HANDLING OF DANGEROUS GOODS
definition of ‘Dangerous Cargoes’ for the purposes of shipping is broader
than that used for land transport. The formal definition of Dangerous Cargoes
includes:
oils covered by Annex I of the International Convention for the Prevention
of Pollution from ships.
gases covered by the IMO Code for the Construction and Equipment of
Ships Carrying Liquefied Gases in Bulk;
noxious liquid substances or chemicals, including wastes, covered by the
IMO Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships Carrying Dangerous
Chemicals in Bulk and Annex II of MARPOL;
Dangerous Goods, hazardous and harmful substances, materials and articles
including environmentally hazardous substances (marine pollutants) and wastes
covered by the IMDG Code; and
solid bulk materials possessing chemical hazards and solid bulk materials
hazardous only in bulk (MHBs), including wastes covered by Appendix B of the
IMO Code of Safe Practice for Solid Bulk Cargoes (BC Code).
Classification
Dangerous Goods are classified by a specialist committee of the UN. The
classification is determined by the type of risk involved although it should be noted
that the numerical order of the UN classes is not that of the degree of danger.
The objective of the UN definitions is to indicate which goods are dangerous and in
which class, according to their specific characteristics, they should be included. These
definitions have been devised to provide a common pattern which should prove
possible to follow in the various national and international regulations. Dangerous
Goods (including mixtures and solutions) are assigned to one of nine classes
according to the hazard or the most predominant of the hazards they present. Some of
these classes are subdivided into divisions.
For packing purposes, substances other than those of Classes 1, 2 and 7, divisions
5.2 and 6.2 and other than self-reactive substances of Division 4.1 are assigned to
three Packing Groups in accordance with the degree of danger they present:
Packing Group I: Substances presenting high danger;
Packing Group II: Substances presenting medium danger; and
Packing Group III: Substances presenting low danger.
UN Numbers and Proper Shipping Numbers
Dangerous Goods are assigned to UN numbers and Proper Shipping Names (PSN)
according to their hazard classification and their composition. The precise information
is crucial during transport and it ensures the correct handling, stowage and
segregation.
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
Operational Procedures
As appropriate, each terminal is required to develop and implement operational
procedures for the transport handling or storage of Dangerous Goods. These
procedures must form part of a Safety Management System that enables the
identification, assessment and control of risks associated with the handling of
Dangerous Goods, and take due account of Best International Practices, in particular
recommendations, in relation to safe transport of Dangerous Cargoes and related
activities in port areas.
Notifications
All Dangerous Goods to be imported or exported by vessel, including transshipment
and/or goods transiting the ports. In the case of Dangerous Goods arriving by sea, the
method of notification is through the Ships Pre-Arrival Security Information Form,
which must be submitted not less than 48 hours prior to arrival. In the case of
Dangerous Goods arriving by land, for export, notification should be submitted to the
terminal operator in accordance with the terminal operator’s terms and conditions.
Reporting of Incidents
Any incident involving Dangerous Goods in a port must immediately be reported.
Packaging and Labeling
All Dangerous Goods delivered to or from a port area must be packaged, marked,
labeled and placarded in accordance with the IMDG Code.
Segregation and Safe Storage of Dangerous Goods
Certain Dangerous Goods are incompatible with other goods. They may also present a
risk if exposed to high temperatures, solar radiation or moisture etc. Every terminal
handling Dangerous Goods must ensure the required segregation and environmental
conditions are always maintained.
Area for Damaged Dangerous Goods and Disposal
A terminal handling Dangerous Goods must ensure that an area is designated for
the storage of any damaged Dangerous Goods Cargo Transport Units (CTU). This
area must be provided with suitable facilities to enable the:
(a) repacking of CTUs; and
(b) the separation and disposal of waste contaminated by Dangerous Goods.
Dangerous Goods Advisor
Every terminal transporting, handling or storing Dangerous Goods must appoint
a Dangerous Goods Advisor.
The functions of a Dangerous Goods advisor include:
(a) monitoring compliance with applicable law governing the transport
(b) monitoring the following practices and procedures relating to the activities of the
terminal or berth operator which concern Dangerous
