Across the United States, dangerous materials are transported by road, rail and air to the place they need to go. Despite their volatile nature, these items must get to their final destination. There are regulations put in place for their safe delivery and these rules are strictly enforced. Here are a few of those.
Chemicals
A chemical spill could be dangerous if the liquid is in large supply. A way to make moving these elements easier and more efficient is by limiting quantity and excepted quantity testing. Limited quantities refers to the number of containers allowed per box. Excepted quantity indicates the limited volume in these containers. With these fluids being shipped in safer, smaller amounts, there are fewer regulations on these. However, they must still have a specific label attached to them.
Explosive Material
The transport of explosives is strictly regulated by the Department of Transportation for good reason. One slip-up and many people can be injured. The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, or PHMSA, is the branch of the DOT that oversees this. The shipments must be inspected by an official before they can be sent and must have proper identification. The driver of the vehicle moving the explosives must always be near it if it is parked in a public space. There are many institutions that provide training for this type of transit.
Biological Materials
Biological materials are substances that, when you come in contact with it, might infect you and cause you to be sick and possibly die. These items also must be regulated when they are shipped. You have to send these in three separate leak-proof containers kept within each other leaving three impenetrable barriers between you and the biological hazard. Just like chemical and explosives, biological substances must be properly labeled before they are shipped.
