What action should be taken if outer packaging is damaged and cannot be repacked following hazmat guidelines?

• A. Proceed with shipment after applying a new label.
• B. Ignore the damage and ship.
• C. Do not ship; re-pack following hazmat guidelines and re-label.
• D. Only report the damage to the recipient and continue.

Answer: (C)

Packaging for hazardous materials must keep contents contained and clearly labeled, and it must meet specific regulatory standards. If the outer packaging is damaged and cannot be repacked to those hazmat guidelines, the shipment must not go out. The correct action is to re-pack using approved hazmat packaging and then re-label so the package meets containment and labeling requirements. This protects handlers, the public, and the environment from leaks or exposure and ensures compliance with regulations.

Labels or re-labeling alone cannot compensate for compromised packaging, and shipping a damaged package or ignoring the damage creates safety and legal risks. If needed, halt the shipment, re-pack properly, re-label, and document the issue before proceeding.