ORGANIZATION AND MANAGEMENT--Shipping regulations related to air shipment of dry ice December 11, 1978 QUALITY OF WATER BRANCH TECHNICAL MEMORANDUM NO. 79.06 Subject: ORGANIZATION AND MANAGEMENT--Shipping regulations related to air shipment of dry ice U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations regarding the sh1pment of hazardous materials identify dry ice (solid carbon dioxide) as a restricted article of hazard class ORM-A. For this hazard class, certain easily accomplished certification and packaging requirements must be complied with before shipment of even small quantities of the material by air carrier. Because field offices commonly ship periphyton strips and other samples with dry ice as a preservative to the national water quality laboratories, the instructions below should be followed to ensure compliance with DOT regulations. First, ascertain that the packaging is constructed to permit the release of carbon dioxide gas and prevent build-up of pressure that could rupture the packaging. For tight-sealing coolers, such as are commonly used for shipment of samples to the laboratories, removal of the gasket or drilling of vent holes may be necessary. Second, obtain from a local air carrier the required certification form, titled "Shipper's Certification for Restricted Articles." Fill out the form in triplicate, and attach two copies to the package. Retain one copy for your own records. An example form is attached to this memorandum and is self-explanatory. Do not change the wording of the proper shipping name or hazard class. These must remain "Carbon dioxide, solid" and "ORM-A," respectively. Other parts of the certification may be changed as appropriate. The procedures described above are necessary even if the package is going by parcel post, as most mail now travels by aircraft. R. J. Pickering Chief, Quality of Water Branch Enclosure WRD Distribution: A,B,S,FO,PO