Who Regulates Dangerous Goods Shipping and What Are Their Key Requirements for Packaging and Labeling?

Shipping dangerous goods can be a laborious task. You need to follow special rules to keep everyone safe. Different groups watch over these shipments to make sure they’re done right.

The main regulators for dangerous goods shipping are the United Nations, the International Air Transport Association (IATA), and the International Maritime Organisation (IMO). They set the rules for packing and labelling these items. Their goal is to prevent accidents and protect people and the environment.

These groups have strict guidelines for how you should package and label dangerous goods. They tell you what kind of boxes to use, how to mark them, what info to put on the labels, and even where to look for a certified dangerous goods courier. Knowing these rules is key if you want to ship dangerous items safely and legally.

Overview of Dangerous Goods Regulation Entities

Several key organisations set rules for shipping dangerous goods. These include global bodies that create standards and national agencies that enforce them. Their work keeps hazardous materials safe during transport.

International Organisations

The United Nations (UN) plays a big role in dangerous goods rules. They publish the “Orange Book” with guidelines for all types of transport. The International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) sets air shipping rules. For sea transport, the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) makes the rules.

These groups work together to keep rules similar across different types of shipping. This helps make dangerous goods transport safer and easier to manage worldwide.

National Regulatory Bodies

Each country has its own agencies to handle dangerous goods rules. In the UK, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) oversees this area. The US has the Department of Transportation (DOT) for these tasks.

These national bodies:

• Make local laws based on global standards
• Train inspectors to check shipments
• Fine companies that break the rules
• Update rules to match new risks

They often work with police and customs to catch unsafe shipments. By enforcing global rules locally, they help keep dangerous goods moving safely.

Key Packaging Requirements for Dangerous Goods

Proper packaging is crucial for safely shipping dangerous goods. Specific materials, tests, and paperwork are needed to meet strict regulations.

Material Specifications

You must use packaging materials that can withstand the hazards of the goods inside. For liquids, containers need to be leakproof. Corrosive substances require corrosion-resistant materials.

Glass and plastic containers have limits on size and thickness. Metal drums need specific gauges based on their capacity.

Inner packagings often need cushioning or absorbent material. This helps protect against leaks or breakage during transport.

Performance Testing

Your packaging must pass rigorous tests before use. Drop tests check if containers can survive falls from certain heights.

Stacking tests ensure packages can handle the weight of others on top. Pressure tests check for leaks under changing air pressures.

For liquids, vibration tests mimic the shaking during transport. Packagings may also undergo temperature, humidity, or chemical compatibility tests.

The exact tests depend on the hazard class and packing group of the goods.

Certification and Documentation

You need to certify that your packaging meets all requirements. This involves testing by an approved lab. They’ll issue a UN certification code.

You must mark this code clearly on the outer packaging. It shows details like material type, test level, and manufacturing date.

Keep test reports and certificates on file. You may need to show them to inspectors or customers.

Include a ‘dangerous goods declaration’ with each shipment. This lists the contents, hazard class, and UN number.

Essential Labelling Guidelines for Hazardous Materials

Proper labelling is crucial for safely shipping dangerous goods. You must follow strict rules for label design, placement, and content to clearly communicate hazards and handling instructions.

Label Placement and Durability

You need to place hazard labels on a contrasting background on the outer packaging. The labels must be visible and not obscured by other markings. Stick them securely so they don’t peel off during transport.

For small packages, you can use tie-on tags if there’s not enough space for full-size labels. Make sure all labels are waterproof and fade-resistant. They should stay readable even after exposure to sun, rain, or rough handling.

Use durable materials like vinyl or polyester for your labels. Avoid paper labels that can easily tear or become unreadable when wet.

Hazard Communication Standards

Your hazard labels must include specific symbols and text. Use the globally harmonized system (GHS) pictograms to show the main dangers. These diamond-shaped symbols have black images on a white background with a red border.

Add signal words like “Danger” or “Warning” in large, bold text. List the hazard statements that describe the specific risks. For example: “Flammable liquid and vapour” or “Harmful if swallowed”.

Include precautionary statements that explain how to handle the material safely. Give emergency contact info and any special storage or disposal instructions. Use clear, simple language that’s easy to understand quickly.