Trucking and Ebola

Nov. 7, 2014
Trucking is the first responders’ first responder. So it is probably no unhappy surprise that Ebola should pop up on your radar screen. But there it is.

Trucking is the first responders’ first responder. So it is probably no surprise that Ebola should pop up on your radar screen. But there it is.

In response to the ongoing, international spread of the Ebola virus, the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) recently published a Safety Advisory in the Federal Register for persons and businesses that prepare, offer, and transport materials that are or may be contaminated with Ebola.

The US DOT regulates materials that are or may be contaminated with the Ebola virus as Class A infectious substances in its Hazardous Materials Regulations (49 CFR 171-180). This classification does not apply to Ebola-contaminated waste that has been appropriately incinerated, autoclaved, or otherwise inactivated.

The new guidance document covers procedures for handling, shipping, and transporting Ebola-infected waste, including: 

  • Selecting proper packaging;
  • Treating Ebola-contaminated waste before transport;
  • Closing the container to prevent tears, leaks, or other damage in transit; and
  • Operational controls for medical facilities and transporters.

PHMSA recognizes that shipping or transporting large volumes of Ebola contaminated waste may require variance from the hazmat regulations. PHMSA issued a non-site-specific special permit to allow for alternative packaging in these cases. Shippers and waste haulers can apply for party status to the special permit, DOT SP-16279, in accordance with 49 CFR 107.107. To request a unique special permit, shippers and waste haulers should follow the rules at 49 CFR 107, Subpart B.

To help employees protect themselves and colleagues from infection, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) has published guidance on handling Ebola-contaminated materials before transport.

Under the HMR, any employee who prepares Category A infectious substances for transport must be trained appropriately. For fast, convenient training on the US DOT regulations for shipping Ebola-contaminated material, Lion offers the Shipping Infectious Substances Online Course. It is designed to provide general awareness, security awareness, and function-specific training for hazmat employees who prepare shipments of Ebola-contaminated material and other Category A and B infectious substances. Hazmat employee training is required once every three years. [49 CFR 172.704]

About the Author

Wendy Leavitt

Wendy Leavitt is a former FleetOwner editor who wrote for the publication from 1998 to 2021. 

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of FleetOwner, create an account today!

Sponsored Recommendations

Downtime is expensive. This guide shows you how to keep your eet running, reduce repair surprises, and protect your margins—because when your trucks aren’t moving, you’re not...
Learn how fast oil changes can optimize vehicle downtime for fleet owners. Improve revenue and employee productivity while ensuring customer satisfaction with efficient maintenance...
Unlock proven strategies to streamline operations, lead your team, and keep your eet moving forward – all in one guide.
Commercial fleets bear a heavy burden from economic uncertainty, operational costs, and litigation risks. In-cabin video technology offers opportunities to reduce fleet expenses...