Background: UCSC conforms to strict government regulations when transporting hazardous materials. Shipments must arrive at their destination in good condition and present no hazard during shipment. Prior to shipping any hazardous material, you are advised to contact EH&S at (831) 459-2553.

Definition: The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and the International Air Transportation Association (IATA) define hazardous materials as articles or substances which are capable of posing a risk to health, safety, property, or the environment; are listed or classified in the regulations; and are transported in commerce.

The following are examples of commonly shipped materials that are considered hazardous:

• Battery powered equipment (some)
• Consumer commodities such as aerosols and lighters
• Contents of first aid kits (some)
• Corrosives
• Dry ice
• Environmentally hazardous substances
• Explosives, gases, and flammable liquids
• Flammable solids
• Genetically modified organisms and micro-organisms
• Infectious substances
• Inflatable life saving appliances
• Magnetized material (some)
• Oxidizing substances and organic peroxide
• Patient specimens
• Radioactive materials
• Toxic substances

See the U.S. Department of Transportation's detailed Hazardous Material Table (click on Hazmat Table in the left navigation bar).

If you need assistance, EH&S will research your item and advise you. Contact EHS, (831) 459-2553.

Radioactive materials: If you plan to ship radioactive materials, follow the instructions on How to Transfer Radioactive Materials.

To read the regulations concerning the transport of hazardous material, see:

• U.S. Department of Transportation, Office of Hazardous Materials Safety, 49 CFR Regulations 171.8, 172.101, 173
• International Air Transportation Association (IATA), Dangerous Goods Information Online

Notice: The information presented on this page and elsewhere on this site is a summary of UCSC policies and national and international regulations. In case of a conflict in interpretation, the actual policies and regulations apply.