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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
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),
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
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.