The Harmony Challenge: How UN-Harmonized are Transport and SDS Hazard Definitions?
Atanu Das is joined by Gene Sanders, a veteran expert with over 25 years of experience in handling dangerous goods, hazardous materials, and pharmaceutical safety. The episode delves deep into the intricate world of compliance with GHS and various international and national transportation regulations. Gene explains the differences in hazard classifications between OSHA and DOT in the U.S., as well as the complexities of adhering to international standards set by bodies like ICAO and IATA. The discussion covers the impact of different transport modes, packaging types, and subjective criteria on the classification process. Gene emphasizes the need for comprehensive transport classification training for those filling out Section 14 of safety data sheets and offers practical advice on handling the gray areas of regulation to ensure compliance and safety.
00:00 Introduction and Guest Background
02:45 Understanding Hazardous Materials and Dangerous Goods
03:35 US Regulatory Agencies and Their Roles
06:11 International Regulations and Harmonization
09:40 Philosophical Differences in Risk Management
13:34 GHS and Transport Classification
15:50 Practical Examples and Case Studies
31:31 Training Requirements and Enforcement
33:24 Retraining Requirements and Frequency
35:00 Impact of Transportation Mode on Regulations
38:46 Subjective vs. Objective Criteria in Transport Regulations
43:02 Environmental Hazards and US Regulations
48:26 Complexities in Shipping Classifications
58:00 Training and Expanding Section 14
Gene Sanders
Owner
With over 25 years of extensive exposure working with Dangerous Goods in pharmaceutical, safety supplies, chemical, educational, waste, and clinical trials environments, Gene is knowledgeable in DOT (49CFR), ICAO (A.I.R. & IATA), IMO (IMDG), TDG, and ADR. Gene is one of the first three people in the world to become a Certified Dangerous Goods Trainer in five different sets of transport regulations. Gene has worked for carriers and for shippers, dealing with proposed products, with new products, and with waste, involving chemicals and involving articles, handling outgoing shipments and dealing with returns, on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean. Gene has been on a Hazardous Materials Emergency Response team, and on a volunteer fire department. Gene has developed and conducted training programs, primarily for shippers, involving some aspect of all hazard classes and divisions, including Class 1, Division 6.2, and Class 7. With degrees in Biochemistry and in Chemistry, and a minor in Microbiology, Gene regularly teaches in depth, detailed courses in Classification, and in Infectious Substances, as well as teaching more comprehensive classes involving all aspects of DG shipping, offering, and accepting.
Gene’s memberships include:
--DGTA (Dangerous Goods Trainers Association), served on the initial Board of Directors, former Chairman of the Board, current Secretary/Treasurer of the Board
--U.S. TRB (Transportation Research Board), Hazardous Materials Committee
--DGAC (Dangerous Goods Advisory Council, formerly HMAC), former member of the Board of Director…
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