Date: Fri, 20 May 2011 15:38:30 -0700
Reply-To: DCHAS-L Discussion List <DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**LIST.UVM.EDU>
Sender: DCHAS-L Discussion List <DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**LIST.UVM.EDU>
From: stan arango <sarango92123**At_Symbol_Here**YAHOO.COM>
Subject: Acceptable Methods For Shipping Chemicals
question for posting

I wanted to get some feedback on a situation that I encountered recently. I
 was told by my supervisor that the e-mail I sent to a vendor was inappropr
iate and unprofessional (scroll to the bottom of the screen). According to 
my supervisor if the chemical was really toxic the vendor would not have ch
osen to ship their product in a plastic bag. It seems to me that shipping a
ny type of chemical in a plastic bag is a bad idea. Here is an excerpt from
 the MSDS that was e-mailed to me:

Section 6 - Accidental Release Measures
General Information: Use proper personal protective equipment as indicated 
in Section 8.
Spills/Leaks:ELIMINATE all ignition sources. Do not touch damaged container
s or spilled material unless wearing appropriate protective clothing. Stop 
leak if you can
do it without risk. Absorb or cover with dry earth, sand or other non-combu
stible material and transfer to containers. DO NOT GET WATER INSIDE CONTAIN
ERS.
Section 7 - Handling and Storage
Handling: Avoid breathing dust, vapor, mist, or gas. Avoid contact with ski
n and eyes. Avoid ingestion and inhalation.
Storage: Store in a cool, dry place. Store in a tightly closed container.
Section 8 - Exposure Controls, Personal Protection
Engineering Controls: Facilities storing or utilizing this material should 
be equipped with an eyewash facility and a safety shower. Use adequate vent
ilation to keep
airborne concentrations low. 

I was the CHO for my company for three years and completed the ACS three da
y CHO course back in 2007. After it became apparent to me that Management w
as not genuinely concerned with creating a safe work environment I have sin
ce resigned as the CHO. I still function as the Lab Manager for the medicin
al chemistry department and one of my responsibilities is receiving incomin
g chemicals. Part of my frustration comes from the scientist's perception t
hat because they are knowledgeable about chemicals they are knowledgable ab
out chemical safety. In my opinion there is a big difference between the tw
o. Interested to hear what other non-scientists that are functioning as a s
afety officer have to say. Also, I am not a doctor I just play one on TV. :
-)

Thanks,

Stan Arango


---------------------------------------------------------------------------
-----

From:  
Sent: Monday, May 16, 2011 12:45 AM
To: Stan Arango
Cc: Subject: Reply: Fw: Fw: Unsafe shipment of chemical

 

Hi Dr Stan Arango,

Thank you very much for your info.

Firstly, Please accept my sincerest apology for shipping method and packagi
ng.

For Clearance purpose, our shipping agent ship the compound by other sample
's name, and we are requested print the CAS number and our Catalog number o
n the Label, and it is allowed send the MSDS with the compound together. Pl
ease see attached MSDS.

Regarding packing, sorry again for the inconvenience. I have forward it to 
our Logistics Dept, and we will improve it in future, I can assure that the
 similar things could not occur again in the future.

Please let me know if you have any other questions or conerns.

Sorry once again for any inconvenience!

Yours faithfully,
=E6=9D=A8=E6=B0=B8=E5=AE=81
********************************************************

> To Whom It May Concern,

> 

> Your shipping method for your product catalog # 60-61118 is unacceptable.
 During the process of opening the aluminum foil envelope that the chemical
 came in the plastic bag containing the chemical was inadvertently also ope
ned (see attch'd photos). This is an especially dangerous shipping practice
 because your product did not include a chemical name or MSDS so I do not k
now what type of chemical I have been exposed too. Thanks in advance for yo
ur speedy reply concerning this matter.

> 

> Stan Arango

> Lab Manager, Associate

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