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