Lion will be closed on Monday, February 16, 2026. Online training support is available via support@lion.com.
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

Amazing instructor; real-life examples. Lion training gets better every year!

Frank Papandrea

Environmental Manager

No comparison. Lion has the best RCRA training ever!!

Matt Sabine

Environmental Specialist

Attending Lion Technology classes should be mandatory for every facility that ships or stores hazmat.

Genell Drake

Outbound Lead

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

Gary Hartzell

Warehouse Supervisor

Lion is my preferred trainer for hazmat and DOT.

Jim Jani

Environmental Coordinator

These are the best classes I attend each year. I always take something away and implement improvements at my sites.

Kim Racine

EH&S Manager

Very good. I have always appreciated the way Lion Tech develops, presents and provides training and materials.

John Troy

Environmental Specialist

If I need thorough training or updating, I always use Lion. Lion is always the best in both instruction and materials.

Bryce Parker

EHS Manager

I like the consistency of Lion workshops. The materials are well put together and instructors are top notch!

Kevin Pylka

Permitting, Compliance & Environmental Manager

This training broke down the regulations in an easy-to-understand manner and made them less overwhelming. I now feel I have the knowledge to make more informed decisions.

Amanda Oswald

Shipping Professional

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

The definitive 10-step guide for new hazardous materials shipping managers. Quickly reference the major considerations and details that impact hazmat shipping compliance.

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.