November 18, 2020
In a previous post we gave you part of a hazmat transportation security checklist for your facility and personnel. That checklist was meant to prepare you and your hazardous waste for the journey to the hazardous waste disposal site. While en route, however, there are sevearl key security concerns you must be aware of to ensure your hazmat cargo and personnel arrive safely. . Here's the hazmat transportation checklist for en-route security measures.
HAZARDOUS WASTE TRANSPORTATION SERVICES SECURITY CHECKLIST
- Use carrier safety ratings, assessments, safety surveys, or audits and ask the carrier to provide information on security measures it has implemented.
- Verify that the carrier has an appropriate employee hiring and review process, including background checks, and an ongoing security training program.
- Verify identity of carrier or driver before hazardous materials loading. Ask driver for photo identification and compare with information provided by carrier.
- Ask the driver to tell you the name of the consignee and the destination for the material, and confirm with your records before releasing shipments.
- The hazmat transportation checklist also includes identifying preferred and alternate routing, including acceptable deviations. Make sure routing complies with local routing restrictions.
- If possible, alternate routes to frequent destinations.
- Minimize exposure in downtown or heavily populated areas, and expedite the shipment to the final destination.
- Minimize stops en route of your hazardous waste transportation services provider; if you must stop, select locations with adequate lighting on well-traveled roads and avoid high crime or dangerous areas.
- If materials are stored during transportation, make sure storage facilities are secure.
- Train drivers how to avoid hijackings or theft of property–keep vehicles locked when parked and avoid conversation on open channels or with strangers about route, cargo, and destinations.
- Also included in the hazmat transportation checklist is to consider having an escort or guard for high-hazard shipments (e.g., explosives, radioactive materials, or inhalation hazard toxics).
- Consider using advanced technology to track or protect your cargo en route to their destination (e.g., satellite tracking systems, antitheft systems for trailers and tractors, and surveillance systems). GPS tracking systems should relay updates more frequently.
- Install tamper-proof seals on all valves and package or container openings.
- This hazmat transportation checklist also suggests implementing a system for a customer to alert the shipper if a hazardous materials shipment is not received when expected.
- When products are delivered by your hazardous waste transportation services provider, check the carrier's identity with shipping documents provided by the shipper.
- Get to know your customers and their hazardous materials programs. If you suspect you shipped or delivered a hazardous material to someone who may intend to use it for a criminal activity, notify your local FBI office or local law enforcement officials.
- Report any suspicious or unusual behavior or incidents to your local law enforcement officials.
By following this hazmat transportation checklist, you can ensure your organization can transport hazardous waste materials safely and securely to a waste disposal site. Although this article is meant to give you tips and tricks to help transport your organization's hazmat, it is best to avail hazardous waste transportation services from a commercial hazardous waste disposal company to transport and dispose of your hazardous, medical, or toxic waste.
When you need the best hazmat transportation & disposal company in Arizona, call TransChem Environmental or contact TCE today!
