For a shipper, the first task on your checklist on ‘how to transport dangerous goods safely’ is to know the basics of ensuring that your shipment is securely packaged for transportation. But what are those basics? We will run you through that. 

It always starts with knowing what qualifies the goods as ‘dangerous goods’ (or hazardous materials, also known as hazmat). Don’t worry, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) has got your back!

What are Dangerous Goods?

According to IATA’s Dangerous Good Regulations (DGR) Manual, “Dangerous goods (also known as hazardous materials or hazmat) are articles or substances which are capable of posing a hazard to health, safety, property or the environment and which are shown in the list of dangerous goods in the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations or which are classified according to those Regulations.” 

Get the Dangerous Good Regulations (DGR) Manual here: Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR) 

Next on the list is understanding that IATA works in tandem with two institutions primarily to ensure the safety of goods against any kind of spillage, temperature excursions or any hazardous chemical reaction. These are the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) and the United Nations (UN). 

The IATA DGR Manual is based on instructions issued by ICAO and the classification of hazardous substances by the UN, providing clear communication on how to handle them throughout transport to all stakeholders involved.

Want to know the classes of DG goods? Here it is:

• Class 1—Explosives
• Class 2—Gases
• Class 3—Flammable Liquids
• Class 4—Flammable Solids; Substances Liable to Spontaneous Combustion; Substances which, in Contact with Water, Emit Flammable Gases
• Class 5—Oxidising Substances and Organic Peroxides
• Class 6—Toxic and Infectious Substances
• Class 7—Radioactive Material
• Class 8—Corrosives
• Class 9—Miscellaneous Dangerous Substances and Articles, Including Environmentally Hazardous Substances

Besides these, the IATA DGR Manual also updates its guidelines based on specific airlines’ rules and regulations, changing procedures, and country-specific rules, which are often more definitive and restrictive than the general ICAO instructions. 

Now that the basics are understood, let’s move on to the next part—the step-by-step process of how it is executed.

• Shipper’s Declaration of Dangerous Goods, along with the Air Waybill – The shipper needs to fill out the paperwork correctly, making sure everything is easy to read, signed where it needs to be, and that the shipment follows IATA’s rules and regulations.
• Certified Packaging (UN-specification tested materials) – When shipping hazardous materials, it’s important for shippers to follow specific guidelines based on how dangerous each substance is. That’s why we have Packing Groups to make things easier.

Packing Groups help identify which types of materials are involved. Packing Group I is for stuff that’s really dangerous, Packing Group II is for medium-risk items, and Packing Group III is for things that are low risk.

•  Proper Labeling (Hazard class labels, UN numbers) – Dangerous goods need to be labeled based on what they are and how hazardous they are, as indicated by their Packing Group.

Labels should be easy to see and shouldn’t have any unrelated stickers or markings on them. They need to be sturdy, stick well, and be clearly visible on the outside of the package. All labels must follow specific rules for things like shape, color, format, symbols, and text. Plus, every label should have an English version, in addition to the original language.

On top of proper labeling, manufacturers and distributors also have to provide important info on how to put together and use the packaging correctly.

• Trained Personnel (every 2 years per IATA standards) – IATA requires that people who work with dangerous goods in air transport get retrained every two years to keep up with the latest regulations. This training is really important for making sure everything stays safe and compliant when it comes to moving hazardous materials.
• Segregation & Aircraft Compatibility checks – Segregation is all about keeping dangerous goods that don’t mix apart so they don’t react badly with each other. Aircraft compatibility checks make sure that the specific dangerous goods are okay to bring on the chosen aircraft and that they fit within its operational limits.
• Notification to Captain (NOTOC) for every DG load – The Notification to Captain (NOTOC) is a form that lets the pilot know about any dangerous goods being transported on the aircraft. It’s the main source of info for the flight crew about what those goods are, where they’re located, and how much of them there is. It also confirms that all the rules set by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) regarding dangerous goods have been followed.

The NOTOC must include the following information:

• The Air Waybill number (when issued)
• The proper shipping name and UN or ID number
• The class or division and any subsidiary hazard
• For non-radioactive packages, the number of packages, the net quantity or gross weight (including the unit of measurement), if required on the Shipper’s Declaration and the exact loading location
• For radioactive material: the number of packages, their category, their transport index, if applicable, and their exact loading location
• Whether the package is restricted to cargo aircraft only
• The airport at which the package is to be unloaded
• An indication that the dangerous goods are being carried under a State exemption, if applicable

Glitch in Compliance? Learn what happens then.

Improper DG handling can lead to grounding of flights, heavy fines, fire risk, and even explosions. Airlines and handlers must follow strict SOPs and documentation protocols.

Galaxypacs to your rescue!

Hello shipper, are you looking for assistance in transporting your air cargo shipment containing DG goods? Write to us at contact@galaxypacs.com.

Visit our website at www.galaxypacs.com for comprehensive assistance.

You can also contact our team of experts for round-the-clock consultation on how to optimise your packaging. Call us at +91 98926 62435 for more information.

If you’re involved in shipping infectious substances, it’s essential to understand the rules for Class 6.2 dangerous goods according to UN regulations.

Class 6.2 covers infectious substances, which are materials that might contain pathogens harmful to humans or animals. Some examples include:

Bacteria:

• Bacillus anthracis
• Streptococcus
• E. coli

Fungi:

• Candida
• Cryptococcus neoformans
• Mucormycetes

Parasites:

• Ancylostomiasis
• Cysticercosis
• Filariasis

Viruses:

• Ebola virus
• Monkeypox virus
• Lumpy skin disease virus

At Galaxypacs, we offer packaging solutions tailored for transporting these infectious substances. It’s really important to use the right packaging specified in the dangerous goods regulations for whichever transport method you choose.

Who Needs This Info?

A large number of Class 6.2 packages are medical samples. This is mainly because any infectious substances from humans or animals that might contain pathogens fall into the Category B Class 6.2 category.

These Class 6.2 samples often need to be sent to or from places like hospitals, prisons, or veterinary clinics since they include biological products, cultures, patient specimens, and medical waste, all of which can be harmful to people or animals.

This information is relevant for any business dealing with infectious substances in shipping, whether you’re the sender, carrier, or receiver. But keep in mind, the sender (consignor) is responsible for making sure the shipment is packaged and labeled correctly, so they’ll find this shipping guidance particularly useful.

In today’s global trade and logistics world, shipping isn’t just about everyday items. Many industries transport materials that can be risky for health, safety, property, or the environment. These materials are known as Dangerous Goods (DG) or Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT). 

Dangerous goods are substances or items that can create problems when not handled, packaged, or moved the right way. They can be explosive, flammable, toxic, corrosive, radioactive, or harmful to the environment. Organisations like the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) set strict rules for how to classify and handle DG.

Classification of Dangerous Goods

Dangerous goods are divided into nine classes based on their hazards:

1. Explosives (like fireworks and ammunition)

2. Gases (compressed or liquefied gases like LPG and oxygen cylinders)

3. Flammable Liquids (think paints, solvents, gasoline)

4. Flammable Solids (like matches and magnesium)

5. Oxidising Substances and Organic Peroxides (like hydrogen peroxide)

6. Toxic and Infectious Substances (like pesticides and medical samples)

7. Radioactive Materials (like uranium)

8. Corrosive Substances (like acids and batteries)

9. Miscellaneous Dangerous Goods (like dry ice and lithium batteries)

Why Proper Handling is Important

If dangerous goods aren’t handled or transported properly, it can lead to accidents, fires, environmental damage, or even legal trouble. That’s why it’s super important to have trained professionals package, label, and document these items before they’re shipped.

Regulatory Compliance

Transporting dangerous goods is subject to various international and local regulations, including:

– IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR) for air transport

– IMDG Code for sea transport

– ADR for road transport

These regulations lay out the rules for packaging, documentation, labelling, and emergency procedures.

Role of Professional Packaging Companies

Companies that specialise in packaging, like Galaxypacs, make sure dangerous goods are packed according to all global standards. By using certified materials and proper labelling, Galaxypacs helps ensure that your shipments are safe, compliant, and can be accepted by carriers.