Truck and Track Summer 2025 www.truckandtrack.com 64 DANGEROUS GOODS Site Planning and UV Sunlight Please ensure that no hazardous or combustible materials are placed in direct sunlight, for the heat can make flammable material reach (or exceed) flash points, and a spark or even UV heating of the material could cause ignition/explosion; as well as vapour pressure build-up which can result in rupturing drums, IBCs, cans etc. Often, ‘yard’ or FLT Operators will prepare a load for a truck or trailer in advance to loading. It is critical if material is taken from a warehouse, it is kept in a shaded area (to avoid direct sunlight), prior to vehicle loading. Direct Sunlight on metal shipping containers (often used in IMDG shipping) may cause the contents of the container to become dangerously over-heated. If a container or closed vehicle unit is unloaded, the doors must be opened gingerly, and then the doors opened fully to allow the unit sufficient time for ventilation, prior to unloading procedures. Metal containers shipped under IMDG or ADR may get very hot inside due to the (highly thermally conductive) exterior metal surfaces being exposed to direct UV sunlight. IBCs, drums, cans within may ‘bow’, leak as well as PRVs (pressure relief valves) being released, so there could be a build-up of vapour or even leaking liquid within the unit - resulting in containers rupturing and the build-up of gases that could be harmful (toxic/flammable/corrosive etc). Temperature sensitive Dangerous Goods (such as Oxidising Agents class 5.1 and Organic Peroxides class 5.2) must be shipped in refrigerated containers (transport units) – and their internal temperatures monitored (documented) while at sea (or in road transit) or in a warehouse/storage. Ensure hazardous material is kept away from combustible materials and that you have checked your fire risk assessments, fire alarms, run (and documented) fire drills and trained staff appropriately to the risks presented by hot weather. The classes that pose highest risks with direct sunlight/elevated temperatures - (but not restricted to) are denoted below - Class 2 Gas Cylinders – must be kept away from direct sunlight and in the shade, or under a (heat-resistant) canopy and placed in a well-ventilated area (away from combustible material). Class 3 Flammable Liquids – especially those of low flash point (especially Packing Group I and II) – must be kept away from direct sunlight, and stored in the shade, or under a (heat-resistant) canopy and in a ventilated area (away from combustible material). Class 4 Flammable and Reactive Solids – these, like Class 3, must be kept away from direct sunlight in the shade, or under a (heat-resistant) canopy and in a ventilated area (away TRUCK & TRAILER SOLUTIONS WELCOME TOALLPORTS GROUP allportsgroup.co.uk Corrosive acid drums Fire damaged warehouse Metallic IBC Mobile emergency shower and eyewash Nitrogen gas bank Vehicle fire damaged
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy OTE1MTA=