When your business handles items considered "dangerous goods," complications may arise when shipping them to different locations. If mishandled, it could pose serious consequences to your business and the people involved. Therefore, businesses should mitigate these risks and contribute to a safer supply chain by adhering to safety regulations and guidelines.
What are considered dangerous goods?
Dangerous goods, sometimes known as hazardous materials or hazmat, encompass a diverse array of substances and materials that, if improperly handled, pose a serious risk to well-being, safety, and assets. These items are categorized based on their inherent dangers, encompassing flammability, corrosive properties, explosive potential, toxicity, radioactivity, and risks to the environment.
Items like lithium batteries and aerosols fall under this category, as do more specialized substances like industrial chemicals, infectious biological cultures, and radioactive medical materials.
Understanding dangerous goods regulations
For air freight, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) collaborates with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) to develop and maintain regulations regarding the handling of dangerous goods. Their joint effort has resulted in the IATA's Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR) Manual, a comprehensive guide outlining the necessary protocols for the safe air transport of such materials. Staying informed about these regulations and any updates to the DGR Manual is crucial for ensuring compliance and safety in air freight operations.
International regulations mandated by these governing bodies aim at standardizing safety practices and minimizing risks. Compliance with their regulations for shipping dangerous goods is not only a requirement but also an ethical responsibility. Indonesian businesses must familiarize themselves with both international standards and local Indonesian laws to ensure their shipments are handled safely and responsibly.
9 classes of dangerous goods
There are 9 classifications of dangerous goods based on the primary hazard they pose:
- Class 1: Explosives - These pertain to substances and articles that have a mass explosion hazard or produce a pyrotechnic effect. Examples include fireworks, ammunition, and flares.
- Class 2: Flammable gases - These are substances that are completely gaseous at 20°C and a standard pressure of 101.3 kPa. They are further subdivided into flammable gases, non-flammable gases, and toxic gases. Examples include compressed oxygen, propane, and chlorine.
- Class 3: Flammable liquids - These include liquids, mixtures of liquids, or liquids containing solids in solution or suspension that give off a flammable vapor when exposed to temperatures of more than 60.5°C. Examples include gasoline, paints, and adhesives.
- Class 4: Flammable solids - These are readily combustible solids or substances liable to cause or contribute to fire through friction. Examples include matches, sulfur, and metal powders.
- Class 5: Oxidizing substances and organic peroxides - These are materials that could cause or contribute to the combustion of other materials. On the other hand, organic peroxides are thermally unstable substances that can undergo exothermic self-accelerating decomposition.
- Class 6: Toxic and infectious substances - These hazardous substances could cause death or serious injury or to harm human health if inhaled, swallowed, or by skin contact. Infectious substances contain or are reasonably expected to contain pathogens. Examples include pesticides, medical waste, and biological samples.
- Class 7: Radioactive material - These may have radionuclides that exceed specific values. Examples include uranium, plutonium, and medical isotopes.
- Class 8: Corrosive substances - These are substances that have the potential to cause severe damage when in contact with living tissue. It could also materially damage or even destroy other goods or the means of transport during a leakage. Examples include acids, alkalis, and battery fluid.
- Class 9: Miscellaneous dangerous goods and articles - This class covers substances and articles that present a danger during transport but which do not meet the definitions of any other hazard class. Examples include lithium batteries, dry ice, and genetically modified organisms.
Packaging requirements for dangerous goods
Packaging plays a major role in containing and protecting dangerous goods during transit. According to the Federal Aviation Administration, approved packaging materials, such as UN-certified packaging and Performance Oriented Packaging POP, is a requirement when shipping hazardous goods for air transport. Make sure to also identify which of the 9 classes the goods fall under so that you can find the right type of packaging to ensure its safety during transit.
Additionally, labels and markings are essential for communicating the hazards associated with these dangerous goods. These include:
- Class labels: Indicate the hazard class of the goods.
- Proper shipping names: Clearly identify the substance or article.
- UN numbers: Provide a unique identifier for each dangerous good.
- Handling labels: Offer additional instructions for safe handling.
Documentation and declaration
Accurate documentation is critical for smooth and compliant shipping of dangerous goods. Required export documents typically include:
- Dangerous Goods Declaration (DGD): This provides detailed information about the shipment, including the classification, quantity, and packaging of the dangerous goods.
- Air Waybill: An air waybill document serves as the contract of carriage and contains essential shipping information.
- Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS): This provides information about the hazardous properties of the dangerous goods, including handling, storage, and emergency procedures.
Handling and storage best practices
Safe and compliant handling of dangerous goods starts well before they're ready for shipping. Implementing robust procedures within your facility is paramount. Key considerations include:
1. Segregation
It's essential to store incompatible goods separately to prevent dangerous reactions. This may involve dedicated storage areas for different classes of dangerous goods or even specific shelving or cabinets within those areas.
2. Ventilation
Ensure adequate ventilation in storage areas to prevent the buildup of flammable or toxic vapors. This may require installing mechanical ventilation systems or ensuring natural airflow is sufficient. Moreover, regular inspections and maintenance of ventilation systems are crucial.
3. Temperature control
Maintaining appropriate temperatures is vital to prevent the degradation or instability of dangerous goods. Some materials may require refrigeration or specific temperature-controlled environments. Monitoring and recording storage temperatures helps ensure product compliance and integrity.
4. Employee training
Comprehensive training for all staff who handle dangerous goods is non-negotiable. This includes teaching them the potential hazards associated with each class of goods, proper handling and storage, emergency response protocols, and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
Ship dangerous goods with DHL Express
Overall, shipping dangerous goods, whether internationally or locally, will require strict adherence to safety protocols. However, by thoroughly understanding the regulations, classifying goods accurately, using appropriate packaging, and implementing robust safety procedures, you can ensure safe and timely delivery. Moreover, compliance with these measures streamlines the customs clearance process, reducing delays and the risk of potential penalties. Should you need assistance with shipping dangerous goods overseas, our team at DHL Express can help you.
DHL Express is your trusted partner for importing and exporting goods, including dangerous goods. Our specialized services and expertise guarantee your shipments are handled with the utmost care and in full compliance with all international regulations.
Open a business account with us today to discover how we can support your business's shipping needs and ensure your dangerous goods reach their destination safely and efficiently.
For more overseas shipping insights, check out our guide on the essential considerations for importing and exporting goods.
