Complete Guide for Dangerous Goods Transportation

Dangerous goods transport requires extreme caution, as these materials can significantly impact human life, the environment, and property. There have been numerous incidents demonstrating this risk, such as the massive explosion in Beirut, Lebanon on August 4, 2020, which resulted in over 200 deaths, more than 5,000 injuries, and extensive damage to the city. The explosion was caused by 2,750 tons of ammonium nitrate stored unsafely in a warehouse. Previous articles have discussed safe storage methods for dangerous goods, which you can read at "New Methods for Storing and Managing Dangerous Goods Safely." This incident and similar ones serve as reminders of the critical importance of safety in storing and transporting dangerous goods. This is why dangerous goods logistics is highly specialized with strict regulations. In this blog, we will dive deep into dangerous goods transport:

• • What are dangerous goods?
  • Categories of dangerous goods
  • Regulations for dangerous goods transport
  • Regulatory agencies for each mode of transportation
  • Packaging, labeling, segregation, and required training
  • Important documentation
  • Responsibilities and duties

Dangerous goods are items or materials that may pose risks to health, people, property, or the environment during transport. This includes goods covered under UN Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods. In English, besides "Dangerous Goods," these can also be called "Hazardous Material," "Hazmat," and "Hazardous Cargo."

Dangerous goods can exist in many forms: solids, liquids, and gases; colored or colorless; hot or cold; odorless or with odor. These may be corrosive chemicals, explosives, batteries, or even everyday items such as hairspray, perfume, and lighters.

The United Nations Committee of Experts on the Transport of Dangerous Goods classifies dangerous goods under this system. Each substance is assigned a category, with a total of 9 categories. Sometimes a substance may meet the criteria for more than one hazard category. In such cases, the substance is classified under the higher hazard category as the primary class, and the lower hazard category as the secondary class. There can be more than one secondary class as well.

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Dangerous goods transport has strict rules at every stage, from handling goods, packaging, labeling, marking, storage, segregation, transportation, to emergency response. These exist in international agreements consistent with UN recommendations. While not mandatory, they are internationally recognized. Additionally, there are national regulations. Rules for moving dangerous goods vary by transport mode.

1. Maritime Transport - IMDG Code and Others

The International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code is the standard manual for handling dangerous goods and marine pollution for sea transport. Its purpose is to protect life, prevent marine pollution, and facilitate dangerous goods transport. Developed by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), it applies to all cargo vessels and is amended every 2 years, covering over 3,500 dangerous goods items.

However, many other dangerous goods are transported as solids, liquids, and gases. The International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargoes (IMSBC) Code has requirements for transporting solid goods, excluding grains, which fall under the International Code for the Safe Carriage of Grain in Bulk. Similarly, the International Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships Carrying Liquefied Gases in Bulk (IGC Code) controls the transport of large quantities of liquefied gases. In maritime transport, oil spills can occur. To reduce oil releases into the sea from accidents, MARPOL Annex 1 controls the construction and operation of oil tankers.

2. Air Transport - DGR and ICAO Technical Instructions

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) calls its Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR) the "global reference for shipping dangerous goods by air and the only standard recognized by airlines." It details the responsibilities of shippers/operators, transport quantities and storage, and prohibited goods. It also includes requirements for training, security, and incident reporting.

The second set of regulations is the International Civil Aviation Organization's (ICAO) Technical Instructions, which aim to enable airlines to transport dangerous goods without endangering aircraft or passengers.

3. Road Transport - Motor Vehicles Rules and Hazardous Substances Rules

Road transport, unlike sea or air transport controlled by international regulations, varies as many countries have their own rules for dangerous goods transport by road. Here's an example of dangerous goods transport rules in India:

• • Vehicles carrying dangerous goods must install tachographs (which record driving activities such as speed, distance) and spark prevention equipment
  • Vehicles must have a clearly visible "Emergency Information Panel" with the type, UN number, and PSN of the goods
  • Vehicle owners must ensure that information provided by shippers is correct and must communicate this information in writing to drivers
  • Drivers must keep written information in the driver's cabin at all times
  • Drivers must keep goods safe by following fire and explosion prevention rules
  • Drivers must use routes predetermined by vehicle owners and shippers
  • Drivers must be trained to handle hazards from moving dangerous goods

Rules on Hazardous Substances: Set by the Ministry of Environment and Forests, these rules cover classification, packaging, marking, testing, certification, transport, and documentation. However, they don't cover certain dangerous goods, including imports, radioactive materials, pharmaceutical/cosmetic products for consumers. Imports are exempted as they're likely to comply with IMDG Code and DGR. Radioactive materials are controlled by the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board's safety code.

4. Rail Transport - IRCA Red Tariff and Concor Rules

In India, booking and delivery of dangerous goods by rail falls under the Indian Railways Conference Association (IRCA) tariff. Some requirements include warning labels on wagon doors and special lead seals for wagons carrying explosives, gases, flammable substances, and oxidizing agents.

Additionally, Container Corporation of India (Concor), a government agency under the Ministry of Railways, has established rules for booking dangerous goods in containers. Like ADR, the Regulations concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Rail (RID) is an international agreement among 45 contracting states from Europe, Asia, and North Africa. India is not a participant.

5. Barge Transport - ADN and Others

In India, dangerous goods transport by barge is controlled by the Inland Waterway Authority of India through various regulations such as National Waterways, Safety of Navigation, and Shipping Regulations. For explosives, these regulations enforce procedures specified in the Explosives Act.

Internationally, the European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Inland Waterways (ADN), comprising 18 countries, exists to ensure high safety levels in transporting dangerous goods by inland waterways, promote international trade in dangerous goods, and prevent pollution during the movement of such goods.

1. Packaging

Since dangerous goods are hazardous to human life and property, packaging is of utmost importance. It should be conducted as follows:

• Use correct packaging and materials tested for durability as specified by regulations
• Goods must be packed securely, shock-resistant, and protected against damage and leaks
• Goods affected by water, moisture, and heat must be packed in airtight, windproof, and waterproof containers
• When transporting dangerous goods with regular goods, dangerous goods must be placed near the container door for quick removal in emergencies

2. Labeling

Labels, marks, and placards are legal requirements for dangerous goods. These are the first indicators of the goods' hazardous nature and contain important information about handling methods. They should be clearly readable, properly positioned, and not obscured by old labels or marks.

• Label: Identifies the goods and their hazards. Labels are placed on packaging or overpacks (packaging used by a single shipper to contain at least one or more units to create a single unit for ease of handling and storage during transport, according to UN Model Regulations). Must be placed near the UN number and PSN, not in corners that may fold.
• Placard: Another standard hazardous material identifier that looks similar to a label but is larger and more durable. Usually placed on containers, cylinders, trucks, and other transport vehicles.
• Marking: Additional identifiers placed on outer packaging, combining UN number, PSN, weight, specifications, precautions, and emergency response guidelines. Ensures goods are handled safely. Unlike labels and placards, markings don't have specific format, color, and size. Some goods (liquid dangerous goods, radioactive materials, toxic goods) require special markings.

3. Documentation

As important as packaging and labeling is documentation, because incorrect information may cause carriers to make wrong decisions about handling, segregation, and storage, which often has consequences. Documents for dangerous goods vary by transport mode, but most have the same basic information:

• Goods class, UN number, and PSA
• Name and address of importer/exporter
• Weight and quantity of goods
• Number and type of packaging

Other information that may need to be specified in documents includes:

• Substances at melting point/high temperature
• Temperature-controlled substances
• Radioactive materials
• Infectious substances
• Waste

Important and common documents used in dangerous goods shipping include:

• Material Safety Data Sheet: Beyond basic information, includes physical and chemical properties of goods (melting point/boiling point), reactivity, toxicity, effects on human health, first aid and firefighting guidelines, requirements for protective equipment. The manufacturer/supplier of goods provides this to the shipper for forwarding to the carrier.
• Dangerous Goods (DG) Request: When shippers use carrier services for dangerous goods transport, they submit a DG Request or dangerous goods transport request.
• Dangerous Goods (DG) Declaration: Shippers must prepare this, similar to DG Request but with more details. Carriers will accept dangerous goods transport based on DG Request and DG Declaration, both of which must have matching information.
• Dangerous Goods Manifest: Prepared by the ship owner with the purpose of having all relevant information about related goods in a single document. Kept on the ship's bridge with a copy in the cargo control room for easy access. The DG Manifest is also a storage plan because it specifies the location of goods on the ship to ensure we can respond to emergencies quickly.
• Transport Emergency (TREM) Card: A document held by dangerous goods transporters, containing relevant goods transport information and instructions for drivers and emergency responders.
• Container Packing Certificate: When transporting dangerous goods by sea in containers, the packing company must provide a signed and dated certificate to the carrier confirming compliance with IMDG Code and other relevant regulations.

4. Segregation

Moving dangerous goods also requires knowledge of which dangerous goods can be stored and transported together. The IMDG Code has established a process for separating two or more incompatible substances. General segregation does not include:

• Different types of explosives must not be stored together
• Flammable substances must not be stored with oxidizers
• Acids must not be stored with concentrated bases

However, according to segregation rules, some types of dangerous goods can be transported with other types of dangerous goods. For example, oxidizing agents can be packed with other oxidizers, as well as non-flammable gases and toxic gases, but cannot be paired with flammable materials (solids, liquids, and gases) and corrosive substances.

From stevedores, packers, and operators to dangerous goods transporters and documentation operators, dangerous goods pose countless life risks. Awareness and training are key to their safety. Therefore, all involved parties must undergo appropriate training, not just for their own job functions, but must also be aware of regulations related to goods, ports, destination countries, documentation, and reporting.

Safe dangerous goods transport requires full attention from all personnel throughout the transport process. However, the greatest responsibility lies with shippers and carriers.

Shipper Responsibilities

• Correctly determine class, PSN, and hazard information for goods
• Properly package goods, secure on pallets (if necessary)
• Ensure packers comply with rules and regulations
• Prepare and submit documents correctly and completely
• Inform carriers about preventive measures for storage, especially for goods that may react with other goods if stored together

Carrier Responsibilities

• Verify that goods are permitted under regulations
• Certify documents and certificates sent by shippers
• Check labels, placards, and markings for accuracy
• Inspect packaging for leaks and other damage
• Prepare DG Manifest and ensure goods are stored as far from living areas as possible
• Ensure all crew members are instructed on emergency procedures
• Notify officials at transshipment ports
• Report goods to appropriate reporting agencies if necessary

For shippers and carriers, dangerous goods transport is a great responsibility because each transport involves the lives and property of many people. Therefore, working with a logistics company that has expertise and experience in dangerous goods transport like SCGJWD will give you peace of mind and make business easier.

Categories of Dangerous Goods Transported by SCGJWD:

• Gasoline, fuel oil, B100, Fatty Alcohol, Chemical Substances, Hygiene Chemicals, Cracker Bottom, and other products in Class 3, 8, and 9
• Chemicals in Non-DG group in various packaging forms
• IT System monitoring (Order to cash / WH Management System / AI Robotic design service / Transportation Controlling Via Control Room)
• Safety Monitoring for customer fleets, no need to use SCGJWD's trucks or warehouses designed to be Customized by Customer

Interested in dangerous goods transport services? Click or contact staff at 02-710-4000 / 02-586-1979 and LINE channel: @SCGJWD

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