Environmental Health and Safety

Transportation of Hazardous Materials Program

When traveling on University business and/or using University funds or resources, all members of the University community (including faculty, staff, and students) must comply with applicable federal, state, and University requirements, including this policy, relative to the transportation, shipment, and handling of hazardous materials.

Shipment and transportation of hazardous materials are regulated by the U.S. Federal Department of Transportation (DOT) and its branch, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). “Hazardous materials” are defined by federal and state regulations and are incorporated by reference in this policy, as updated by the Federal or State Government.

Special training is required for any individual engaging in any aspect of hazardous materials transportation or use, including but not limited to preparing packages for shipment, loading or unloading vehicles, and operating a vehicle used to transport hazardous materials.

If you do not have the proper training, packaging, labeling, containers, and shipping documentation (manifests), you shall not transport or prepare for transport hazardous materials.

Prohibition on Personal Vehicle Transport

Transporting hazardous materials in personal vehicles is prohibited, except in very limited circumstances where:

  • The material, quantity, and packaging fully comply with applicable DOT regulations (49 CFR 171–180),
  • The individual has received appropriate hazardous materials training, and
  • The transport has been reviewed and approved in advance by WMU's Environmental Health and Safety (EHS).

Personal vehicles generally do not meet regulatory requirements for hazardous material transport, including proper containment, placarding, emergency response provisions, and insurance coverage. Unauthorized transport may result in significant safety risks, regulatory violations, and personal liability.

Air Travel Restriction

Personally transporting hazardous materials via air travel is strictly prohibited.

Logistical Services and Shipping Coordination

All shipments and receipt of hazardous materials must be coordinated through Logistical Services in conjunction with EHS. This includes:

  • Incoming chemical deliveries
  • Outgoing shipments of hazardous materials
  • Verification of proper packaging, labeling, and documentation

University personnel should not independently arrange shipment or transport of hazardous materials outside of these established processes.

EHS Guidance and Training

WMU’s Department of Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) provides guidance on regulatory compliance and training services related to hazardous materials transportation. Please visit: https://wmich.edu/ehs/training or contact EHS directly for assistance.

Compliance and Enforcement

Violations of this policy place the University and individuals at significant risk, including unsafe conditions, regulatory fines, penalties, and legal liability.

Employees, contractors, or students may be held personally and financially responsible for violations of applicable laws, regulations, or University requirements. This may include responsibility for fines, legal costs, and potential civil or criminal consequences.

Questions

Any questions or interpretations regarding the transportation of hazardous materials should be directed to WMU’s Department of Environmental Health and Safety.

 

Published: 4/7/2026