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Transporting chemicals

The principle guidance is to avoid transporting chemicals unless you absolutely have to.

A chemical substance may be classified into one or more of several classes according to hazard. Depending on the class and quantity of material to be transported, legislative requirements will apply to varying extents.

The principle guidance is to avoid transport unless you absolutely have to.

It is recommended to buy substances from approved suppliers and arrange delivery to a third party if necessary. If this is not possible, contact the UCL Dangerous Goods Safety Advisor in order to correctly classify the substance you wish to transport.

Email: dangerousgoods@ucl.ac.uk

Please provide the following information:

  • Name of substance and CAS number, if you know it
  • Concentration of mixture if not a pure substance (e.g. 2M, 5% v/v, 500ml in 2M)
  • Quantity of substance (including units)
  • Where you intend to transport from and to
  • Whether you intend to transport by road or air
Packaging

Packaging requirements will vary depending on the precise nature and quantity of the substance being transported. Please contact the UCL Dangerous Goods Safety Advisor in order to correctly classify the substance you wish to transport.
Email: dangerousgoods@ucl.ac.uk 

The guidance below is included to provide some general principles, while you wait for detailed advice. 

A package should comprise an inner container, such as a plastic container or glass bottle that holds the substance and secondary packaging to contain the primary container. The inner (primary) container should contain the substance securely and be sealed. The primary container should be placed in a secondary container with the closure (lid) upwards, secured using bubble wrap and absorbent material around the container to prevent it from becoming damaged during transit. 

Transporting liquids in glass bottles

You must ensure the bottle is enclosed in a chemically compatible and rigid intermediate packaging - between the bottle and an outer box - and that gaps are filled with cushioning material. This is to prevent accidental breakage during transit.

For most materials being transported, the packaging does not need to be UN approved. Packaging (robust cardboard boxes) from suppliers that are in good condition can be re-used and would almost certainly be compliant.

In either case, the packages should be 'good quality', that is:

  • Strong enough to withstand the shocks and loadings normally encountered during transport
  • Constructed and closed so as to prevent any loss of contents when prepared for transport which might be caused under normal conditions of transport, by vibration, or by changes in temperature, humidity or pressure
  • Be free from contamination on the outside of the packaging

If transporting more than one substance - they may be packed together with other articles or substances provided they will not react dangerously in the event of leakage. If in doubt, check for incompatibility. 

Purchasing packaging

Suitable packaging for the transport of dangerous goods can be purchased from the following suppliers: 

> Air Sea Containers
> Thermo Safe

Marking and Labelling

marking and labelling examples
Marking and labelling requirements will vary depending on the precise nature and quantity of the substance being transported, however the guidance below is included to provide some general principles, while you wait for detailed advice. Assuming the substance(s) being transported can be classified as 'Limited Quantity', the outer cardboard box (the secondary container) should be marked as follows:
  • With the Limited Quantity label - no less than 5cm x 5cm in size. Examples of these labels, for air and road transport are shown to the right
  • If a liquid - orientation arrows placed on two opposite vertical sides of the outer package - example shown to the right (these are not required if transporting solids)
  • No other labels or symbols

Make sure to remove any other labels or symbols that may be on the box - particularly if the box has the names of other organisations or other addresses.

The courier may ask you to put your name and address and the delivery name and address on the outside.

Documentation

Documentation requirements will vary depending on the precise nature and quantity of the substance being transported and the mode of transport used. 

Transport by road

If classed as Limited Quantities, no documentation is required. The courier you use may require documentation to accompany the consignment beyond that required by regulations.

Transport by air

When transporting chemicals by air a declaration should be completed.

DG Shipper's Declaration (DGD) and e-DGD (blank form)

Transport

Do

Purchase the substance from an approved supplier and arrange delivery to a third party, instead of transporting yourself

  • Contact the UCL Dangerous Goods Safety Advisor for detailed advice if you have to transport chemicals.
    Email: dangerousgoods@ucl.ac.uk
  • Use approved couriers if transport is necessary. Details can be found at UCL mail and courier services.
  • Make advance arrangements with the receiver of the goods to agree delivery
  • Investigate the need for permits, licenses or other customs approval if moving substances from one country to another, particularly if outside the EU

Do not

  • Transport dangerous goods in your own car or a taxi as the vehicle is unlikely to be insured for this activity
  • Transport dangerous goods on the Tube, buses or other public transport - it may attract unwanted attention or Police action
  • Carry dangerous goods, including infectious/biological material, on passenger aircraft - It is prohibited to carry goods on your person, in carry-on or checked baggage aboard aircraft

If you are considering using Royal Mail (regular post), please read the following guidance for information on what substances or articles can and cannot be sent.

Royal Mail - prohibited and restricted items (pdf) 

Emergencies

In the event of spillage during transport of dangerous goods

  • Isolate spill or leak area immediately in all directions
  • Keep unauthorised personnel away
  • Obtain identity of substance involved if possible 
  • Do not touch or walk through spilled material
  • Do not touch damaged containers or spilled material unless wearing appropriate protective clothing
  • Wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) appropriate to the material spilled
  • If a liquid - absorb spillage with sand or other non-combustible absorbent material while avoiding direct contact with the substance
  • If a solid - sweep up the solid using a dustpan and brush being careful not to create dust - if necessary damp down the solid before sweeping
  • Notify UCL Safety Services by raising an incident report

In the event of theft or damage during transport not involving a spillage

  • Contact the courier or other company involved in transport to notify them and request an investigation
  • Notify UCL Safety Services by raising an incident report

If the leaking contents accidentally come into contact with skin or clothes

  • Thoroughly wash off body with plenty of water
  • Remove contaminated clothing
  • Keep hands away from eyes nose and mouth
  • If the contents are identified as potentially harmful, staff who have come into contact may be advised to visit Workplace Health or A&E

Last updated: Monday, August 3, 2020