HAZARDOUS MATERIALS transport these commodities safely and securely. The whole supply chain, from manufacturer to end-user, must ensure that hazardous materials are transported as safely as possible or face being fined for non-compliance.
The consequences The best way to ensure compliance is to train your staff. Let them understand the requirements of these regulations. This is important. After all, education is the seed for success. The consequences of non-compliance – whether or not you are trying to work within the guidelines
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– include severe penalties such as monetary fines or blocked cargo. US Hazardous Material Civil and Criminal Penalty Guidelines have increased from $32,500 to $50,000 for knowing violation and to $100,000 if the violation results in serious illness or severe injury to any person, death or substantial destruction of property. Imprisonment has been increased to 10 years in any case in which the violation involves the release of a hazardous material and results in death or bodily injury to a person. You may be shipping from or into a foreign
CARIBBEAN MARITIME I JANUARY – APRIL 2008
“The world of shipping hazardous materials has changed, is still changing and will continue to do so as long as it can be made safer” country where the US has no jurisdiction over you and therefore cannot collect the fines. But remember, other countries have requirements as well and can assess their fines accordingly. Even if you beat paying a fine, these countries can block you from importing or exporting through their country because of the threat you pose by not following the hazardous material regulations.
So don’t be part of the problem. Be part of the solution instead. Set your hazardous material compliance target date for 2008 and help make the world a safer place.
Harry Lux is a US-based consultant on hazardous materials, safety and security with an intimate knowledge of the shipping industry