by Tim Wade, IATSE Safety Chair

Many times during our working careers we may have to use public transportation to arrive at a location, venue or theater complex where we are to report for work. As we go through the motions of our daily lives, no one event will affect us more than the event of 9/11. That day changed the way we not only live but the way and method we travel. Whether it is for work or play we now have to accept the fact that certain things that we took for granted in the past have now been changed to protect us from the possibility of a terrorist threat.

As an aftermath of that fateful day in September 2001, new Federal Departments were created to help in the protection of citizens as well as travelers in the United States. For example, The Department of Homeland Security and the Transportation Security Authority are two such departments. The mission for The Department Of Homeland Security is to prevent terrorist attacks, reduce the vulnerability to terrorism and to minimize the damage that these attacks can cause. The mission for the Transportation Security Authority is providing security for the traveling public and for all commercial transportation in the United States.

What we took for granted now must be replaced with careful consideration when planning a trip where we utilize Public Transportation. At one time we would routinely pack such items as pocket-knives, hand tools, nail cutters, scissors or any number of handy gadgets for our personal use. Now when we pack we must consider are we stowing them in baggage that will be checked by the carrier or are we going to hand carry them.

These acts of terrorism that occurred on 9/11 have made us think not only the way we travel but, more importantly how we must now live with these terrorist threats. It is now incumbent upon us to change our daily routines that allow us a safer way to travel. One way to help in this change will be for us to understand some the things that we can do to assist the people responsible for our protection. Some of the ways that we may help are outlined on the Transportation Security Authority's web page located at http://129.33.119.130/public/index.jsp. Located in the Travel Tips section of the web page are many of the ideas that will assist you in packing for your trip. This web page may make easier for us the next time we have to travel.

What about other types of items that we use in the performance of our jobs, items that we take for granted? Can we take items that are dangerous materials and if so, how do we handle them? The following guidelines explain what Dangerous Goods are and how they should be handled.

Who regulates dangerous goods?

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has published dangerous goods regulations in the United States since 1956. These regulations are enforced by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

What are Dangerous Goods?

When chemicals or chemical-containing products are shipped by air, they are called "Dangerous Goods." Many of the products used by consumers in their households would be considered dangerous goods. The same could be said of many of the products shipped by production companies. Some examples of dangerous goods shipped by production companies include:

• household products such as hair spray, glass cleaner, etc.
• aerosol cans (all types)
• paint thinner
• cleaners
• isopropyl alcohol
• paints
• lubricating oils

For all intents and purposes, any product or material that contains chemicals should be considered a dangerous good.

What are the consequences for failing to comply with the dangerous goods regulations?

The current dangerous goods regulations allow the FAA to impose considerable fines to a shipper for failure to comply with the regulations. Fines can be levied if a shipper fails to properly identify, classify, mark, label and document dangerous goods. Fines and penalties of up to $100,000.00, and a year in jail can be given to those who ship dangerous goods without declaring them. Individuals who sign the shipping papers can be held personally liable. Civil and criminal penalties could also apply. For example, one production company was recently fined $72,000.00 when an undeclared bottle of window cleaner started leaking onboard an aircraft during transport.

Shippers of dangerous goods should keep in mind that certain materials, like pressurized cylinders or aerosol cans, could represent a significant risk to an aircraft and its passengers if shipped illegally. A mishap involving such dangerous goods could impart significant liability to the shipper.

What are the shipping requirements under dangerous goods shipping regulations?

The current International Air Transport Association regulations handbook on shipping dangerous goods is almost 650 pages long. The process by which products or materials are identified, classified, packaged, marked and labeled in accordance with these regulations is rather complicated. Unless you have been trained to ship dangerous goods, it is NOT recommended that you do so.

How can you safely ship dangerous goods?

If you have products or materials that you think might be dangerous goods, you should contact the mail carrier that you plan to ship the product or material with (i.e., Airborne, FedEx, etc.). For a small fee, most shipping companies can package and label your shipment for you.

To avoid this whole process, production companies should not ship by air any common product that can easily be purchased while on location, such as hair spray, window cleaner or isopropyl alcohol. Before shipping packages, identify the contents of the package and check for possible dangerous goods. If you are given a package to ship, ask for a detailed list of the contents.

If in doubt, ask. Remember, the person who signs the shipping document is the responsible party.

Dangerous Goods Packers/Shippers:
Airborne Express (DHL): (866) 588-2002
FedEx: (800) 463-3339, press "81"

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