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

I love that the instructor emphasized the thought process behind the regs.

Rebecca Saxena

Corporate Product Stewardship Specialist

Excellent. I learned more in two days with Lion than at a 5-day program I took with another provider.

Francisco Gallardo

HES Technician

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

Steven Erlandson

Environmental Coordinator

The instructor was very engaging and helped less experienced people understand the concepts.

Steve Gall

Safety Leader

Convenient; I can train when I want, where I want.

Barry Cook

Hazmat Shipping Professional

The instructor was very knowledgeable and provided pertinent information above and beyond the questions that were asked.

Johnny Barton

Logistics Coordinator

This was the 1st instructor that has made the topic actually enjoyable and easy to follow and understand. Far better than the "other" training providers our company has attended!

Lori Hardy

Process & Resource Administrator

I think LION does an excellent job of any training they do. Materials provided are very useful to my day-to-day work activities.

Pamela Embody

EHS Specialist

This course went above my expectations from the moment I walked in the door. The instructor led us through two days packed with useful compliance information.

Rachel Stewart

Environmental Manager

Lion Technology workshops are amazing!! You always learn so much, and the instructors are fantastic.

Dorothy Rurak

Environmental Specialist

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

Just starting out with shipping lithium batteries? The four fundamental concepts in this guide are the place to start.

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.