Hazardous materials, such as chemicals, cryogens, gas cylinders, etc., are to be transported by Transportation Services or a Department of Transportation (DOT) authorized carrier (except as outlined below).
Transporting hazardous materials by employees in public transportation (such as the shuttle bus) is not permitted. This is to minimize risk to Lab employees and the public. This also ensures that the regulatory requirements for packaging, manifesting and placarding are met.
Learn about transporting and shipping different categories of hazardous materials:
The following parties are permitted to transport hazardous materials between non-adjacent LBNL buildings and from off-site locations (e.g. UC Berkeley Campus):
Transportation Department (x5404) will transport hazardous materials provided they are unopened and still in their original DOT shipping containers. They will also transport gas cylinders. Also, the Transportation Department will package and label hazardous materials by following DOT Title 49 regulations for shipment by commercial carriers.
EHS/Waste Management (x5877) will transport hazardous materials that have previously been opened. This is a free service.
Transporting Small Quantities of Hazardous Materials
Laboratory employees may move small quantities of hazardous materials for short distances within a building or between adjacent buildings, provided that it can be done safely and without spilling the materials. Individuals must use handcarts and drip trays to contain any spilled material. Employees must also complete Chemical Hygiene and Safety Training (EHS 348).
Transportation of Gas Cylinders
Use standard cylinder dollies to transport compressed gas cylinders. While dollies are preferred, cylinders weighing 11 kg (25 lbs) or less may be hand carried. Never move a cylinder with a regulator connected to it. Cylinder valve protection caps and valve opening caps must be in place when moving cylinders. Lecture bottles and other cylinders that are not generally equipped with valve protection caps should be transported in either the original DOT specification package or an equivalent container.
Note: Contact an EH&S Radiation Control Technician for guidance before transporting radiological isotopes.
