Hazmat Outbound Shipment Preparation SOP

Standard procedure for preparing hazardous materials for outbound shipment under 49 CFR, including classification, packaging, marking, hazard-class labeling, shipping paper completion, and final release verification.

Steps

• Verify shipment authorization and material identity
  The shipping coordinator verifies shipment authorization by checking the signed hazmat shipping order against the material SDS and order documentation; escalate if the SDS is missing, the material identity is unclear, or the shipment details do not match the approved authorization.
• Classify the hazardous material
  The shipping coordinator classifies the material using the current 49 CFR §172.101 hazard table and supporting SDS data, then confirms the hazard class, packing group, UN/NA identification number, and proper shipping name before proceeding; escalate if any required classification element cannot be verified.
• Select the approved packaging
  The shipping coordinator selects packaging approved for the material, quantity, and transport mode, and confirms the packaging specification matches the shipment requirements before use; escalate if the packaging type or quantity limit is not approved.
• Inspect the packaging and closures
  The shipping coordinator inspects the packaging, liners, and closures for damage, contamination, incompatibility, or compromised seals before filling the package; reject and escalate any container that does not pass inspection.
• Pack the material and secure the contents
  The shipping coordinator packs the material into the approved packaging using the required dunnage, absorbent material, and seals, then confirms the contents are immobilized and the closure is secure before release; escalate if movement, leakage risk, or closure failure is observed.
• Apply required package markings
  The shipping coordinator applies all required package markings in the correct location and orientation, then confirms they are legible, durable, and match the shipping paper before proceeding; escalate if any required mark is missing or unclear.
• Apply hazard-class labels
  The shipping coordinator applies the correct hazard-class labels and any required subsidiary labels to the package, then verifies the labels match the actual contents and are not obscured by tape, straps, or overwrap; escalate if label placement or content is incorrect.
• Complete the shipping paper and certification
  The shipping coordinator completes the shipping paper with the required description, emergency response information, and certification statement, then confirms all entries are accurate and complete before signing; escalate if any required field is missing or inconsistent.
• Perform final release review and escalate deviations
  The warehouse supervisor or competent person performs the final release review against the checklist, confirms the shipment is complete and compliant, and escalates any deviation before carrier handoff; do not release the shipment if any required item remains unresolved.