Railroad - Damaged or Astray Shipments

Packages of Class 1 - Explosive Materials found damaged or broken in transit must be repaired, unless it is dangerous. A broken box containing Division 1.1 or 1.2 materials that cannot be repaired must be reinforced by stout wrapping paper and twine, placed in another strong box, and surrounded by dry, fine, sawdust; or clean, cotton waste; or elastic wads made from dry newspapers. Damaged packages protected and marked appropriate may be forwarded. The box and the waybill must be marked to indicate that it has been repacked.

Care must be taken in repacking damaged containers so that no spark is produced by contact of metal or other hard surfaces, which could ignite loose particles of explosive compositions. Car floors must be swept and washed thoroughly, and any tools that may produce sparks must not be used.

If a package of Class 1 - Explosive Materials shows evidence of leakage of liquid ingredients, you must:

• Refuse the package if leakage is discovered before acceptance.
• Dispose of the package to a competent person able to remove the package.
• Let the consignee remove the package if the leakage is discovered at the shipment's destination.

If a leaking package of Class 1 - Explosive Materials cannot follow the regulations stated above and found in §174.103(c), the package must be packed in other boxes large enough to permit enclosure and be surrounded by at least 5 cm (2 inches) of dry, fine sawdust or clean, cotton waste until the arrival of an inspector of the Bureau of Explosives or another equally authorized person.

If careful inspection reveals that an astray shipment of Class 1 - Explosive Materials is in proper condition for transport, it must be forwarded immediately if the destination is known, or returned to the shipper. However, if an astray shipment is not in proper condition for transport, or the name and address of the consignee is unknown, disposition of the package must be made, following rules under §174.103(c) and (d).

To learn more about Railroad HAZMAT visit our DOT Railroad HAZMAT Online Training web page.