Sending Research Samples by Courier
Strict rules govern the transportation of research samples by post. Some materials may need to be packaged and labelled in a specific manner to comply with Dangerous Goods Regulations and some materials may be entirely prohibited. Several staff members have completed training courses allowing them to act as a dangerous goods safety adviser (DGSA) and authorise shipments of research chemicals.
If you wish to send a package containing research samples, contact Varrie Ogilvie (vco3), copying in Kevin Jones (kj34) and provide the following details:
- Description of the sample(s) to be shipped (please include structures if appropriate)
- Total weight of the chemicals / materials
- Where the package is to be sent (i.e. what country is the package being sent to?)
This information will allow the DGSA to make an informed assessment and determine if any special restrictions need to be followed.
Information for the Courier
Once the DGSA has reviewed the package, you will receive an e-mail confirming whether the package can be sent. This e-mail will also be copied to our “Chem-Packages Team” who will help arrange collection by a courier.
To arrange collection, the Chem-Packages Team require the information listed in the document below. Please complete the document with the requested information and send to [email protected]. The Chem-Packages Team will register the package with a courier and produce a label (waybill) that can be attached to the parcel using an adhesive plastic wallet (plastic wallets and jiffy bags are available from the general office – room 211).
The labelled package can then be taken to Purdie Stores for collection. Please do not bring chemical samples to the admin office
- Information Required by Courier & Instructions for Posting Packages (word version)
**Some browsers prevent word documents from being opened – please contact [email protected] if you run into any problems - Information Required by Courier & Instructions for Posting Packages (pdf version)
Note on Packaging
Samples should be securely packed with sufficient cushioning material such that, under normal conditions of transport, the sample containers cannot break. In the case of liquid samples, you are asked to use sufficient absorbent packaging material such that the entirety of the samples could be absorbed in the event all samples leak during transport.
Assessment
The flow chart below allows you to quickly assess the requirements a specific package may require. It may be useful to assess your samples ahead of contacting the DGSA, however, if you are in any doubt please contact Kevin Jones in the first instance.
Radioactive Samples
Radioactive materials need a special assessment only available through EHSS. Please contact Kevin Jones (kj34) for further assistance.