Search

Hazmat in Researcher’s Suitcase Costs College $56,000

Posted on 3/11/2016 by Roger Marks

The US Federal Aviation Administration has issued a $56,000 civil penalty against a Wisconsin university for hazmat violations after the TSA found “highly flammable” research-grade alcohol and corrosive epoxy resin in a student researcher’s baggage at the airport.  

$56,000 is a steep price to pay for what seemed like a simple mistake. The graduate student, who was unaware the materials were regulated as hazmat, is said to have undergone more intensive hazmat training since the incident took place.

As this incident shows, being unaware of the existing hazmat standards is not an excuse for noncompliance. Effective hazmat training is critical to ensure your employees make smart, informed decisions about the hazardous chemicals and materials they work with every day. 

TSA finds undeclared hazmat

Correction: An earlier version of this post incorrectly stated that UW-Madison had been fined twice for similar hazmat incidents, in 2015 and 2016. In fact, only one incident occured. A change in the civil penalty amount for this incident led the author to believe a separate incident had occured, when in fact that was not the case.

Convenient 24/7 Online Hazmat Courses

Help employees understand their responsibilities for classifying, naming, packaging, marking, labeling, loading, unloading, and documenting hazmat shipments. Convenient, interactive online courses at Lion.com are designed to keep students engaged as they learn the latest 49 CFR, IATA, and IMDG Code rules for shipping hazmat by ground, air, and vessel. 

Don’t wait for a hazmat inspection or incident to cost your company up to $75,000 per day, per violation. Set your staff up to succeed with hazmat training trusted by shippers nationwide and available anytime, anywhere. 

Tags: enforcement, hazmat

Find a Post

Compliance Archives

Lion - Quotes

Having the tutorial buttons for additional information was extremely beneficial.

Sharon Ziemek

EHS Manager

The course was very well structured and covered the material in a clear, concise manner.

Ian Martinez

Hazmat Shipping Professional

My experience with Lion classes has always been good. Lion Technology always covers the EPA requirements I must follow.

Steven Erlandson

Environmental Coordinator

Lion provided an excellent introduction to environmental regulations, making the transition to a new career as an EHS specialist less daunting of a task. Drinking from a fire hose when the flow of water is lessened, is much more enjoyable!

Stephanie Weathers

SHE Specialist

Course instructor was better prepared and presented better than other trainers. Course manual and references were easier to use as well.

Marty Brownfield

Hazardous Waste Professional

The online course was well thought out and organized, with good interaction between the student and the course.

Larry Ybarra

Material Release Agent

The instructor was excellent. They knew all of the material without having to read from a notepad or computer.

Gary Hartzell

Warehouse Supervisor

The instructor does a great job at presenting material in an approachable way. I have been able to save my company about $30,000 in the last year with what I have learned from Lion!

Curtis Ahonen

EHS&S Manager

Lion's training was by far the best online RCRA training I've ever taken. It was challenging and the layout was great!

Paul Harbison

Hazardous Waste Professional

The instructor was very patient and engaging - willing to answer and help explain subject matter.

Misty Filipp

Material Control Superintendent

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

Your hazmat paperwork is the first thing a DOT inspector will ask for during an inspection. From hazmat training records to special permits, make sure your hazmat documents are in order.

Latest Whitepaper

By submitting your phone number, you agree to receive recurring marketing and training text messages. Consent to receive text messages is not required for any purchases. Text STOP at any time to cancel. Message and data rates may apply. View our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.