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Winter 2018 Truck and Track 61
DANGEROUS GOODS
We take it for granted that our tin of paint or container of
white spirit will be on the shelf of our do-it-yourself store; our
favourite perfume or after shave will be in our local fragrance
shop and our weed killer will be in the garden centre. However
few of us think about how they got there and the fact that they
are potentially lethal products.
It is obvious with many products that they are dangerous if
handled or used incorrectly because the risks are either generally
known and/or the risks are clearly labelled on the containers.
Some are less obvious. Perfumes and insect repellents are an
example particularly if they are sold in aerosol form. As well as
these everyday consumer items we have the bulk transportation of
chemicals and fuel. All of these are classified as dangerous goods.
The range of dangerous goods or hazardous materials, as they are
also called, cover explosives, gases, flammable liquids and solids,
toxic materials, infectious substances which include diagnostic
specimens, radioactive materials and some general consumer
products such as hair spray. The Manufactures Safety Data Sheet
(MSDS) should include any reference to a product being classified
as ‘dangerous goods’ and the UN number will be shown. However
this may not be 100% reliable as some chemicals or substances
may be re-classified if they are mixed with other products.
Whether these goods are transported by air, sea or overland they
are subject to stringent controls and regulations. If you are involved
in the process of handling or transporting such materials, you must
be aware of and conform to these rules or risk breaking the lawwith
consequent penalties which can include a term of imprisonment.
The rules are mandatory and that includes the element for
training staff who are involved in any part of the process. Such
training ranges from a basic awareness for those on the periphery
of the activity to certificated competence for those who have the
responsibility for marking, labelling and/or signing the Dangerous
Goods Note.
If you are in any doubt over your responsibilities, seek advice –
we are always willing to talk through your situation. There are
no exceptions due to the size of your organisation. You could be a
manufacturer, shipper, freight forwarder, cargo agent or an airline
operator. Everybody is covered by the regulations. Your reference
rules are to be found in the IATA Dangerous
Goods Regulations (for air) which is
applicable worldwide: The IMDG Code (for
sea) which is also applicable worldwide:
and the ADRs (European Road Regulations)
which have been adopted by many other
countries outside of Europe, but not the
USA which has its own rules for road
transport issued by the US Department of
Transport. These are called CFR 49.
CHECK OUT YOUR
RESPONSIBILITIES FOR HANDLING
DANGEROUS GOODS
Do you handle dangerous goods?
Do you actually know if the goods
that you handle are classified as
dangerous?
It is surprising how many manufacturers,
shippers, cargo agents and freight
forwarders do not realise that potentially
lethal consignments are being presented
to them, usually through ignorance of the
rules but occasionally to bypass the extra
packing, marking and paperwork required
to ship dangerous goods.
The penalties for breaching these
international regulations are harsh and,
surprisingly, quite frequent. In a case which was brought to Court
a few years ago, a West London packing company was fined
£25,000 plus over £6,000 in costs for breaches of dangerous goods
regulations relating to the shipping of aircraft oxygen generators.
What can you do about it?
1. Check that you know what you are shipping and handling. If in
doubt then consult us.
2. Get the necessary training to ensure you and your employees
comply with the law.
Cargo Training International specialises in training for the handling
and transportation of dangerous goods. We also offer a preparatory
course for the UK/European Dangerous Goods Safety Adviser
qualification and another entitled “Transportation of Lithium
Batteries” which is proving to be extremely popular.
To contact us please go to our website at
com. In the UK you can e-mail us at
telephone us on 01932 769 682. Address any enquiries to either
Bob Carter (Director): Margaret Mangan (Administration Manager)
or Helen Garrard (Marketing Manager). We will be pleased to offer
advice and answer any queries you may have.
At Cargo Training International, we have over 25 years of experience
in identifying training needs and offer a comprehensive training
schedule to cover all dangerous goods requirements. Have a look
at our website call us/e-mail us at the
address on the header. Our friendly staff are always on hand to help.
Also remember that the regulations change every two years (in the
case of air, IATA publish their Dangerous Goods Manual annually).
Certificates have to be revalidated within the
two year period. There are changes occurring
in 2019 and it is vital that all staff who handle
dangerous goods are working to the current
regulations.
Bob Carter, Director
Cargo Training International
Do you know your responsibilities when
handling or transporting Dangerous Goods?
Bob Carter