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Appendix D: Standard Operating Guideline <br />Sample Packaging and Shipping <br />D.1 Introduction <br />This guideline presents methods for shipping non-hazardous materials, including most <br />environmental samples via United Parcel Service (UPS), Federal Express and Greyhound. Many <br />local laboratories offer courier service as well. <br />D.2 Equipment <br />Coolers or ice chests <br />Sorbent material <br />Bubble-wrap <br />Strapping tape <br />Labels and pens <br />Chain-of-Custody forms <br />Chain-of-Custody seals <br />UPS, Federal Express, or other delivery service (e.g. Golden State Overnight) manifests <br />Samples shipped to each analytical laboratory can be sent by UPS or Federal Express on a next- <br />day basis unless other arrangements are made. Ice chests, used to refrigerate perishable items, <br />can be used to convey non-hazardous samples to the analytical laboratory. <br />Absorbent pads should be placed in the bottom of the shipping container to absorb liquids in the <br />event of sample container breakage. Transportation regulations require absorbent capacity of the <br />material to equal the amount of liquid being shipped; each pad absorbs approximately 1 quart of <br />liquid. Liquid samples in glass jars or bottles should also be wrapped in plastic bubble wrap. A small <br />amount of air space is desirable in filled plastic containers. This often prevents the cap of the <br />container from coming off should the container undergo compression. Volatile organics analysis <br />(VOA) vials should be packed in sponge holders. Additionally, exposure of filled VOA vials to other <br />types of sample containers, by placement in the same shipping container, is not recommended. <br />Various non-VOA sample containers are solvent-rinsed which may contaminate the VOA vials <br />before or after sample collection. Therefore, a separate shipping container for VOA vials is <br />recommended. An equal weight of ice substitute should be used to keep the samples below 4 <br />degrees Centigrade for the duration of the shipment (up to 48 hours). Care in choosing a method of <br />sample chilling should be observed so that the collected samples are not physically or chemically <br />damaged. Re-usable blue ice blocks, block ice, ice cubes, or dry-ice are suitable for keeping <br />samples chilled. Labels of samples may get wet. Use of waterproof pens and labels is desirable for <br />identification of sample containers. Use of clear tape to cover each affixed sample label is helpful in <br />ensuring sample identification. Strong adhesive tape should be used to band the coolers closed. <br />Additionally, it is recommended that the drain plug be covered with adhesive tape to prevent any <br />liquid from escaping. <br />Specific requirements for packaging materials may apply if the samples being shipped are known to <br />be hazardous materials as defined in 49 CFR 171.8 (samples are not considered hazardous waste <br />and therefore manifest requirements do not apply). UPS holds shippers responsible for damage <br />occurring in the event of accidents when a hazardous material is shipped as a non-hazardous <br />Additional Soil and Groundwater Sample Work Plan, <br />BNSF Mormon Yard, Stockton, CA <br />\\Iwybns- -k._plaludlappd sogsamplepaclungshipping acpt chng_wp doc