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Shipping Dangerous Goods
29/08/2024
Not all cargo is the same or can be handled in the same manner. For example, any substance that is corrosive, flammable, combustible, explosive, oxidizing, water-reactive, or has other hazardous properties must be treated with extreme caution during transportation.
Whether by sea, road, rail, or air, shipping dangerous goods is governed by strict compliance rules. Because some items need special treatment and handling, having a clear understanding of the UN system for classification, packaging, marking, and labelling is crucial for ensuring public safety and enabling the efficient movement of goods in the global supply chain.
Not all cargo is the same or can be handled in the same manner. For example, any substance that is corrosive, flammable, combustible, explosive, oxidizing, water-reactive, or has other hazardous properties must be treated with extreme caution during transportation.
Whether by sea, road, rail, or air, shipping dangerous goods is governed by strict compliance rules. Because some items need special treatment and handling, having a clear understanding of the UN system for classification, packaging, marking, and labelling is crucial for ensuring public safety and enabling the efficient movement of goods in the global supply chain.
The UN Model Regulations separate dangerous or hazardous substances into nine classes all of which can pose a threat to human and animal life, material property, or the environment if they leak or are mishandled in any way.
These classes are not ordered in terms of severity but by substance type. Each class of hazardous goods determines how the cargo can be shipped and what measures need to be in place throughout transportation.
1. Explosive substances and articles
Explosives (like ammunition) can be able to be transported safely over land and sea and will only pose a threat if they are subjected to some form of shock or fire.
2. Gases
Gases are transported under pressure, to reduce their volume and save space. But this increases the risk if gas escapes. The gas class includes flammable gas, toxic gas, non-flammable, and non-toxic gases.
3. Flammable liquids
Because petroleum-based products and alcoholic liquids can burn at low temperatures, their storage is subject to strict regulation during transportation.
4. Flammable solids
The list of flammable solids includes self-reactive substances and solid desensitized explosives, as well as substances liable to spontaneous combustion, and those which emit flammable gases if they encounter water.
5. Oxidizing substances
Materials with high oxygen content can be a significant danger if they react to another flammable or combustive substance. The class also includes organic peroxides, whose chemical structure (containing both oxygen and carbon) makes these substances even more dangerous if ignited.
6. Toxic and infectious substances
This class includes those chemical substances that are poisonous to the human body if ingested, touched, or absorbed, and viruses that are infectious and potentially fatal to humans and animals.
7. Radioactive material
Materials that emit radiation and can cause harm to living organisms, such as uranium, plutonium, and radium.
8. Corrosive substances
Acids and alkalis that can corrode metal, destroy living tissue, or damage other materials.
9. Miscellaneous dangerous substances and articles
The miscellaneous class includes goods that are unable to be otherwise categorized or contain substances that cross over two or more of the other classes. Examples include lithium batteries, dry ice, and magnetized materials.
Navigating the Challenges and Triumphs of Transporting Dangerous Goods
The most important requirement for port and vessel staff is to be fully trained in the transportation of dangerous goods. Training courses should comply with the requirements of the International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code (IMDG), and cover the following areas:
- Identification and classification of dangerous goods.
- Packaging specifications and procedures.
- Consignment preparation.
- Marking and labelling of goods.
- Placarding of containers, tanks. and vehicles.
- Documentation.
Navigating the Challenges and Triumphs of Transporting Dangerous Goods
The most important requirement for port and vessel staff is to be fully trained in the transportation of dangerous goods. Training courses should comply with the requirements of the International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code (IMDG), and cover the following areas:
- Identification and classification of dangerous goods.
- Packaging specifications and procedures.
- Consignment preparation.
- Marking and labelling of goods.
- Placarding of containers, tanks. and vehicles.
- Documentation.
Anyone involved with moving dangerous goods by sea – whether directly or administratively – should know the regulations and abide by them. This includes vehicle drivers, ship operators, stevedores, freight agents, and cargo handling agents.
Any materials or items with hazardous properties must be packaged correctly and labelled with the required international markings before shipping. This packaging must also exceed minimum standards before goods can be authorised for carriage.
The type of packaging will be determined by the type, class, quantity, and quality of the dangerous goods being shipped. Shippers should also refer to the specific Packing Group of the hazardous material. These are classified into substances presenting high, medium, and low levels of danger. UN specification packaging must be used, and the packaging will be tested and certified prior to shipment.
When packaging dangerous goods for shipping, working with a shipping partner, freight forwarder, or logistics expert with experience in the sector can offer additional peace of mind and ensure the safety of the public and your cargo.
During the transportation of hazardous items or dangerous chemical cargo, having the right container type to meet your cargo’s specific requirements is vital. Not only does this ensure regulatory compliance, and minimize risks and potential harm, but also helps uphold the overall integrity of your overall supply chain.
Shipping Dangerous Goods Documentation
It is a legal requirement for transporting goods by air, road, rail, or sea that dangerous goods documentation must be completed. In some cases, a Materials Safety Data Sheet is also required. Because these requirements may vary on a country-by-country basis, working with a shipping partner with a global presence and knowledge is incredibly beneficial for your business.
Who should complete the dangerous goods documentation?
It is the shipper’s (the owner/exporter of the goods) responsibility to complete the Dangerous Goods Declaration, on which they must include the following details:
Shipping Dangerous Goods Documentation
It is a legal requirement for transporting goods by air, road, rail, or sea that dangerous goods documentation must be completed. In some cases, a Materials Safety Data Sheet is also required. Because these requirements may vary on a country-by-country basis, working with a shipping partner with a global presence and knowledge is incredibly beneficial for your business.
Who should complete the dangerous goods documentation?
It is the shipper’s (the owner/exporter of the goods) responsibility to complete the Dangerous Goods Declaration, on which they must include the following details:
- The UN Number
- The name of the dangerous goods class
- Net weight of the dangerous goods and the total shipment weight
- The proper shipping name of the dangerous goods
- Full address and contact details of the shipper and consignee
There are some substances that are not permitted as air cargo. These include:
- Explosives
- Compressed gas
- Flammable solids and liquids
- Items that contain corrosive materials
- Toxic and potentially infectious items
Under standard air freight regulations as a standalone item, lithium batteries can be restricted or banned due to their flammable nature and sensitivity to high temperatures. However, as lithium batteries are now so widespread in handheld electronic devices, regulations have changed, and they are now permitted in limited quantities if they are being transported in their associated devices.
Ask MSC
Minimize risks and ensure the safety and compliance of your cargo when shipping dangerous goods with the help of MSC. We are experts in shipping, handling, and processing dangerous goods, and provide consultation and advice on all your shipping requirements. Contact us today to find out more.
