Shipping chemical waste is a dangerous business. Beyond studying and utilizing the 49 CFR (aka the DOT regulations) the bare minimum expected is that the containers are in safe transportable condition. Proper DOT packaging is achieved when hazardous materials are placed in a container that is rated for those hazard characteristics and closed properly. What if that DOT packaging is compromised or not-DOT shippable? These instances will require a DOT-approved overpack or salvage drum to remedy the situation. Note: the overpack drum must also be rated to transport the chemical contents in case there is a full breach of the original outer container.
Most of the time it is be pretty obvious when there is a problem with the “outer container:”
- Is there no DOT rating?
- Is the top missing?
- Is one or both of the bungs missing or not seating properly?
- Is there a puncture or hole in the drum (whether leaking or not)?
- Is the bottom rotted out?
- Has the drum been crushed (compactor incident)?
- Is there a dent affecting the balance/stability?
- Is the drum bulging?
There will be instances where overpacking a drum may not appear so obvious but is going to provide the safest, most compliant transportation:
- Is the drum rusted such that the DOT rating is not visible?
- Are the contents not compatible with the type of drum?
- Is the drum “wet” (fiber drums)?
- Is the drum discolored or unable to be handled due to severe chemical contamination?
- Was the drum in a fire?
It is very important that hazardous materials be securely packaged at all costs necessary to maintain the safety of the personnel handling it, the fleet transporting it and the environment surrounding it.