FAA proposes fining Amazon $350,000 for hazardous package

[Eugene]

Source: Reuters

Technology | Mon Jun 13, 2016 2:00pm EDT

FAA proposes fining Amazon $350,000 for hazardous package

WASHINGTON | BY DAVID SHEPARDSON

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration said on Monday it is proposing a $350,000 civil fine against Amazon.com Inc for shipping a product that allegedly violated hazardous materials regulations and injured several UPS workers who handled the package.

The penalty is largest fine the FAA has proposed imposing on Amazon, which the agency said has had a series of hazardous materials violations.

The FAA alleged that on Oct. 15, 2014, Amazon sent a UPS package with a one-gallon container of "Amazing! LIQUID FIRE," a corrosive drain cleaner for transportation by air from Louisville, Kentucky, to Boulder, Colorado.

The package leaked and nine UPS employees who came into contact with the box reported feeling a burning sensation and were treated with a chemical wash, the FAA said.

The FAA said the shipment was improperly packaged, not accompanied by a declaration for dangerous goods and not properly labeled to indicate the hazardous contents.

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Read more: http://www.reuters.com/article/us-amazon-com-faa-idUSKCN0YZ21X

[SheilaT]

1. They should fine Amazon.

Hazardous materials is a big deal. Sometime in the mid 1970's, when I was an airline ticket agent, all of us, not just those who worked with the freight, needed to do yearly hazardous materials training. I recall the first year it was treated as something of a joke, but by the second year was taken very seriously.

[hunter]

2. Who buys this stuff from Amazon?

It sounds like something you'd find in a meth lab.

[lpbk2713]

3. Time is money with them.

And they would rather get the item out the door than take the time it
would require to be cautious. Not if it would impact the delivery time.

[PoliticAverse]

4. Apparently the active ingredient is sulfuric acid.

(same acid as in car batteries)

MSDS (.pdf): http://www.ruralking.com/media/blfa_files/liquid_fire_hazard_sheet_1.pdf