When moving chemicals between laboratories or other buildings on campus, the following guidelines should be implemented for protection of people and the environment, and to minimize the potential for spills to occur

• Take precautions to avoid dropping or spilling chemicals.
• Make sure that chemical containers are sealed during transport and that incompatible chemicals are placed in secondary containment away from one another.
• Carry breakable containers in specially-designed bottle carriers or leak-resistant, unbreakable secondary containers.
• When transporting chemicals on a cart, use a cart that is suitable for the load and one that has high edges to contain leaks or spills. The cart should be capable of negotiating uneven surfaces without tipping the chemical container or the cart.
• Transport chemicals by traveling least-trafficked routes. When possible, use freight elevators.
• NEVER transport incompatible chemicals in the same secondary containment.
• While in transit, containers must be labeled with chemical name and corresponding hazards and shall be attended at all times.
• Check containers and lids for damage and cracks. Replace any faulty caps or containers. Damaged containers cannot be transported.
• Individuals transporting chemicals must be familiar with the materials’ hazard and should know what to do in the event of a release or a spill.
• Upon arrival at the new location, ensure personnel check contents for damage, remove chemicals from the packing boxes, and place the chemicals in designated storage locations.
• Gas cylinders must be strapped to a hand truck specifically designed for that purpose. Cylinder cover caps must be in place.
• If the chemical is permanently being moved: update the chemical inventory to reflect the new storage location of the chemical.
• Appropriate PPE should be worn when transporting chemicals.
  • To prevent possibility of contamination spreading, only one glove (leaving one clean hand exposed) should be worn.
  • No PPE should be worn when in clean rooms.
• DO NOT transport hazardous chemicals on UNT shuttles or rental vehicles, public transportation, or personal vehicles.
• DO NOT transport a chemical without secondary containment.

If transporting large amounts of chemicals for a laboratory move, (or any amount of chemicals on a public road), contact the RMS at 940-565-2109 and/or askrms@unt.edu for consultation on safe packaging and compliance with federal, state, and local laws.

Note: Shipping of chemicals must be done in compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws. Any UNT employee who prepares package containing hazardous materials for shipment or performs any pre-transport function related to shipping hazardous materials must receive training. This includes anyone who:

• Selects packaging for a shipment
• Fills packages
• Marks and Labels Packages
• Prepares shipping papers
• Receives packages

For questions related to shipping or receiving hazardous materials or training on shipping hazardous materials, please contact the Chemical Hygiene Officer.