CHAPTER 5
SELECTION AND ISSUE OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
SECTION I. GENERAL
5.1 Purpose and Applicability
A. The issue function is a critical function for the entire logistics operation. The basic
objective is to satisfy the customers' demands on time and at the lowest cost possible to the
Government. In the case of hazardous materials, however, cost considerations must include the
additional effort required to ensure compliance with regulations designed to minimize the risk of
environmental damage and cost associated with cleanup and disposal of hazardous wastes.
Because of the additional costs associated with the movement of hazardous materials, it is
essential that they be properly identified and segregated during movement from storage locations
to the packaging branch. It is equally important that sound judgment be exercised when
consolidating the materials for shipment to ensure compliance with Federal regulations.
B. The provisions of this chapter apply to all personnel involved in processing release
documents, selecting stock, staging, and moving hazardous materials to the packaging line.
5.2 Planning and Coordinating the Operation. The effectiveness of the shipping operation
depends on how well storage tracking operations have been performed during the stock selection
process. In some cases, the only indication that the material is hazardous will be that it is located
in a warehouse dedicated to the storage of hazardous materials. When unit and/or intermediate
container quantities necessitate the removal of material from the outer container during stock
selection and issue, the DOT shipping and warning labels normally will not be on the inner
containers. Provisions must be made to effectively segregate incompatible materials from the
time of stock selection until movement to the packaging operation is completed. The packaging
section will repackage, if required, and/or apply the DOT shipping and warning labels prior to
the material being offered for transportation. Transportation load planning for hazardous
materials must be in accordance with the load/compatibility requirements specified by the
regulation or tariff governing the mode of transportation selected. Effective coordination is
required, therefore, between storage operations, packaging operations, and the facility
transportation officer. Outgoing shipments must be consolidated into shipping units (SU) and, in
turn, into transportation units (TU) to minimize costs. Many facilities effectively track hazardous
materials through the use of computerized data systems. Such systems are generally designed to
store and pick materials based on preprogrammed criteria. Care must be exercised to assure that
the criteria used follow the latest regulatory requirements.
5.3 Impact of Federal Regulations on Issue Operations. Hazardous materials arrive at the
installation packed and labeled in accordance with the provisions of Title 49 CFR. During the
storage period, the material is subject to the provisions of Title 29 CFR, 40 CFR, and to DoD
regulations. When the material is removed from stock and prepared for reentry into domestic and
international transportation systems, the provisions of Title 49 CFR again become applicable.
5-1
