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Cargo Work

 

Dangerous Goods

 

 

Classes, divisions, packing groups

Definitions

Substances (including mixtures and solutions) and articles subject to the provisions of this Code are assigned to one of the classes 1 -9 according to the hazard or the most predominant of the hazards they present.  Some of these classes are subdivided into divisions.  These classes or divisions are as listed below:

Class 1: Explosives

Division 1.1: substances and articles, which have a mass explosion hazard

Division 1.2: substances and articles, which have a projection, hazard but not a mass explosion hazard

Division 1.3: substances and articles, which have a fire hazard and either a minor blast hazard or a minor projection hazard or both, but not a mass explosion hazard

Division 1.4: substances and articles, which present no significant hazard

Division 1.5: very insensitive substances, which have a mass explosion hazard

Division 1.6: extremely insensitive articles which do not have a mass explosion hazard

Class 2: Gases

Class 2.1: flammable gases

Class 2.2: non-flammable, non-toxic gases

Class 2.3: toxic gases

Class 3: Flammable liquids

Class 4: Flammable solids; substances liable to spontaneous combustion; substances which, in contact with water, emit flammable gases

Class 4.1: flammable solids, self-reactive substances and desensitized explosives

Class 4.2: substances liable to spontaneous combustion

Class 4.3: substances, which, in contact with water, emit flammable gases

Class 5: Oxidizing substances and organic peroxides

Class 5.1: oxidizing substances

Class 5.2: organic peroxides

Class 6: Toxic and infectious substances

Class 6.1: toxic substances -

Class 6.2: infectious substances

Class 7: Radioactive material

Class 8: Corrosive substances

Class 9: Miscellaneous dangerous substances and articles

The numerical order of the classes and divisions is not that of the degree of danger.

Marking, labelling and placarding

Packages containing dangerous goods shall be durably marked with the correct technical name; trade names alone shall not be used.

Packages containing dangerous goods shall be provided with distinctive labels or stencils of the labels, or placards, as appropriate, so as to make clear the dangerous properties of the goods contained therein.

The method of marking the correct technical name and of affixing labels or applying stencils of labels, or of affixing placards on packages containing dangerous goods, shall be such that this information will still be identifiable on packages surviving at least three months’ immersion in the sea. In considering suitable marking, labelling and placarding methods, account shall be taken of the durability of the materials used and of the surface of the package.

Packages containing dangerous goods shall be so marked and labeled except that:

.1 packages containing dangerous goods of a low degree of hazard or packed in limited quantities or

.2 when special circumstances permit, packages that are stowed and handled in units that are identified by labels or placards; may be exempted from labelling requirements.

General information prior loading/ discharging

The duty officer entrusted with the loading of the dangerous goods should have all the relevant data regarding the dangerous goods that would be loaded, these would include:

Copy of the document from the shipper regarding the cargo

Classification of the DG

Quantity to be loaded

Proposed stowage

Type of packages

Shipping name – that is the correct technical name

Segregation required from other cargo as well as from other DG

MFAG and EmS requirement for the safe handling of the cargo

Any fire hazard as per IMDG

Any temperature/ wetness restriction for the loading of the cargo

UN Numbers and Proper Shipping Names

Dangerous goods are assigned to UN Numbers and Proper Shipping Names according to their hazard classification and their composition.

Dangerous goods commonly transported are listed in the Dangerous Goods List. Where an article or substance is specifically listed by name, it should be identified in transport by the Proper Shipping Name in the Dangerous Goods List.  For dangerous goods not specifically listed by name, “generic” or “not otherwise specified” entries are provided to identify the article or substance in transport.

Each entry in the Dangerous Goods List is assigned a UN Number.  This list also contains relevant information for each entry, such as hazard class, subsidiary risk(s) (if any), packing group (where assigned), packing and tank transport provisions, EmS, segregation and stowage, properties and observations, etc.

Entries in the Dangerous Goods List are of the following four types:

Single entries for well-defined substances or articles e.g.

UN 1090         acetone

UN 1194       ethyl nitrite solution

Generic entries for well-defined groups of substances or articles e.g.

UN 1133         adhesives

UN 1266       perfumery product

Information on the special measures to be taken when a certain dangerous cargo is handled

Additionally the chief officer should have attached relevant extracts from the IMDG code in particular all the emergencies that could arise with the handling of the cargo. Also the emergency clean-up measures as well as the first aid requirement as per the EmS (Emergency Schedule of the IMDG) and MFAG.

Any special precautions mention as per the Dangerous List should be extracted. Compatibility risks should be ascertained.

For example if the following cargo (class 3) is to be loaded, then:

Stowage of goods of class 3

The vapours from all substances of class 3 have a narcotic effect, and prolonged inhalation may result in unconsciousness.  Deep or prolonged narcosis may lead to death.

Class 3 substances should be stowed as indicated in the Dangerous Goods List. However, substances with a flashpoint of 23˚C (c.c). or less packaged in jerricans, plastics (3Hl, 3H2), drums, plastics (lHl,lH2) and plastics receptacles in a plastic drum (6HH1,6HH2)should be stowed on, deck only unless packed in a closed cargo transport unit.

The substances of this class should be kept as cool as reasonably practicable during transit.  They should, in general, be stowed “away from” all possible sources of heat.

Adequate precautions should be taken to protect the flammable liquids from heat emanating from bulkheads or other sources.  Ventilation should be provided which should effectively remove flammable vapours from the cargo space.

Adequate measures should be taken to prevent the penetration of leaking liquid or vapour into any other part of the ship.  Vapours may not necessarily be lighter than air and may sink to the lower levels of a cargo space where they may be accidentally ignited and a “flashback” to the flammable liquids may occur.

Whenever flammable liquids with a flashpoint of 23˚C c.c. or less are transported in portable tanks, the stowage should be such that leaking vapours are unlikely to penetrate the accommodation, machinery spaces and other work areas via entrances or other openings in bulkheads or through ventilation ducts.

Where it is deemed necessary for a substance of this class to be stowed “clear of living quarters”, it is included in the Dangerous Goods List.

On ships carrying passengers, substances in this class should be stowed well away from any deck or spaces provided for the use of passengers.  When such substances are transported on board roll-on/roll-off ships, see chapter 7.4.

End extract

Reporting of incidents involving dangerous goods

When an incident takes place involving the loss or likely loss overboard of packaged dangerous goods into the sea, the master, or other person having charge of the ship, shall report the particulars of such an incident without delay and to the fullest extent possible to the nearest coastal State. The report shall be based on the guidelines and general principles adopted by IMO for dangerous goods, harmful substances and/or marine pollutants.

In the event of the ship referred to in paragraph 1 being abandoned, or in the event of a report from such a ship being incomplete or unobtainable, the owner, charterer, manager or operator of the ship, or their agents shall, to the fullest extent possible, assume the obligations placed upon the master by this regulation.

The duty officer when he discovers an incident or accident has to immediately raise the alarm and inform the Master regarding the same. The crew on deck should be the first to renders assistance as well as start the clean up operations as well as try to minimise the incident under the supervision of the duty officer as per the guidelines laid down for that cargo as per the IMDG code and the Dangerous cargo list.

Actions to be taken

All actions after an accident are to be as per the following documents – which have detailed instructions for all types of emergencies.

The following gives a basic layout of a rescue scenario.

The IMO/WHO/ILO Medical First Aid Guide for Use in Accidents Involving Dangerous Goods (MFAG) is the Chemicals Supplement to the International Medical Guide for Ships (IMGS), which is published by the World Health Organization (WHO), Geneva.

The Maritime Safety Committee adopted this revised text of the Guide in May 1998, for use in association with Amendment 30-00 of the IMDG Code, and will be further amended as and when, necessary.

Table 1

RESCUE

Rescuers must be adequately protected from exposure before entering a contaminated area in order to avoid injury.

When a chemical is unidentified, worst-case assumptions concerning toxicity must be assumed.

ARRIVAL AT SCENE

Upon arrival at the scene, an initial assessment of the situation should be made and the size of the incident should be determined.

Rescuers must NOT:

Enter a contaminated area without using a pressure-demand self-contained breathing apparatus and wearing full protective clothing;

Enter an enclosed space unless they are trained members of a rescue team and follow correct procedures;

Walk through any spilled materials;

Allow unnecessary contamination of equipment;

Attempt to recover shipping papers or manifests from contaminated area unless adequately protected;

Become exposed while approaching a potentially contaminated area;

Attempt rescue unless trained and equipped with appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and protective clothing for the situation.

QUICKLY ESTABLISH AN EXCLUSION OR HOT ZONE

Assume that anyone leaving the exclusion zone is contaminated and should be assessed and decontaminated, if necessary.

Do not remove non-ambulatory casualties from the exclusion zone unless properly trained personnel with the appropriate PPE are available and decontamination has been accomplished.

INITIAL TRIAGE OF CASUALTIES (SORTING AND PRIORITY)

One unconscious casualty

Give immediate treatment to the unconscious casualty only, and

Send for help.

Several unconscious casualties

If there is more than one unconscious casualty:

Send for help, and

Give appropriate treatment to the worst casualty in the priority order of:

Casualties who have stopped breathing or have no pulse (see Table 2).

Casualties who ARE UNCONCIOUS (see Table 4).

Casualty is unconscious but breathing

If the casualty is unconscious or cyanotic (bluish skin) but breathing, connect to portable oxygen.

Neck or back trauma

Apply neck and back support before moving casualty if there is any question of neck or back trauma. Priority.  Airway, Breathing, Circulation (A-B-C)

Initial management of Airway, Breathing and Circulation (A-B-C, see table 2) is all that should be undertaken while there is potential for further injury to the casualty or to response personnel.

Gross decontamination

If the casualty is contaminated with chemicals, gross decontamination should be performed.

Cut away or remove all suspected contaminated clothing, including jewellery and watches.

Brush or wipe off any obvious contamination.

Care should be taken to protect open wounds from contamination.

Every effort should be made by personnel to avoid contact with potentially contaminated casualties.  Rescuers should wear protective clothing, if necessary.

Cover or wrap casualty to prevent spread of contamination.

Removal of casualties from exclusion zone

Once gross decontamination has been performed, the casualties should be removed from the exclusion zone.

If casualties can walk, lead them out of the exclusion zone to an area where decontamination and further evaluation can take place.

If casualties are unable to walk, remove them on stretchers.  If stretchers are unavailable, carefully carry or drag casualties to an area where decontamination and further evaluation can take place.

DECONTAMINATION

Decontaminate from head down

Take care not to introduce contaminants into open wounds.

Decontaminate exposed wounds and eyes before intact skin areas.

Cover wounds with a waterproof dressing after decontamination.

 

For external contamination, begin with the least aggressive methods

Limit mechanical or chemical irritation of the skin.

Wash contaminated area gently under a stream of water for at least ten minutes, and wash carefully with soap and warm (never hot) water, scrubbing with a soft brush or surgical sponge.

Reduce level of contaminants

Remove contaminants to the level that they are no longer a threat to casualty or response personnel.

Isolate the casualty from the environment to prevent the spread of any remaining contaminants. Contain runoff; bag contaminated clothing

If possible, contain all runoff from decontamination procedures for proper disposal.

Ensure that all potentially contaminated casualty clothing and belongings have been removed and placed in properly labelled bags.

SUMMARY OF TREATMENT OF CASUALTIES

Assign highest priorities to Airway, Breathing, Circulation (ABC) and then decontamination.

Complete primary and secondary assessments as conditions allow.

Obtain information on chemicals to which the casualty has been exposed from shipping papers, labels or other documents.

If there are multiple casualties, direct attention to the most seriously affected individuals first.

Treat symptoms and signs as appropriate and when conditions allow.

Obtain RADIO MEDICAL ADVICE when conditions allow.

Perform invasive procedures only in uncontaminated areas.

Reassess the casualty frequently, because many chemicals have latent physiological effects.

Delay preventive measures until the casualty is decontaminated.

TRANSFER TO SHIP’S HOSPITAL

Casualties who have been stabilized (airway, breathing and circulation) and decontaminated can be transported to the ship’s hospital for further evaluation.

Further advice: see IMDG appendix 1

Packing requirements as per the Dangerous Goods List of the IMDG Code

 Structure of the Dangerous Goods List.

The Dangerous Goods List is divided into 18 columns.

Among them the packing requirements are specified in column 8 and in column 9

Column 8 Packing Instructions: This column contains alpha – numeric codes, which refer to the relevant packing instructions. The packing instructions indicate the packagings (including large packagings) which may be used for the transport of substances and articles.

A code including the letter ‘P’ refers to packing instructions for the use of packagings described in IMDG Chapters – 6.1, 6.2 or 6.3

A code including the letter ‘LP’ refers to packing instructions for the use of large packagings described in IMDG Chapters – 6.6

A code including the letter ‘BP’ refers to the bulk packagings described in IMDG Chapters – 4.3

When a code including the letters ‘P’, ‘LP’ or ‘BP’ is not provided, it means that the substance is not allowed in that type of packaging.

When ‘N/R’ is included in this column, it means that the substance or article need not be packaged.

Column 9 Special packing provisions: This column contains alphanumeric codes, which refer to the relevant special packing provisions specified in 4.1.4. The special packing provisions indicate the packagings (including large packagings).

A special packing provisions including the letters ‘PP’ refers to a special packing provision applicable to the use of a packing instruction bearing the code ‘P’ in 4.1.4.1

A special packing provision including the letter ‘L’ refers to a special packing provision applicable to a packing instruction bearing the code ‘LP’ in 4.1.4.3

Reporting if the suitability and integrity of packages is found to be suspect

Documents

In all documents relating to the carriage of dangerous goods by sea where the goods are named, the correct technical name of the goods shall be used (trade names alone shall not be used) and the correct description given in accordance with the classification.

The shipping documents prepared by the shipper shall include, or be accompanied by, a signed certificate or declaration that the shipment offered for carriage is properly packaged and marked, labelled or placarded, as appropriate, and in proper condition for carriage.

The persons responsible for the packing of dangerous goods in a freight container or road vehicle shall provide a signed container packing certificate or vehicle packing declaration stating that the cargo in the unit has been properly packed and secured and that all applicable transport requirements have been met. Such a certificate or declaration may be combined with the document above.

Where there is due cause to suspect that a freight container or road vehicle in which dangerous goods are packed is not in compliance with the requirements, or where a container-packing certificate or vehicle packing declaration is not available, the freight container or vehicle shall not be accepted for shipment.

Each ship carrying dangerous goods shall have a special list or manifest setting forth, in accordance with the classification, the dangerous goods on board and the location thereof. A detailed stowage plan, which identifies by class and sets out the location of all dangerous goods on board, may be used in place of such a special list or manifest. A copy of one of these documents shall be made available before departure to the person or organization designated by the port State authority.

Cargo transport units, including freight containers, shall be loaded, stowed and secured throughout the voyage in accordance with the Cargo Securing Manual approved by the Administration. The Cargo Securing Manual shall be drawn up to a standard at least equivalent to the guidelines developed by the IMO.

The above are as per SOLAS. If the duty officer feels that there is some discrepancy between the document submitted and the markings on the cargo, he is to stop loading and inform the Master.

If the packaging is suspect or if the duty officer feels that the packaging looks worn out or is not sufficient then again he is to stop the loading and inform the Master.

General fire precautions

The prevention of fire in a cargo of dangerous goods is achieved by practicing good seamanship, observing in particular the following precautions:

              I.      keep combustible material away from ignition sources;

           II.      protect a flammable substance by adequate packing;

         III.      reject damaged or leaking packages;

        IV.      stow packages protected from-accidental damage or heating;

           V.      segregate packages from substances liable to start or spread fire;

        VI.      where appropriate and practicable, stow dangerous goods in an accessible position so that packages in the vicinity of a fire may be protected;

      VII.      enforce prohibition of smoking in dangerous areas and display clearly recognizable “NO SMOKING” notices or signs; and

   VIII.      the dangers from short-circuits, earth leakages or sparking will be apparent.  Lighting and power cables, and fittings should be maintained in good condition.  Cables or equipment found to be unsafe should be disconnected.  Where a bulkhead is required to be suitable for segregation purposes, cables and conduit penetrations of the decks and bulkheads should be sealed against the passage of gas and vapours.  When stowing dangerous goods on deck, the position and design of auxiliary machinery, electrical equipment and cable runs should be considered in order to avoid sources of ignition.

Fire precautions applying to individual classes, and where necessary to individual substances, are recommended in following paragraphs and in the Dangerous Goods List.

Special fire precautions for class 1

The greatest risk in the handling and transport of goods of class 1 is that of fire from a source external to the goods, and it is vital that any fire should be detected and extinguished before it can reach such goods.  Consequently, it is essential that fire precautions, fire-fighting measures and equipment should be of a high standard and ready for immediate application and use.

Compartments containing goods of class 1 and adjacent cargo spaces should be provided with a fire detection system.  If such spaces are not protected by a fixed fire-extinguishing system, they should be accessible for fire-fighting operations.

No repair work should be carried out in a compartment containing goods of class 1. Special care should be exercised in carrying out repairs in any adjacent space.  No welding, burning, cutting, or riveting operations involving the use of fire, flame, spark, or arc-producing equipment should be carried out in any space other than machinery spaces and workshops where fire-extinguishing arrangements are available, except in any emergency and, if in port, with prior authorization of the port authority,

Special fire precautions for class 2

Effective ventilation should be provided to remove any leakage of gas from within the cargo space or spaces, bearing in mind that some gases are heavier than air and may accumulate in dangerous concentrations in the lower part of the ship.

Measures should be taken to prevent leaking gases from penetrating into any other part of the ship.

If there is any reason to suspect leakage of a gas, entry into cargo spaces or other enclosed spaces should not be permitted until the master or responsible officer has taken all safety considerations into account and is satisfied that it is safe to do so.  Emergency entry under other circumstances should only be undertaken by trained crew wearing self-contained breathing apparatus, and protective clothing when recommended, and always under the supervision of a responsible officer.

Leakage from receptacles containing flammable gases may give rise to explosive mixtures with air.  Such mixtures, if ignited, may result in explosion and fire.

Special fire precautions for class 3

Flammable liquids give off flammable vapours which, especially in an enclosed space, form explosive mixtures with air.  Such vapours, if ignited, may cause a “flashback” to the place in which the substances are stowed.  Due regard should be paid to the provision of adequate ventilation to prevent accumulation of vapours.

Special fire precautions and fire fighting for class 7

The radioactive contents of Excepted, Industrial, and Type A packages are so restricted that, in the event of an accident and damage to the package, there is a high probability that any material released, or shielding efficiency lost, would not give rise to such radiological hazard as to hamper fire-fighting or rescue operations.

Type B (U) packages, Type B (M) packages and Type C packages are designed to be strong enough to withstand severe fire without significant loss of contents or dangerous loss of radiation shielding.

Precautions while loading discharging explosives

Following are the emergency schedule1-01 with respect to explosives under Class 1 Division 1.1

Primary hazard: Explosive substances and articles, which may detonate all at once in a fire

Associated hazards: Heavy debris and high speed fragments; possibility of the formation and escape of toxic fumes.

Special Emergency equipment to be available: Protective clothing – gloves, fire resistant coveralls, fire mans helmet with visors

SCBA

Non sparking footwear

Soft brushes and plastic trays – to pick up spillage

Emergency procedures:

Wear non sparking footwear when dealing with spillage. Use SCBA and protective clothing when dealing with a spillage of materials having a subsidiary class 6.1 and or 8 label. Avoid sources of ignition – naked lights, unprotected light bulbs, electric hand tools, mechanical shock and friction.

Use SCBA and protective clothing when dealing with fire.

Understanding the nature of the precautions that have been laid down under the EmS (Emergency Schedule) it is important to note that all the above precautions need to be taken.

Regarding whether water is to be kept available with a charged hose, is debatable as far as the cargo is concerned – however the likelihood of other non IMDG cargo catching fire does remain as such for the other cargo the fire mains may be utilized.

Water if warranted by the IMDG code for the particular cargo may be used else it should not be used unless shipper says it is OK to use water or to cover spillage on deck with water.

Additionally fire extinguishers – CO2 systems should be kept in readiness.

The ship generally loads this type of cargo last – some ports have special anchorages or berths where such cargo is loaded, thus it is necessary to have the ship ready to leave berth in case of any fire. As such prior loading the ship should be ready to sail at a short notice.
Segregating of dangerous goods

 

 

Segregation

General

The provisions of this chapter should apply to all cargo spaces on deck or under deck of all types of ships and to cargo transport units.

The International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), 1974, as amended, requires in regulation 6.1 of part A of chapter VII that incompatible goods should be segregated from one another.

For the implementation of this requirement, two substances or articles are considered mutually incompatible when their stowage together may result in undue hazards in case of leakage or spillage, or any other accident.

The extent of the hazard arising from possible reactions between incompatible dangerous goods may vary and so the segregation arrangements required should also vary as appropriate.  Such segregation is obtained by maintaining certain distances between incompatible dangerous goods or by requiring the presence of one or more steel bulkheads or decks between them, or a combination thereof.  Intervening spaces between such dangerous goods may be filled with other cargo compatible with the dangerous substances in question.

The following segregation terms are used throughout this Code:

“Away from”;

“Separated from”;

“Separated by a complete compartment or hold from”;

“Separated longitudinally by an intervening complete compartment or hold from”.

The general provisions for segregation between the various classes of dangerous goods are shown in the

segregation table”.

In addition to the general provisions, there may be a need to segregate a particular substance, material or article from other goods, which could contribute to its hazard.  Particular provisions for segregation are indicated in the Dangerous Goods List and, in the case of conflicting provisions, always take precedence over the general provisions.

For example:

In the Dangerous Goods List entry for ACETYLENE, DISSOLVED, class 2.1, UN 1001, the following particular segregation requirement is specified:

“separated from” chlorine

In the Dangerous Goods List entry for BARIUM CYANIDE, class 6.1, UN 1565, the following particular

segregation is specified:

“separated from” acids

Where the Code indicates a single secondary hazard (one subsidiary risk label), the segregation provisions applicable to that hazard should take precedence where they are more stringent than those of the primary hazard.

Except for class 1, the segregation provisions for substances, materials or articles having more than two hazards (2 or more subsidiary risk labels) are given in the Dangerous Goods List.

In the Dangerous Goods List entry for BROMINE CHLORIDE, class 2.3, UN 2901, subsidiary risks 5.1 and 8, the following particular segregation is specified:

“segregation” as for class 5.1 but “separated from” class 7”.

Segregation of packages

Applicability

The provisions of this subsection apply to the segregation of:

packages containing dangerous goods and stowed in the conventional way;

dangerous goods within cargo transport units; and

dangerous goods stowed in the conventional way from those packed in such cargo transport units.

Segregation of packages containing dangerous goods and stowed in the conventional way

Definitions of the segregation terms Legend

Reference package - BLUE

Package containing incompatible goods - RED

Deck resistant to fire and liquid – BOLD LINE

NOTE. Full vertical lines represent transverse bulkheads between cargo spaces (compartments or holds) resistant to fire and liquid.

Away from:

Effectively segregated so that the incompatible goods cannot interact dangerously in the event of an accident but may be transported in the same compartment or hold or on deck, provided a minimum horizontal separation of 3 metres, projected vertically, is obtained.

Separated from:

In different compartments or holds when stowed under deck.  Provided the intervening deck is resistant to fire and liquid, a vertical separation i.e. in different compartments, may be accepted as equivalent to this segregation.  For on deck stowage, this segregation means a separation by a distance of sit least 6 metres horizontally.


Separated by a complete compartment or hold from:

Either a vertical or a horizontal separation. If the intervening decks are not resistant to fire and liquid,      then only a longitudinal separation, i.e. by an intervening complete compartment or hold, is acceptable. For on deck stowage, this segregation means a separation by a distance of at least 12 metres horizontally. The same distance has to be applied if one package is stowed on deck and the other one in an upper compartment.

Note: One of the two decks must be resistant to fire and to liquid.

Separated longitudinally by an intervening complete compartment or hold from:

Vertical separation alone does not meet this requirement. Between a package under deck and one on deck, a minimum distance of 24 metres, including a complete compartment, must be maintained longitudinally. For on deck stowage, this segregation means a separation by a distance of at least 24 metres longitudinally.


Containment covered by the term “packaged form”

Chapter 4.1 describes the different types of packaging for use with goods under the IMDG code.

Definitions

Effectively closed: liquid-tight closure.

Hermetically sealed: vapour-tight closure.

Securely closed: so closed that dry contents cannot escape during normal handling; the minimum provisions for any closure.

General provisions for the packing of dangerous goods, other than goods of classes 2, 6.2 or 7, in packagings, including Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBCs) and large packagings

Dangerous goods should be packed in good quality packagings, including IBCs and large packagings, which should be strong enough to withstand the shocks and loadings normally encountered during transport, including trans-shipment between cargo transport units and/or warehouses as well as any removal from a pallet or overpack for subsequent manual or mechanical handling.  Packagings, including IBCs and large packagings, should be constructed and closed so as to prevent any loss of contents when prepared for transport, which might be caused under normal conditions of transport, by vibration, or by changes in temperature, humidity or pressure (resulting from altitude, for example).  No dangerous residue should adhere to the outside of packages, IBCs and large packagings during transport.  These provisions apply, as appropriate, to new, re-used, reconditioned or remanufactured packagings and to new and re-used IBCs and large packagings.

Parts of packagings, including IBCs and large packagings, which are in direct contact with dangerous goods:

.1 should not be affected or significantly weakened by those dangerous goods; and

.2 should not cause a dangerous effect, such as catalyzing a reaction or reacting with the dangerous goods. 

Where necessary, they should be provided with a suitable inner coating or treatment.

Unless provided elsewhere in this Code, each packaging, including IBCs and large packagings, except inner packagings, should conform to a design type successfully tested in accordance with the provisions in the IMDG code.

When filling packagings, including IBCs and large packagings, with liquids, sufficient ullage (outage) should be left to ensure that neither leakage nor permanent distortion of the packaging occurs as a result of an expansion of the liquid caused by temperatures likely to occur during transport.  Unless specific provisions are prescribed, liquids should not completely fill a packaging at a temperature of 55˚C.  However, sufficient ullage should be left in an IBC to ensure that at the mean bulk temperature of 50˚C it is not filled to more than 98% of its water capacity.

Inner packagings should be packed in an outer packaging in such a way that, under normal conditions of transport, they cannot break, be punctured or leak their contents into the outer packaging.  Inner packagings that are liable to break or be punctured easily, such as those made of glass, porcelain or stoneware or of certain plastics, materials, etc., should be secured in outer packagings with suitable cushioning material.  Any leakage of the contents should not substantially impair the protective properties of the cushioning material or of the outer packaging.

Cushioning and absorbent material should be inert and suited to the nature of the contents.

The nature and the thickness of the outer packagings should be such that friction during transport does not generate any heating likely to alter dangerously the chemical stability of the contents.

Dangerous goods should not be packed together in the same outer packaging, or in large packagings, with dangerous or other goods if they react dangerously with each other and cause:

.1         combustion and/or evolution of considerable heat;

.2         evolution of flammable, toxic or asphyxiant gases;

.3         the formation of corrosive substances; or

.4         the formation of unstable substances.

Unless otherwise specified in the Dangerous Goods List, packages containing substances should be hermetically sealed:

.1         evolve flammable gases or vapour;

.2         may become explosive if allowed to dry;

.3         evolve toxic gases or vapour;

.4         evolve corrosive gases or vapour; or

.5         may react dangerously with the atmosphere.

Liquids may only be filled into inner packagings which have an appropriate resistance to internal pressure that may be developed under normal conditions of transport.  Where pressure may develop in a package by the emission of gas from the contents (as a result of temperature increase or other cause), the packaging may be fitted with a vent, provided that the gas emitted will not cause danger on account of its toxicity, its flammability, the quantity released, etc.  The vent should be so designed that, when the packaging is in the attitude in which it is intended to be transported, leakages of liquid and the penetration of foreign matter are prevented under normal conditions of transport.

New, remanufactured or re-used packagings, including IBCs and large packagings, or reconditioned packagings and repaired IBCs should be capable of passing the tests prescribed in IMDG code.  Before being filled and handed over for transport, every packaging, including IBCs and large packagings, should be inspected to ensure that it is free from corrosion, contamination or other damage and every IBC should be inspected with regard to the proper functioning of any service equipment.  Any packaging which shows signs of reduced strength as compared with the approved design type should no longer be used or should be so reconditioned that it is able to withstand the design type tests.  Any IBC which shows signs of reduced strength as compared with the tested design type should no longer be used or should be so repaired that it is able to withstand the design type tests.

 

Empty packagings, including IBCs and large packagings, that have contained a dangerous substance should be treated in the same manner as is required by this Code for a filled packaging, unless adequate measures have been taken to nullify any hazard.

Every packaging, including IBCS, intended to contain liquids should successfully undergo a suitable leak proofness test, and be capable of meeting the appropriate test level indicated in IMDG code for the various types of IBCs:

.1         before it is first used for transport;

.2         after remanufacturing or reconditioning of any packaging, before it is re-used for transport;

.3 after the repair of any IBC, before it is re-used for transport.

For this test, the packaging, or IBC, need not have its closures fitted.  The inner receptacle of a composite packaging or IBC may be tested without the outer packaging, provided the test results are not affected.  This test is not necessary for inner packagings of combination packagings or large packagings.

Packagings, including IBCS, used for solids which may become liquid at temperatures likely to be encountered during transport should also be capable of containing the substance in the liquid state.

Packagings, including IBCS, used for powdery or granular substances should be sift-proof or should be provided with a liner.

Explosives, self-reactive substances and organic peroxides

Unless specific provision to the contrary is made in this Code, the packagings, including IBCs and large packagings, used for goods of class 1, self-reactive substances of class 4.1 and organic peroxides of class 5.2 should comply with the provisions for the medium danger group (packing group 11).


Use of salvage packagings

Damaged, defective or leaking packages or dangerous goods that have spilled or leaked may be transported in special salvage packagings. This does not prevent- the use of a bigger size of packagings of appropriate type and performance level.

During transport, packagings, including IBCs and large packagings, should be securely fastened to or contained within the cargo transport unit, so that lateral or longitudinal movement or impact is prevented and adequate external support is provided.

Additional general provisions for the use of IBCs

When IBCs are used for the transport of liquids with a flashpoint of 61˚C (closed cup) or lower, or of powders liable to dust explosion, measures should be taken to prevent a dangerous electrostatic discharge.

For rigid plastics IBCs and composite IBCs with plastics inner receptacles, unless otherwise approved by the competent authority, the period of use permitted for the transport of dangerous liquids should be five years from the date of manufacture of the receptacle except where a shorter period of use is prescribed because of the nature of the liquid to be transported.

General provisions concerning packing instructions

Packing instructions applicable to dangerous goods of classes 1 to 9 are specified in chapter 4.1. They are subdivided in three sub-sections depending on the type of packagings to which they apply:

sub-section 4.1.4.1 for packagings other than IBCs and large packagings: these packing instructions are designated by an alphanumeric code comprising the letter “P”;

sub-section 4.1.4.2       for IBCS; these are designated by an alphanumeric code comprising the letters “IBC”;

sub-section 4.1.4.3       for large packagings; these are designated by an alphanumeric code comprising the letters “LP”.

Special packing provisions may also be specified in the packing instruction for individual substances or articles.  They are also designated by an alphanumeric code comprising the letters:

“PP”     for packagings other than IBCs and large packagings

“B”       for IBCs

“L”       for large packagings.

Column 8 of the Dangerous Goods List shows for each article or substance the packing instructions) that should be used.  Column 9 indicates the special packing provisions applicable to specific substances or articles.

Each packing instruction shows, where applicable, the acceptable single and combination packagings.  For combination packagings, the acceptable outer packagings, inner packagings and, when applicable, the maximum quantity permitted in each inner or outer packaging are shown.  Maximum net mass and maximum capacity are as defined in chapter 1.2.1.

Where the packing instructions in this chapter authorize the use of a particular type of outer packaging in a combination packaging (such as 4G), packagings bearing the same packaging identification code followed by the letters “V”, “U” or “W” marked in accordance with the provisions of part 6 (such as “4GV”, “4GU” or “4GW”) may also be used under the same conditions and limitations applicable to the use of that type of outer packaging according to the relevant packing instructions.  For example, a combination packaging marked with the packaging code “4GV” may be used whenever a combination packaging marked “4G” is authorized, provided the provisions in the relevant packing instruction regarding types of inner packagings and quantity limitations are respected.

The capacity of gas cylinders should not exceed 450 litres. The capacity for gas receptacles should not exceed 1000 litres.