Transportation of Chemicals on Campus

Moving chemicals between buildings or locations on campus requires planning and safe handling. Only trained personnel who understand the hazards of the materials being moved are allowed to transport chemicals or other hazardous materials.

Before You Move Chemicals

Make Sure You Are Trained

Anyone transporting chemicals must:

    • Complete required Hazard Materials Awareness and/or Laboratory Safety training.
    • Understand the hazards of the chemicals being moved.
    • Know what to do in the event of a spill, release, or other emergency.

Review Your Chemical Inventory

Before relocating chemicals:

    • Dispose of expired, unwanted, or outdated chemicals through Environmental Health & Safety (EHS). Do not place chemicals in the trash.
    • Complete a Laboratory Cleanout form (xls) and submit it to waste@ksu.edu.
    • Empty, thoroughly rinsed containers may be recycled or discarded after being marked "Empty" and having the lids removed, provided the container did not hold a P-listed chemical.
    • Update the chemical inventory in EHS Assistant to reflect the new storage location after the chemicals have been relocated.

Do Not Transport These Materials

Contact EHS for assistance with disposal if you have:

    • Hazardous waste
    • Unknown or unlabeled chemicals
    • Chemicals in damaged, leaking, or corroded containers
    • Containers with cracked or missing lids
    • Old ethers or other potentially unstable chemicals

Plan the Move

Schedule Carefully

Whenever possible:

    • Move chemicals during normal business hours.
    • Use routes with minimal pedestrian traffic.
    • Avoid moving chemicals during large campus events.

Prepare for Emergencies

Before beginning work:

    • Know the location of nearby spill kits.
    • Be familiar with emergency procedures.
    • Ensure applicable spill response materials are available.

If a Spill Occurs

    1. Protect yourself and others.
    2. Call 911 if there is an immediate risk to health or safety.
    3. Prevent contamination of storm drains if it can be done safely.
    4. Clean up the spill if trained and equipped to do so.
    5. Notify your supervisor and EHS at 785-532-5856 or safety@ksu.edu.

All spills must be reported, regardless of size.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Wear PPE appropriate for the hazards of the chemicals being transported.

At a minimum:

    • Laboratory coat
    • Safety glasses
    • Closed-toe shoes
    • Chemical-resistant gloves appropriate for the material

Additional PPE may be required depending on the hazards involved.

Transport Chemicals Safely

Use Appropriate Equipment

For multiple, large, or heavy containers:

    • Use a sturdy cart with raised edges and a low center of gravity.
    • Do not stack chemical containers.
    • Place heavier containers on lower shelves.

Use Elevators Safely

When possible:

    • Use freight elevators.
    • Limit elevator occupancy to those needed for the move.
    • Minimize the use of stairs.

Package Chemicals Properly

Before transport:

    • Verify containers are tightly closed.
    • Place chemicals in compatible secondary containment, such as a plastic tub or bin.
    • Use compatible cushioning material (e.g., vermiculite) as needed to prevent shifting and breakage during transport.
    • Label transport containers and include hazard information.

Secondary Containment Requirements

    • Place each chemical container inside a compatible secondary container during transport.
    • Compatible chemicals may be grouped in a cardboard box within the secondary container.
    • Do not package oxidizers with other chemicals.

Keep Incompatible Chemicals Separate

Never place incompatible chemicals in the same transport container.

Examples include:

    • Acids and bases
    • Acids and cyanides
    • Acids and sulfides
    • Oxidizers and organic solvents
    • Water-reactive chemicals and aqueous materials

Restrictions

Vehicles

    • Do not transport chemicals in personal vehicles. If an accident occurs while transporting chemicals in a personal vehicle, the insurance carrier may not cover the claim. University insurance will not cover individuals using personal vehicles for chemical transportation.
    • Use approved departmental vehicles or contact EHS for assistance.
    • Do not transport chemicals in the passenger compartment of a vehicle. Use the trunk or truck bed instead.
    • Secure materials to prevent movement during transport.

Storage During Moves

  • Never leave chemicals unattended.
  • Do not store chemicals in hallways, offices, or other non-laboratory areas.

Special Handling Requirements

Compressed Gas Cylinders

    • Install the protective cap before transport.
    • Use an approved cylinder cart and secure the cylinder.
    • Never roll or drag a cylinder.

Cryogenic Materials

    • Never ride in an elevator with cryogenic materials.
    • Use a coordinated team to send and receive materials at elevator stops.
    • Prevent others from entering the elevator during transport.

Shipping Chemicals Off Campus

Hazardous chemicals may not be shipped or transported off campus unless all applicable regulations, training requirements, and shipping procedures are followed.

For more information, visit the Hazardous Materials Shipping & Receiving webpage or contact Central Mail Services at 785-532-7751.

Need Help?

For questions about:

  • Chemical transportation on campus
  • Spill response
  • Chemical disposal

Contact EHS:

If chemicals must be shipped off campus, contact Central Mail Services at 785-532-7751 before making arrangements.

Quick Safety Reminders

Do

    • Use secondary containment.
    • Wear appropriate PPE.
    • Keep incompatible chemicals separated.
    • Report all spills.
    • Contact EHS with questions.

Do Not

    • Transport hazardous waste.
    • Transport unknown chemicals.
    • Use personal vehicles.
    • Leave chemicals unattended.
    • Place chemicals in the trash.