Narrative:

During the boarding process we had received our dispatch release and paper work approximately 5 minutes prior to departure. Along with this paperwork we received a 'notification to captain' (notoc) form informing us we had '3 packages; total of 46 KG' (approximately 101 pounds) of X biological substance on board. Our company limit of dry ice according to the general operating manual (gom) is 35 KG. The ramp agent had filled out our load sheet to show '46 pounds' of X cargo. I had challenged that and he had told me that it was '46 pounds; there is no way it is 100 pounds' he assured me. I had accepted the weight; after correcting [it] I noticed that it was approximately 101 pounds of the substance; not 46 pounds; which alone wasn't a weight and balance problem except that I was unable to determine what amount of the package's weight is dry ice and what is the actual material and packaging. After looking into my gom I noticed that the form is required to specify the weight of dry ice in the package and the notification [notoc] form did not indicate just the weight of dry ice. We took a delay at the gate with a very impatient gate agent. We had also had a jumpseater on board and as a result of being distracted with the cargo I had failed to ensure my first officer had added the jumpseater's weight to the weight and balance. I completed the paperwork and then closed up and pushed off the gate. Before taxing I had told the first officer that I would like to look closer at the weight and balance. I then noticed that the jumpseater had not been added. I had calculated that with the jumpseater and the 101 pounds of cargo that we were still able to carry the cargo and jumpseater without being overweight. We were limited by the zero fuel weight of 37;698 (EMB140) with an actual zero of 37;231; so no overweight condition existed. However; I was unable to determine the actual amount of dry ice to ensure we do not exceed the net quantity allowed.a captain notification [notoc] form that species the actual weight of dry ice in the package besides the net package weight; a clear and simple form; and ramp agents correctly converting weights (ie; kilograms to pounds) to ensure limits are not exceeded. Gate agents ensuring that I receive the dispatch paper with adequate time so that I can review the paper in its entirety and to ensure that all the information is reviewed without feeling pressured and rushed to complete the paperwork. I take personal responsibility for being pressured by 'on time' performance and not ensuring that all procedures are followed properly; that the paperwork and the weight and balance were completed properly.

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Original NASA ASRS Text

Title: An EMB-135 Captain delayed departure because the HAZMAT NOTOC form needed to specify dry ice weight separate from the Biological Hazmat weight. Additionally; because of the hazmat distraction; the flight departed with the jumpseater's weight not on the weight and balance form.

Narrative: During the boarding process we had received our dispatch release and paper work approximately 5 minutes prior to departure. Along with this paperwork we received a 'Notification to Captain' (NOTOC) form informing us we had '3 packages; total of 46 KG' (approximately 101 LBS) of X biological substance on board. Our company limit of dry ice according to the General Operating Manual (GOM) is 35 KG. The ramp agent had filled out our load sheet to show '46 LBS' of X cargo. I had challenged that and he had told me that it was '46 LBS; there is no way it is 100 LBS' he assured me. I had accepted the weight; after correcting [it] I noticed that it was approximately 101 LBS of the substance; not 46 LBS; which alone wasn't a weight and balance problem except that I was unable to determine what amount of the package's weight is dry ice and what is the actual material and packaging. After looking into my GOM I noticed that the form is required to specify the weight of dry ice in the package and the Notification [NOTOC] form did not indicate just the weight of dry ice. We took a delay at the gate with a very impatient Gate Agent. We had also had a jumpseater on board and as a result of being distracted with the cargo I had failed to ensure my First Officer had added the jumpseater's weight to the weight and balance. I completed the paperwork and then closed up and pushed off the gate. Before taxing I had told the First Officer that I would like to look closer at the weight and balance. I then noticed that the jumpseater had not been added. I had calculated that with the jumpseater and the 101 LBS of cargo that we were still able to carry the cargo and jumpseater without being overweight. We were limited by the zero fuel weight of 37;698 (EMB140) with an actual zero of 37;231; so no overweight condition existed. However; I was unable to determine the actual amount of dry ice to ensure we do not exceed the net quantity allowed.A Captain notification [NOTOC] form that species the actual weight of dry ice in the package besides the net package weight; a clear and simple form; and ramp agents correctly converting weights (ie; kilograms to pounds) to ensure limits are not exceeded. Gate agents ensuring that I receive the dispatch paper with adequate time so that I can review the paper in its entirety and to ensure that all the information is reviewed without feeling pressured and rushed to complete the paperwork. I take personal responsibility for being pressured by 'on time' performance and not ensuring that all procedures are followed properly; that the paperwork and the weight and balance were completed properly.

Data retrieved from NASA's ASRS site as of July 2013 and automatically converted to unabbreviated mixed upper/lowercase text. This report is for informational purposes with no guarantee of accuracy. See NASA's ASRS site for official report.