Bulk transport is the movement of materials in large quantities. The process is typically used for mining, logging, and farming. Chemical bulk transport refers to the process of transporting chemicals such as crude oil and petroleum in large quantities.
Transporting bulk chemicals to and from industrial plants can be risky if not done correctly. Many dos and don’ts must be adhered to to ensure the safety of workers, the environment, and people living in the surrounding area.
Don’t Exceed the Number of Chemicals When Moving Chemicals
Containers used for the transport of dangerous chemicals should never exceed the amount of content contained therein. When a container exceeds its maximum capacity, it is considered overfilled and must be appropriately labeled to warn users of the potential dangers of overfilled containers.
Do Label All Items With Their Chemical Identity
One of the most important considerations when transporting chemicals is identifying what they are. This is even more crucial when multiple people work in the same area and share the same materials. Safety signs are vital in determining chemicals’ type, concentration, and toxicity. Safety signs must be prominently displayed on carries used to transport these chemicals. The chemical being transported should be clearly stated on the sign.
Don’t Hire a Carrier to Transport Chemicals Without Vetting It First
Carriers are companies that specialize in transporting goods from one place to another. They can transport anything from chemicals to food. When transporting chemicals, it is essential to vet the carrier before hiring them.
You should look for many things when vetting a carrier, including their safety records and past violations. You should also ensure that they have the right insurance and employ drivers with a clean driving record. Occasionally, you’ll discover that a carrier has been badly injured or killed by a driver and sued for damages. Some of these lawsuits involve large amounts of money from the carrier’s insurance policies. If you hire this type of carrier, they will have an easier time getting their insurance renewed in the future. They will then be forced to raise their rates or pass those costs on to you to get around the issue.
Do Know Your Product Before You Book Your Load
You must know the chemical you’re transporting because it can be dangerous if you don’t. It’s also important to understand what the product is to know how to handle it and what precautions to take. For example, pesticides can harm the environment if they’re not handled properly. You don’t want to drop a pesticide in the water because then you may end up creating a toxic disaster for everyone.
Don’t Book Loads Without Communicating the Load Details to the Carrier
The carrier should be aware of the load details and the load weight. They should also know if the chemical is high risk or not. If it is, they will need to take additional precautions to ensure the cargo is safe. The carrier should also have a pre-established cargo policy that addresses what to do in the event of a loss. For instance, if the chemical is a high risk, the carrier may decide they shouldn’t transport it. In this case, they will notify the customer and provide information on how to handle it.
Transporting chemicals in bulk can be complicated, but lucky for you, there are a few dos and don’ts but many more. If you follow them to the core, the process won’t be disastrous for you.
