Regional Jet 900 (CRJ900)
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural FAR; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Hazardous Material Violation; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
General Maintenance Action
Human Factors
A ramp [employee] came up to the cockpit and reported that there were 4 boxes in the aft cargo; and he thought that one of the boxes might be a battery. I decided to go inspect it since batteries can be HAZMAT. When I went to the back of the plane and looked at the box; I was unable to determine what was inside. In the meantime; I noticed that there were 3 other boxes; and asked what those were. The ramp personnel showed me the boxes and I immediately noticed an 'Oxidizer 5.1' sticker on the side; which I didn't think we could carry. I went back to the cockpit and requested assistance from the on duty person who handles HAZMAT. He came out and confirmed that the two boxes that were labeled 'Oxidizer 5.1' could not fly; but he stated the other two boxes could go. I told him that I wasn't comfortable carrying the other two boxes of the shipment without further inspection since half the shipment was labeled HAZMAT; and we were not sure what the content was of the other boxes. I told him we could inspect the boxes further; or we could remove them. He chose to remove them. I then contacted the highest ranking person at the station to come out to speak with us. The FOM states they must be informed and file a report; so I made him aware of the situation and showed him the page in my manual. I then contacted a duty officer and informed him of the situation.  He said he would open an investigation; and we both agreed the situation had been resolved and normal operations could continue.The hazardous shipment should have never made it that far; but I commend the rampers for telling me and being suspicious; but again; the HAZMAT should have never made it that far. Obviously better training is the only thing that could have helped that from happening.
CRJ-900 Captain reported ramp employee noticed some improperly loaded HAZMAT that was then removed from the aircraft.