Chapter 3. Common Sampling Procedures
3.6. Sample Packaging, Handling, and Transportation
3.6.1. Sample Packaging Requirements The Field Sample Custodian is responsible for the
3.6.1.3. CERCLA Reportable Quantities — DOT Class 9
Table 3-2 Column 3 lists packaging procedures for substances (liquids and solids) where the waste material is not otherwise classified as a DOT Hazardous Material because of hazardous properties and for which the entry in Column 8a of 49 CFR 172.101 Table is 155. For the ship-ment of larger quantities of EPA hazardous waste and DOT Class 9 hazardous substances where the quantity of material in each container exceeds the CERCLA RQ and no other DOT Hazardous Material classification applies, the following packaging requirements apply:
Label each container with a separate container number
Seal each drum or pail with a Security Seal
Prepare one COC record for each group of containers that is being shipped at the same time to the same destination. List the container numbers on the COC record.
These shipments may include EPA Hazardous Waste in 5-gallon cans and 55-gallon drums. Most DOT containers are approved. The list of ap-proved containers for packing Groups II and III Class 9 Hazardous Substances are listed in
§173.203 for liquids and §173.213 for solids.
These lists include steel, aluminum, plastic and fiber drums (solids only). Quantity limitations are shown in 49 CFR 172.101, Column 9.
Table 3-1. Packaging by Common Carrier
By Common Carrier
Instructions
Non-hazardous Samples
Hazardous Samples
Secure sample container lids with strapping tape. 1* 1*
Mark the level of material in each sample container with a grease pencil.
2 2
Place each container in a clear plastic resealable food bag so that the sample container label can be read.
3 Place about ½ inch of inorganic cushioning material such as
vermiculite in the bottom of a metal can.
4 Place each container in a separate can and fill the remaining
volume of the can with an inorganic cushioning material such as vermiculite (do not use plastic foam cushioning material as it could dissolve if the sample container were to leak).
5
Close the can using three clips to secure the lid. 6
Write the sample number on the can lid. Indicate “This Side Up”
by drawing an arrow on the can.
7 Put about 1 inch of cushioning material (e.g., vermiculite or
plastic foam) in the bottom of a watertight metal or equivalent strength plastic shipping container. If the container is a cooler, seal the drain plug on the inside of the cooler with tape. Also line the inside of the container with a plastic bag.
3 8
Wrap glass bottles and jars in plastic bubble wrap. 4 Place cans in the container and fill the remaining volume of the
shipping container with packing material. Add ice bags if required.
9
Place the sample containers top-up in the shipping container.
Arrange the sample containers so that glass containers are surrounded by plastic containers.
5
Fill the void space around and on top of the sample containers with plastic bags filled with ice cubes or ice chips.
6 Seal the COC record in a clear plastic resealable food bag and
tape it securely to the inside of the shipping container lid.
7 10
Close and lock or latch the shipping container. 8 11
By Common Carrier
Instructions
Non-hazardous Samples
Hazardous Samples
If the shipping container used is a picnic cooler, use tape to seal the drain plug.
9 12
After acceptance by the shipper, tape the shipping container completely around with strapping tape at two locations. Secure the lid with tape. Do not cover any labels.
13
Place the laboratory address on the top of the shipping container. 14 For all hazardous shipments, complete shipper's hazardous
material certification form.
15 Place a “This End Up” label on the lid and on all four sides of the
shipping container.
10 16
Affix the signed and dated custody seals on the front right and back left of the shipping container. Cover the seals with wide, clear tape.
11 17
*Numbers indicate the instructions that must be followed.
Table 3-2. Packaging Not by Common Carrier
Instructions Flammable
Liquid
Poison DOT Class 6.1
DOT Class 9
Quantity limitations shipped by cargo aircraft
Gross weight of package:
Total quantity of flammable liquid:
Maximum sample container size:
66 pounds
49 CFR
172.101 Table, Column 6b 49 CFR
172.101 Table, Column 5 or The flash point of the liquid
66 pounds
Liquids –
4 liters (1 gallon) Solids –
5 kilograms (11 pounds)
66 pounds
Liquids –
4 liters (1 gallon) Solids –
5 kilograms (11 pounds)
Check the caps of all sample containers to assure that they are secure. Tape caps.
1* 1* 1*
Place each sample container in an individual 6-mL plastic bag and secure with a twist tie. The sample
identification tag should be positioned to enable it to be read through the bag.
2 2 2
Place sample containers in paint cans in a manner that will prevent bottle
breakage.
3 Liquids: 3
Place vermiculite in the paint can around the samples. The amount of vermiculite used should be sufficient to absorb the sample if a sample container should break.
4
Secure the lid to the paint can with can clips and label the outside of the can with the sample ID numbers and quantity.
5
Wrap bubble wrap around each glass sample container and fix with tape.
Solids: 4 3
Package the paint cans in DOT boxes or cooler. Use additional packaging to secure cans.
6
Seal the drain plug with tape on the inside and outside of the cooler and line
5 4
Instructions Flammable Liquid
Poison DOT Class 6.1
DOT Class 9
the cooler with a plastic bag. Place the canned or bagged sample containers in the cooler. If plastic bottles are being used, alternate them with any glass container.
Fill any voids in the cooler with additional packing material.
7 6 5
Place ice contained in bags on top of all sample containers within the cooler.
Use as much ice as space will allow.
8 7 6
Place the COC record in a clear plastic resealable food bag and tape to the inside of the cooler lid. Label the outside of the cooler as containing the COC record.
9 8 7
Seal the cooler lid with clear tape or strapping tape. Affix security seals.
10 9 8
*Numbers indicate the instructions that must be followed.