NCJ Number
218836
Journal
Forensic Science Communications Volume: 1 Issue: 3 Dated: October 1999 Pages: 1-5
Date Published
October 1999
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This paper describes a procedure for packaging and shipping disposable lighters (a hazardous material) collected as evidence in criminal cases.
Abstract
The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) is responsible for protecting the public against risks to life and property when hazardous materials are transported in commerce. A hazardous material is a substance capable of posing an unreasonable risk to health, safety, and property when transported in commerce. In order to properly ship disposable lighters, manufacturers must comply with 49 CFR 173.308 of the Federal hazardous material transportation law, U.S. Code 49. Such shipping must also be approved by the Bureau of Explosives, which examines the product's design and the inner shipping packaging in which the lighter will be placed. If all standards are met, DOT's Associate Administrator for Hazardous Material Safety will give the manufacturer permission to ship the product. The instruction in 49 CFR 107.705 for packaging and shipping disposable lighters by manufacturers can be applied to the shipping of such lighters by law enforcement agencies. On March 29, 1999, the FBI Laboratory requested DOT's approval for shipping lighters by detailing specific packaging and shipping instructions. Based on the acceptance of these instructions on April 8, 1999, and a subsequent revision on June 9, 1999, the DOT granted the FBI Laboratory approval to ship devices equipped with an ignition element and containing fuel. This approval covers not only the FBI Laboratory but also all local, State, and Federal law enforcement agencies or other entities that have prior arrangements with the FBI Laboratory to ship lighters for forensic examination. The approval document is presented with this paper. It details the provisions under which the approval was granted, packaging instructions, labeling and marking requirements, whom to contact if there is an incident during transportation, and the limitations of the approval. 1 reference