Just over 30 years ago, Labeline’s founder and MD, Keith Kingham, was working in the Middle East on the UAE’s major airport construction and infrastructure expansion project. During this period, Keith saw that the dangerous goods industry was poorly supported, and he found it difficult to obtain the correct information, or even the regulations, to enable the timely movement of hazardous goods.

It was also impossible to find a suitable company that would supply all the necessary requirements, which meant resorting to sourcing from multiple agencies. As Keith recalls, “It was frustrating trying to obtain regulatory information and, at the time, I expect that others across industry were probably faced with similar problems.” 

When the company that he worked for was sold on, he took the option of redundancy. Having seen the opportunity to fill a gap in the market, Keith decided to draw on his success in marketing and business development and invest in setting up a new business dedicated to serve the dangerous goods industry. Labeline was established in February 1992.

Back then, the issue of sourcing the required manuals, hazard labels and information was affecting those involved in all modes of transport – and this was at a time of increased regulation in the wake of a number of major incidents involving dangerous goods.

Consequently, Labeline soon became the go-to provider to meet this demand, both in UK and around the world. The company has subsequently evolved and developed its range of products and services to become the one-stop shop servicing a wide spectrum of industries. 

With our position in the market, we receive all sorts of DG-related enquiries from companies requiring products, assistance and guidance - often as a result of a referral by an existing customer. 

Labeline International has become the centre of excellence when it comes to Dangerous Goods

Regulations - Manuals and Digital

Labeline is the only distributor in UK and Ireland authorised to supply the dangerous goods regulations for all modes of transport. However, as we are the leading international reseller for UN, IMO, OTIF (rail), ICAO and IATA, our portfolio extends far beyond the regulations shown below. 

For example, Labeline publishes its own guide to limited quantities, excepted quantities and small load exemptions. It contains a simple-to-use table that lists the limits for all the UN numbers and the appropriate Special Provisions that apply. 

From the UN, we stock the GHS Manual, The Manual of Tests & Criteria and The Model Regulations, which gives an indication of the upcoming changes for multimodal DG transport. ICAO publications include their Guide to Competency-Based Training and the Emergency Response Guide. The 49CFR (USA regulations) is available in regular or spiral bound manuals and we also have the NCEC’s Emergency Action Code List.

There are non-DG publications too, such as IATA’s Temperature Control Regulations, Perishable Cargo Regulations, Ground Operations Manual and Airport Handling Manual and an extensive range of conventions and standards from the International Maritime Organization.

There are always offers at www.labeline.com and regulatory manuals come supplied with our bespoke index tabs, a useful bookmark and a hazard label identification poster.

And it’s not just the books that Labeline supplies – most regulations are available as e-Books, Downloads or Online Licences. 

Hazard Labels and Handling Marks

The most obvious sign that a shipment contains dangerous goods is usually the hazard label or placard that highlights the danger posed by the products contained. It is therefore imperative that labels remain attached to a shipment throughout its journey and that they can withstand the rigours of transit. Paragraphs in the regulations specify these requirements and the IMDG Code goes as far as insisting that labels “….will still be identifiable on packages surviving at least three months’ immersion in the sea”. 

Heavy fines can be applied for incorrect labelling and, of course, there is the risk of a shipment being snagged, which can impact on the consignor both financially and reputationally. The label is also likely to be the cheapest element of a consignment so there should be no need to compromise on quality. Labeline has the full range of compliant hazard labels, placards and handling marks in stock.

We also provide a bespoke design and printing service for all forms of labels. For example, we can add the UN number and Proper Shipping Name to a label.

Software

On the UK’s roads, transport documentation issues are cited as the second most common reason (after fire extinguisher infringements) for issuing prohibition notices. Internationally, incorrect paperwork is the most common reason for snagging a DG consignment in transit. As a result of a number of incidents on board vessels, shipping lines will now levy huge fines for “concealing, omitting or mis-declaring” dangerous goods. Airlines and enforcement agencies, particularly in the US, will impose charges and fines of up to $120,000 for dangerous goods violations.

To minimise the risk of mistakes, DGOffice generates documentation for all transport modes. The software classifies the hazards of a consignment, references the appropriate regulations, makes the calculations, and produces a fully compliant DG note. It is a cost-effective solution that operates internationally and meets the demands of the variations in regulations around the world. 

Not only is DGOffice accurate, it reduces the time taken to input data as it can pre-populate product information, such as pack sizes, packaging types, consignors’ addresses and other information. As the software is modular, users only subscribe to the elements that they require, making it a cost-effective and efficient solution to be reassured that paperwork is compliant. DGOffice also contains the full suite of SDS authoring modules. 

Free trials of DGOffice are available from Labeline, without obligation.

Training – Classroom 

It is a legal requirement that anyone involved with dangerous goods is trained to a level that is commensurate with their responsibilities. Companies also need to show that refresher training has been undertaken so that operatives are kept up to date with the changes in the regulations. Labeline’s trainers are all experienced DG Professionals and qualified Dangerous Goods Safety Advisers who tailor the training to suit the needs of each customer. 

After all, if you ship only one hazard class, there is little point in attending a 3-day shippers’ course that includes all hazard classes - and contains very little learning in relation to the products you ship. 

We offer training for all modes, either in a classroom format or, if preferred, remote classroom via Zoom/Teams. 

Examples of our courses include:

• Dangerous Goods Awareness
  
• Training for the DGSA qualification
  
• Product specific and function specific courses, such as:
  
•    Lithium Batteries
  
•    Perfumes
  
•    Aerosols and Hazard Class 3
  
• For Air, the courses are all CAA Approved
  

Training – Online 

Labeline also offers online courses, which can be completed in your own time, including IMDG Code training for all the primary roles (e.g. “Consignor”, “Packer”), refresher courses and advanced learning. Modules for ADR and 49CFR can be added.

Our own online course for Section II Lithium Batteries is ideal for those shipping equipment containing small batteries or cells. 

Consultancy Services

With an established network of experience professionals who are conversant with the regulations covering the supply and transport of dangerous goods, Labeline can normally help to solve any compliance problems. Labeline’s consultants assist our customers with SDS authoring, CLP labelling, sourcing appropriate DG packaging, the appointment of a DGSA etc.

It is important to note that the requirements for appointing a DGSA will soon extend to all consignors of dangerous goods. 

ADR 2021, 1.6.1.44 states that: 

“Undertakings which participate in the carriage of dangerous goods only as consignors and which did not have to appoint a safety adviser……shall..…appoint a safety adviser no later than 31^st December 2022”.

Lithium Batteries

The shipping of lithium batteries is, literally, a hot topic in the transport industry. For some time, the regulations for shipping lithium ion and lithium metal batteries by air have been gradually getting more and more restrictive. 

The surface modes are becoming more vigilant too. Fires on board vehicles and vessels have been attributed to, usually mis-declared or counterfeit, lithium batteries. Other incidents have been exacerbated by the presence of lithium batteries as, once alight, conventional fire-fighting measures don’t usually work. 

With all the changes to the regulations, it is important that training is provided to all appropriate personnel and that it is refreshed regularly. The shortcomings and risks of not following the rules were highlighted in the Spring 2022 edition of Truck and Track.

Labeline can assist with all your requirements relating to the transport of Lithium Batteries, including the provision of the aforementioned Section II online training course for shipping small batteries.

Forms

For generating your own documents, Labeline supplies forms for all modes of transport, including DG Declarations, Air Waybills, Instructions in Writing etc. Most are available in both loose leaf and tipped (for NCR) versions. 

Packaging

Labeline’s packaging solutions include a comprehensive range of UN tested 4GV fibreboard boxes (from 175mm x 155mm x 300mm up to 570mm x 370mm x 430mm), cross-weave and standard tape, vermiculite and bubble wrap. 

Events

Labeline is delighted to be attending events in person again this year. We find that supporting industry seminars through sponsorship and by exhibiting is the most effective way for our staff to meet our customers - and vice versa! 

Recent events that we have exhibited at include the AGM and Industry Seminar of the British Association of the Dangerous Goods Professionals’ (BADGP) and the Supply Chain Show at ChemUK, which was held at the NEC. 

In June, we will be in Daventry for the VCA’s Dangerous Goods Seminar and back in Birmingham for Multimodal 2022, on Stand B5. 

Watch this space for information about Labeline’s “Biennial” event later in the year.

Finally, we recognise that our business is dependent on our customers and Labeline’s success is founded on the service that we provide. UK orders, either placed online or via our sales team, are usually delivered next day and overseas orders within 2-3 days. Labeline has many 1000’s of customers around the world, distributing to over 160 countries.

For more information visit www.labeline.com 

Enquiries: sales@labeline.com

Tel: 0870 850 50 51