Aviation - Damaged Shipments

It is essential to inspect packages containing hazardous materials for damage after unloading it from an aircraft. Except as provided in §175.700, the operator of an aircraft must remove from the aircraft any package, baggage, or cargo that appears to be leaking or contaminated by a hazardous material, and must also inspect and decontaminate (if possible) the compartment where the leakage occurred.

Operator Duties

If an operator becomes aware of a HAZMAT contamination, the operator must take reasonable steps to identify the nature and source of contamination before proceeding with the loading of the contaminated baggage or cargo. If the contaminated substance is found, it must be isolated, and the appropriate steps to eliminate any identified hazard before continuing the transportation of the item by aircraft must be followed.

If a package containing a Division 6.2 infectious substance is found to be damaged or leaking, handling must be kept to a minimum, packages adjacent to the leaking package must be inspected for contamination, further transportation of the packages must be withheld until it is certain they can be safely transported, the incident must be reported according to rules in §171.15 and §175.31, and the consignee or consignor must be notified.

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