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Shipping/Receiving of Hazardous Materials, Dangerous Goods, and Biological Specimens

PPD-0208

As there exist strict regulations and compliance standards with regard to shipping and receiving Hazardous Materials, Dangerous Goods, and Biological Specimens via commercial carrier or the U. S. Postal Service, it is very important that any shipment that may fall within these categories be identified and handled properly.

Any shipment originating at the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) that may contain materials within the above-mentioned categories must be properly characterized, packaged, labeled, and manifested by a trained and certified employee knowledgeable of the material to be shipped and the particular mode of transportation to be employed (ground, air or vessel).  As regulations, standards, and shipping documents are revised from time to time, personnel must attend periodic refresher training.  Each shipment must be reviewed in light of the latest revisions in regulations or standards. 

Responsibility for shipping and receiving on the VIMS campus resides with the Mail Room/Shipping and Receiving (MR/S&R).  Initial contact with the MR/S&R Manager is required well in advance should shipment or receipt of any of these type materials be anticipated.  Mailers are required to list contents, or if liquid, fragile, perishable, or potential hazardous.

The VIMS’ Office of Safety and Environmental Programs may be contacted for general information if unable to obtain the information required from VIMS’ MR/S&R.