Dangerous Goods Demystified: A Guide to Safe Handling and Transport

Substances that pose a risk to property, health, safety, or the environment while in transit are classified as dangerous goods (DG). Hazardous materials, frequently shortened to HAZMAT, are certain dangerous items that present risks even while not being transported. Dangerous goods are commonly identified by diamond-shaped labels (UN Classification) on the product, its packaging, or the storage area.

DANGER SIGN COLOURS:

Each diamond's color designates its level of danger:

1. Orange denotes an explosive diamond.?
2. Red denotes a flammable diamond.
3. Green indicates a gas that is neither poisonous nor flammable.

The first step in lowering the hazards caused by a product is identifying its harmful qualities. This is a crucial component of cargo security.

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CLASSES OF DANGEROUS GOODS:

As per UN classification there are 9 classes of dangerous goods (DG). These classifications use while transporting DG substances.?

Class 1: Explosives

Fireworks and ammunition etc.

Class 2: Gases

Fire extinguishers, compressed gases oxygen, CO2 cartridges, butane cans, aerosols, lighters, and equipment and machinery driven by flammable gases etc.

Class 3: Flammable Liquids?

Paints, paint-related compounds, flavoring liquids, extracts, adhesives, hand sanitizers, and flammable liquid-powered machinery and equipment etc.

Class 4: Flammable Solids

?Strike matches, metal powder such as Sulphur charcoal etc.?

Class 5: Oxidizing substances and organic peroxides

Hydrogen peroxide, Resin kits, adhesive activators, oxygen generators, cleansers and chemicals, and curing items etc.

Class 6: Toxic and infectious substances

?It includes contagious materials, controlled medical waste, including insecticides and pesticides etc.

Class 7: Radioactive material

Radioactive sources and radio pharmaceuticals etc.

Class 8: Corrosives

Paint strippers, wet batteries and battery acid, many acids, and cleaners and chemicals etc.

Class 9: Miscellaneous dangerous goods

Dry ice, electronics that use lithium batteries (such as cargo tracking devices), machinery and equipment that have various hazardous compounds as essential parts, and lithium batteries etc.

PROHIBITED COMODITIES

Dangerous goods are governed by a range of regulations covering transportation, storage, handling in workplaces, consumer safety, and environmental protection. These rules are in place to reduce the potential for accidents that could pose risks to individuals, property, or the surrounding. Some key regulatory bodies and frameworks include:?

• The United Nations (UN) – Provides international guidelines for the classification and labeling of dangerous goods.
• The International Maritime Organization (IMO) – Sets standards for the transport of dangerous goods by sea.
• The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) – Regulates the air transport of dangerous goods- Dangerous goods regulation (DGR).
• The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) – Oversees dangerous goods transport in the United States through the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR).

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TRANSPORT AND STORAGE OF HAZMAT:?

Every time hazardous materials are to be moved, precautions should be taken to guarantee that everyone who might be in contact is fully informed of the possible risks.

MARKING AND LABELS:

The proper shipment name, DG class, and UN number should be written on each package, followed by the packing group reference (UN DG Packaging Group Reference).

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DOCUMENTS NEEDED FOR DANGEROUS GOODS:

The document must have the following details:

• MSDS
• SI (Shipping Instruction)
• Packing List
• Shipper's Declaration (DGD)
• DG Checklist
• Air Waybill
• Certification Statement.
• Invoices

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CLOSURE OF DANGEROUS GOODS LOGISTICS:

Approximately 10% of all container shipments globally contain dangerous products. The market for hazardous products logistics was estimated to be worth $200 billion in 2021 and is expected to increase at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7% from 2022 to 2031, reaching $382.9 billion. A sizable amount of international freight is made up of hazardous goods, which include commonplace commodities and products like batteries, chemicals, bio-hazardous materials, oil logistics, and petrol. Roads, railroads, pipelines, aircraft, and waterways are the primary means of transportation.