe, and delivered intact.
Finally, this is not all encompassing guide. There are many exceptions, especially when it comes to shipping/transporting chemicals. Make sure you consult with the appropriate authorities prior to shipping your chemicals.
The safe transport of laboratory chemicals requires careful planning and knowledge of regulatory requirements. When done right, you’ll not only protect your shipments from damage but also avoid regulatory fines, operational delays, and potential safety hazards. Stay informed, stay prepared, and make chemical safety a top priority in every shipment.
Shipping regulated laboratory chemicals involves navigating complex logistical and regulatory challenges, which can feel overwhelming. Ensuring your chemicals arrive safely, on time, and at the correct temperature is no small task. At BioRelo, we simplify every step of your laboratory relocation, ensuring the process is seamless, fully compliant, and expertly managed from beginning to end.