FACT SHEET
DOT Security Plan Awareness
Introduction
Following the events of September 11, 2001, the US Department of Transportation
(DOT) published regulations requiring shippers and handlers of certain
hazardous materials to assess security risks and develop a security
plan. Most of the requirements apply to shippers and handlers of large
volumes of hazardous materials, but individual laboratory personnel
and shippers of hazardous materials can play a significant role in implementing
the security plan and improving security on campus.
What are hazardous
materials?
A DOT hazardous material is defined as a substance or material which
has been determined to be capable of posing an unreasonable risk to
health, safety and property when transported in commerce. These materials
generally fall into several hazard classes, including Explosives, Compressed
Gases, Flammable Liquids, Flammable Solids, Oxidizers and Organic Peroxides,
Toxic and Infectious Substances, Radioactive Material and Corrosive
Material. Once chemical, biological or radioactive materials become
wastes, they are still considered to be DOT hazardous substances and
are therefore covered by the security plan.
What do I need to
do?
- Control access to hazardous
materials and keep a strict inventory. Lock laboratory doors when
the room is unoccupied and maintain control of hazardous materials
and wastes. Such control is typically maintained through use of locking
freezers, flammable cabinets or other laboratory storage equipment.
Limit access to labs by unauthorized personnel.
- If you solicit the transportation
of hazardous materials by an outside party (courier, air freight company,
etc.), verify the identity of the driver before releasing the materials.
Make sure the shipment is properly packaged and labeled prior to releasing.
- When transporting hazardous
materials across campus, minimize exposure to classrooms, offices,
and other public areas by taking less populated paths or roads. Never
leave hazardous materials unattended while in transit.
- Report suspicious incidents
or events involving hazardous materials or storage areas. Make sure
your staff and coworkers are aware of security procedures.
- Promptly report any missing
hazardous materials to the UK Police.
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