Over 1.25 million dangerous goods, also known as hazardous materials (hazmat), are being shipped via air annually. This is why their safety is a critical concern, and several things must be taken into account to ensure this.
The first step is differentiating general cargo from dangerous goods from the onset of the shipping process. It’s imperative to determine the classification of the goods to be transported prior to packing them and planning the shipment.
Some goods, such as car batteries, can easily be identified as dangerous. However, dental apparatus are less apparent. Therefore, the safety of dangerous goods shipping will depend on your knowledge of the hazmat regulations and the goods to be shipped.
Some goods, such as car batteries, can easily be identified as dangerous. However, dental apparatus are less apparent. Therefore, the safety of dangerous goods shipping will depend on your knowledge of the hazmat regulations and the goods to be shipped.
Dangerous Good: What is It?
To comply with the regulations for shipping dangerous goods, you first need to understand what qualifies as one. This helps you clearly identify the risks involved so you can properly manage them.
Dangerous goods are articles or substances that pose a risk to safety, health, property, or the environment. These items are listed in the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR) or are classified in accordance with these guidelines. Here are the 9 classifications of dangerous goods.
Packaging: Why Does It Matter?
Proper packaging is crucial for safely shipping dangerous goods by air. At a minimum, these goods must be placed in high-quality packaging that can withstand the shocks and stresses typically encountered during transport. Depending on the specific hazards of each dangerous good, different packing and packaging requirements apply.Â
By using the correct packing methods and appropriate packaging, dangerous goods are securely contained, ensuring that the risks are effectively managed within the packaging.
4 Ways to Safely Transport Dangerous Goods by Air
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) is dedicated to continuously ensuring the safety of personnel, passengers, and aircraft. Here are their four recommended ways to help companies enhance the safety of shipping dangerous goods by air.
#1 Adhere to the Latest Regulations
In the event of failure to meet these regulations, your shipment can be held or rejected; thus, leading to delays. Additionally, non-compliance may result in costly fines, and in some countries, shippers may face penalties or prosecution for transporting dangerous goods without adhering to the DGR.
Since safety is IATA’s top priority, it is crucial for them to keep up with evolving laws, best practices, and recommendations. By updating their manual annually, IATA ensures that stakeholders have the most current information needed to comply with all regulations.
#2 Undergo Proper Training
Hazmat must be shipped only by personnel who are qualified to handle them. Therefore, it’s crucial for shippers to undergo appropriate dangerous goods training and assessment. Personnel must always be properly trained for their specific job functions to ensure they can perform their duties in compliance with the regulations.
A wide range of training is available tailored to your specific job function. You can find specialized courses for:
- Those accepting dangerous goods consignments
- Transporters of infectious substances
- Packers and shippers
- Security screeners
- Loadmasters and load planners
Your training must be thorough enough to ensure you can meet the regulatory requirements set by the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR). All IATA training courses are specifically designed in accordance with the DGR to ensure the safe transport of dangerous goods via air freight.
#3 Get Your Operations and Staff Certified
The Competency-based Training and Assessment (CBTA) accreditation ensures that an organization’s training program aligns with the training provisions in the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations, adhering to the competence-based training and assessment approach.
#4 Digitalize Your Business Processes
Digitalizing your operations not only modernizes your processes and reduces costs but also addresses safety concerns.
Safely shipping dangerous goods depends on multiple factors, from proper packaging to accurately completing documentation. The Shipper’s Declaration of Dangerous Goods (DGD) contains crucial information about a specific dangerous goods shipment and is used for communication throughout the shipping process.
Manually processing the Shipper’s Declaration can lead to human errors, especially given the high volume of shipments handled daily. Digitalization minimizes these risks by streamlining and automating the process.
Get In Touch with TFI for Safe and Seamless Dangerous Goods Transport
Ensuring the safety of dangerous goods during air transport involves a multi-faceted approach that includes regulatory compliance, thorough training, proper packaging, and digitalization. By implementing these strategies, organizations can minimize risks, protect personnel and the environment, and achieve a higher standard of safety in the handling and transport of hazardous materials. Certified by the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) in the UAE, TFI is your reliable partner for dangerous goods transport. We are experts in handling a wide range of hazardous materials, including:- Class 2: Gasses
- Class 3: Flammable Liquids
- Class 4: Flammable Solids
- Class 5: Oxidizing Substances & Organic Peroxides
- Class 6: Toxic & Infectious Substances
- Class 8: Corrosives
- Class 9: Miscellaneous Substances