Almost every test performed at Nelson Laboratories involves the use of hazardous substances. It is therefore essential for laboratory personnel to thoroughly understand the proper handling and potential risks of all substances with which they work. These risks are best communicated through the Safety Data Sheet (SDS). In addition, one of the best ways to ensure the safety of all personnel is through the appropriate labeling and shipping of hazardous materials from our clients.
When you are shipping a hazardous substance to Nelson Laboratories, we ask that you include the SDS along with the packaging label that will be automatically generated when the sample submission form is printed from the customer portal. Both of these documents should be placed on the outside of the shipping container. This will alert our receiving personnel to the potential hazard so appropriate precautions may be taken. We also ask that you coordinate the shipment with the lab whenever possible, so they will be expecting the samples.
In order to protect the safety of both laboratory and shipping personnel, numerous regulations are in place to outline the proper care of hazardous materials. Non-conformance to these regulations can be very costly. Fines imposed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) may reach well beyond $100,000, not including potential lawsuits from accidental exposure or injury. To help companies avoid such penalties, the FFA and FDA have extensive guidance available on their websites. In addition, most shipping companies such as FedEx, UPS, and the USPS, also provide extensive guidance. All of these resources stress an important point – it is the responsibility of the shipper to understand and follow all applicable regulations when shipping a hazardous substance.
If you need any further information or have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact our Service Center. Thank you for your help in exercising safe practices for your team, material handlers, and Nelson Laboratories employees.
Additional Resources:
Hazardous Materials Safety Regulations (Title 49 CFR Parts 100-185)
Federal Aviation Administration – Dangerous Goods
Hazardous Materials (FedEx): How To Ship
UPS Guide for Transporting Hazardous Materials
USPS Publication 52 – Hazardous, Restricted, and Perishable Mail
Globally Harmonized System – Developed by the United Nations and adopted by countries all around the world. Each country has their own compliance initiatives ensuring adoption and adherence to the international System.
