Chemicals will often need to be transported from one location to another. You might be required to transport chemicals when:
taking them to a site for their application or use
removing unused amounts of chemicals from a site after use
picking up or delivering purchased chemical products.
Follow these guidelines to help you transport chemicals safely:
Don't transport hazardous substances with food, animal feed, or consumer goods.
Make sure chemicals are not transported inside the vehicle compartment. Many chemicals give off toxic fumes that can affect the driver and passengers. Also, chemicals could spill during transport and affect passengers or the driver.
Always check the product label or MSDS for chemicals you are transporting to find out any safety issues that you need to consider when transporting them.
Some chemicals shouldn't be transported or stored with other chemicals. If you need to transport these types of chemicals at the same time, put each of them inside an approved segregation unit. This prevents the chemicals coming into contact with each other.
Don't expose chemicals to moisture or heat during transportation.
Examine chemical packages, containers and bottles for damage before you take them away. Look for leaking containers, loose lids and torn cartons. Don't transport open or leaking containers.
Check the vehicle tray or surface where you will be placing the chemicals for anything that might damage chemical containers and cause a leak. Keep your eye out for screws and nails that might stick out.
If you are carrying the chemicals on a wooden surface, cover the surface with plastic because timber can absorb spilled chemicals.
Stack chemical containers carefully when you load them on or into the vehicle. Don't place them randomly in the vehicle.
Make sure all chemical packages and containers are fastened securely to prevent movement and spills.
Put a sign on your vehicle's front and rear that shows the appropriate hazard symbol for the chemicals you're transporting.
Make sure the vehicle is roadworthy.
Have a suitable fire extinguisher in your vehicle.
Carry suitable personal protective equipment in your vehicle in case you need to handle the chemical during the transportation process.