초록
Objectives: In this study, we analyzed the current state of delivery containers and packages and established handling guidelines to safely transport delivery containers and packages for use in research, testing, and examination reagents. Methods: Handling guidelines were revised in such categories as maintenance of the handling facilities, storage, loading and unloading, containers and packages, transportation, etc. In addition, we analyzed the current state of domestic sales for hazardous chemicals used for research, testing, and examination reagents, and investigated the handling guidelines related to delivery transportation in the USA, EU, and Japan by chemical property. Results: There are 6,160 companies selling hazardous chemicals. Among them, the 476 companies selling reagents for use in research, testing, and examination were investigated. Total amounts handled reached 425,000 tons, contributing to 0.2% of the total. For delivery transportation, internal containers and packaging was specified for chemical properties as follows: within 1 L for flammable gas, within 5 L for flammable liquid, and within 18 L for others. In addition, the maximum size of the outer package was set within 130 cm for total length, width, and height, and no dimension of the packaging could exceed 60 cm. Sixty-four hazardous chemicals with explosiveness or acute inhalation toxicity were prohibited for delivery transportation. Conclusion: Specified handling guidelines for inner and outer containers as well as packaging were regulated for delivery transportation of hazardous chemicals used for reagents. In addition, 64 hazardous chemicals were prohibited for delivery transportation. These are designed to prevent transportation accidents involving hazardous chemicals for reagents and thus protect the safety and health of transporters who handle hazardous chemicals.