subject: Navigating Requirements For The Transport Of Dangerous Goods [print this page] If your business requires the use of any materials that have the potential to cause any kind of physical harm or health effects, either short or long term, then you are likely dealing with dangerous goods. The storage and transport of such substances are subject to strict requirements and regulations because of the health and safety risks involved.
Dangerous goods are substances that come in the form of solids, liquids or gases that have the potential to cause harmful effects on people, property or the environment. Examples of these materials include such common household products as bleach, insecticides or fuel as well as less common substances such as radioactive material. They have the potential to result in fires, explosions and the release of toxic, flammable or corrosive materials.
Dangerous goods are distinct from hazardous substances, which are classified according to the potential health effects they may cause. Some hazardous substances are classified as dangerous goods, but not all.
Requirements for dangerous goods transport
Generally, goods that have the potential to cause any harm or damage must be correctly classified and labeled, properly packaged and properly stored in the transport vehicle, whether the mode of transport is land, sea or air. Most of the requirements for transporting these goods come from international agreements and codes that New Zealand follows. The most important requirements are found in the United Nations Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods.
Classification and labeling
Such goods are subject to an international classification system. They fall into one of nine categories based on their hazardous properties. The classes are as follows:
Class 1Explosives
Class 2 Gases
Class 3 Flammable liquids
Class 4 Flammable solids
Class 5 Oxidizing Substances
Class 6Toxic substances
Class 7 Radioactive materials
Class 8 Corrosives
Class 9 Miscellaneous substances
The regulations and requirements for their transport vary according to the classification of the substance. So the first step toward insuring proper transport of any kind of these goods is properly identifying it and labeling it accordingly. The next step is to determine if the goods can be transported; some are prohibited from any kind of transport while others are subject to special requirements.
Packaging requirements for dangerous goods
Properly packaging such goods before transport is extremely important for insuring safety. The UN Recommendations address the matter of packaging with the goal of securely containing all these goods to minimize risk during transport. When selecting the proper packaging for your harmful goods, a few points should be considered:
*Are all relevant codes being followed for that particular class and mode of transport?
*Are the substance and the packaging compatible?
*Has the packaging been properly tested?
Another important factor to consider includes insuring the packaging can withstand internal pressure changes (usually caused by heating of the dangerous goods).
Segregation
Segregation refers to the separation of hazardous goods that are incompatible with one another. In other words, if there should be any loss of containment (for example, leakage from a storage container) of substances, resulting in different substances getting exposed to each other, would there be a dangerous reaction such as fire or an explosion? Care must be taken to avoid transporting such incompatible substances together. In addition, some combinations of these goods are allowed to be transported together in one mode of transportation but not another.
The transport of goods that may harm can be very tricky business. Not only is it necessary to comply with all international recommendations for storage packaging and labeling, but country-specific regulations may apply as well. All these requirements are necessary to minimize risks and promote the safe transport of these goods. Because of the complexities involved in the handling of goods that are considered, it is best to consult with experts on this specific type of goods storage and transport to insure all necessary steps are taken.
