How to transport dangerous goods
Meeting regulatory requirements to transport dangerous goods, and the role of the Dangerous Goods Safety Adviser.
If you consign goods that are classified as potentially dangerous when transported, you must arrange their packing and transportation by air, sea, road, rail or inland waterway according to international regulations.
The UN Model Regulations harmonise the rules on the various methods of transportation into a classification system in which each dangerous substance or article is assigned to a class defining the type of danger which that substance presents. The packing group (PG) then further classifies the level of danger according to PG I, PG II or PG III.
Together class and PG dictate how you must package, label and carry dangerous goods, including inner and outer packaging, the suitability of packaging materials, and the marks and label they must bear.
Other regulations define the training and qualifications that dangerous goods drivers and safety advisors must hold, and when you must use one.
This guide brings together the various requirements for moving dangerous goods.
Classification of dangerous goods for transport
The nine classes of dangerous goods and how to classify your dangerous goods correctly when transporting them.
The carriage of dangerous goods by road, rail, inland waterway, sea and air is regulated internationally by European agreements, directives and regulations, and parallel legislation in the United Kingdom.
If you're involved in the processing, packing or transporting of dangerous goods, you will first need to classify them correctly so that all organisations in the supply chain, including the emergency authorities, know and understand exactly what the hazard is.
Dangerous goods are assigned to different classes depending on their predominant hazard. The United Nations (UN) classifies dangerous goods in the following classes and, where applicable, divisions:
| UN Class | Dangerous goods | Division(s) if applicable | Classification |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Explosives | 1.1 - 1.6 | Explosive |
| 2 | Gases | 2.1 | Flammable gas |
| 2.2 | Non-flammable, non-toxic gas | ||
| 2.3 | Toxic gas | ||
| 3 | Flammable liquid | Flammable liquid | |
| 4 | Flammable solids | 4.1 | Flammable solid |
| 4.2 | Spontaneously combustible substance | ||
| 4.3 | Substance which emits flammable gas in contact with water | ||
| 5 | Oxidizers and organic peroxides | 5.1 | Oxidising substance |
| 5.2 | Organic peroxide | ||
| 6 | Toxic and infectious substances | 6.1 | Toxic substance |
| 6.2 | Infectious substance | ||
| 7 | Radioactive material | Radioactive material | |
| 8 | Corrosive substances | Corrosive substance | |
| 9 | Miscellaneous dangerous substances | Miscellaneous dangerous substances |
The consignor - the person or business shipping the goods - is responsible for classifying, marking and packaging the dangerous goods.
Dangerous goods safety advisers qualifications and training
The role of the Dangerous Goods Safety Adviser and how to obtain training for the safe handling of dangerous goods.
Businesses that handle, process or transport dangerous goods on a regular basis must appoint a Dangerous Goods Safety Adviser (DGSA).
You don鈥檛 need to appoint a DGSA if:
- you transport smaller quantities of dangerous goods than those in the legislation
- you occasionally transport, load or unload dangerous goods, but it isn鈥檛 your main or secondary activities
Role of the Dangerous Goods Safety Adviser
The DGSA has three main duties:
-
monitoring compliance with rules governing transport of dangerous goods
-
advising their business on the transport of dangerous goods
-
preparing an annual report to management on the business' activities in the transport of dangerous goods
The DGSA is also responsible for:
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monitoring procedures and safety measures
-
investigating and compiling reports on any accidents or emergencies
-
advising on the potential security aspects of transport
These regulations can apply to any person who allows dangerous goods to be carried, not just the transport operator. This could include cargo consignors, freight forwarders, warehouse workers and manufacturers producing goods that will be collected from their factory.
Training for Dangerous Goods Safety Advisers
DGSAs must:
-
obtain a vocational training certificate after receiving appropriate training
-
pass a written examination
The Department for 91香蕉黄色视频 approves the mandatory DGSA exams. It has . SQA sets, marks and organises the exams, and issues the vocational training certificates for the whole of the United Kingdom, and the certificates are recognised in all European Union member states.
Training courses for DGSAs are run by independent providers and by the trade associations for each mode of transport. Course lengths vary from two to five days, depending on the mode(s) of transport covered.
Documentation when moving dangerous goods
What documents are needed to accompany dangerous goods in transit and how your business can obtain them.
When dangerous goods are transported, the consignment must be accompanied by a transport document, declaring the description and nature of the goods. Documentation must be in accordance with the specifications set by the dangerous goods regulations applicable to the chosen mode of transport.
The transport document must be completed and signed by the consignor - ie the person or firm from whom the goods have been received for transport. Legislation contains an example of a multimodal dangerous goods transport document, and describes occasions when the document may not be required, for example for limited quantities.
To move air cargo that is classified as dangerous a dedicated air transport document such as must be used.
Find out more about the Dangerous Goods Note.
Marking and labelling of dangerous goods - suppliers' responsibilities
Make sure you correctly identify your dangerous goods on labels and packaging when transporting them.
As well as the requirements specific to their transportation, suppliers of dangerous goods are required by law to label their hazardous products and packaged chemicals with hazard symbols, warnings and safety advice. A range of internationally recognised symbols has been developed so that people handling the goods know the nature of the hazard they present.
For more information you can .
Manufacturers must also include instructions for use, either on the label or on a leaflet supplied with the product. Suppliers must provide material safety data sheets for dangerous products used in the workplace.
For chemicals, the .
Safety labelling requirements may vary between third countries so you are advised to check requirements in destination countries before you move your goods. For example, the USA has different requirements from most European countries, so although dangerous goods from America can be moved with their labelling, it is likely that you will have to relabel them before you can supply them in the European Union.
For information on how to label your goods correctly, see our guide on how to label and package goods being shipped out of the United Kingdom.
Packaging dangerous goods for transport
The rules on packaging dangerous goods, how the rules are administered, and what packing products should be used.
If you trade in dangerous goods, you must comply with packaging requirements contained in the relevant legislation in order to transport goods safely - see the regulations for air, sea, road and rail transport.
Packaging rules for dangerous goods
Packaging (other than for limited and excepted quantities) has to be designed and constructed to United Nations (UN) specification standards and must pass practical transport related tests such as being dropped, held in a stack and subjected to pressure demands. It must also meet the needs of the substance it is to contain. Packaging must be certified by a national competent authority.
UN approved packaging is marked with the prefix 'UN' and followed by codes that are listed in the relevant regulations relating to the national and international carriage of dangerous goods by road, rail, air and sea.
The Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA) Dangerous Goods Office has responsibility for the certification of dangerous goods packaging within the United Kingdom. You can .
Packaging must also bear the correct label or labels for the substance in the package.
Radiation screening at ports and airports
Incoming freight, vehicles and passengers and pedestrians are routinely screened for radiation at UK ports and airports.
Programme Cyclamen forms a key part of the government's counter-terrorism strategy. It involves the screening of incoming freight, vehicles, passengers and pedestrians to detect and deter the illicit importation of radioactive and nuclear material by terrorists or criminals.
The programme is jointly managed by the Home Office and United Kingdom Borders Agency (UKBA). The Home Office has the lead responsibility for implementing the programme at ports and airports whilst UKBA is responsible for operating the equipment and for the initial detection of any imported radiological or nuclear material.
Countries including Finland, Russia and the USA use similar equipment and procedures.
How radiation screening operates
Fixed radiation detection equipment has been installed at ports and airports. There is also mobile capability 91香蕉黄色视频ing the fixed portals ensuring that air, sea and Channel Tunnel traffic entering the UK is subject to screening.
The equipment is entirely passive and is able to detect radiation emitted from the vehicle or object being examined. The equipment doesn't emit radiation and there is no effect on any object or person passing through the detection system.
If an illicit source is suspected or found, specialist authorities will ensure that these incidents are dealt with quickly and safely, minimising the risk and inconvenience to the public.
Sources of radiation
Some radioactive material may be carried legally by approved operators, whilst some foodstuffs, ceramics, and other items naturally emit radiation. In addition, a number of medical treatments emit radiation.
The screening equipment can identify a wide variety of radioactive sources and action is taken to ensure that legitimate importations can pass through quickly.