Six ways to transport dangerous goods

It can be dangerous for the environment, property, and people if dangerous goods are not transported correctly due to the hazardous chemicals they contain. It requires responsibility, planning and consideration to transport hazardous goods.

It is crucially important to use the right storage containers, segregating chemicals, managing temperatures and manage licenses. There are challenges that can arise if you’re transporting dangerous goods.

Before you start, here are the essential things that you need to keep in mind.

Know what kind and types of dangerous goods you are transporting.

Dangerous goods are typically divided into nine-hazardous goods. It is important to understand the risks and hazardous circumstances that can arise if goods are not transported carefully and correctly.

Here are the 9 types of dangerous goods you need to have extensive knowledge about:

• Explosives, like ammunition or fireworks.
• Gases, inclusive of flammable gases (like LPG and aerosols), non-flammable gases (Like nitrogen or helium), and toxic gases (like ammonia or nitric acid).
• Flammable liquids, like acetone or petrol.
• Flammable substances and solids, including spontaneously combustible elements such as carbon or calcium dithionite, and substances that can become dangerous when wet, such as calcium carbide.
• Organic peroxides and oxidising substances, such as swimming pool chlorine or benzoyl peroxide.
• Infectious and toxic substances, like pesticides or cyanides.
• Corrosive substances, like HCl.
• Others, inclusive of dry ice, and high-temperature liquids like bitumen.
• Mixed class goods, having more than one class.

The six-important requirements for transporting dangerous goods are:

1.  Beware of storage temperatures:

There are certain goods such as peroxides that need to be kept below a certain temperature in order to prevent any reaction from occurring. Make sure you are well-equipped and hold knowledge regarding the temperatures required for transporting the materials. It is important that materials are controlled in the condition of the transportation as well as maintain the temperature they are stored at. 

2. Segregate the goods correctly:

While transporting dangerous goods, make sure that incompatible classes do not make contact with each other as they can cause highly dangerous reactions. Many types of hazardous goods need to be stored individually in separate containers and there are some chemicals or hazardous materials that require to be transported completely in separate vehicles.

3. Label goods correctly

It is important to label all hazardous chemicals around the world. It is a requirement set in place by the UN. These include primary and secondary containers that are used in transportation, so it’s important all your storage units meet the GHS label requirements.

4. Have the correct transport documentation.

While transporting dangerous goods, regulators can ask you to provide documentation at any time. It is important that you carry all transportation documents and able to provide satisfactory information about dangerous goods.

The documents must have the contact information of the consignor as well as a detailed description of the dangerous goods that need to meet specific guidelines. Some countries or cities around the world have no-go transport zones and this also bans the transportation of dangerous goods within those areas.

5.    Off-load carefully

When you are off-loading dangerous goods, there are safety protocols that need to be followed such as making sure that the off-loading place is clear of any obstacles and you minimize the vehicle and human traffic. If you are shifting hazardous goods from one floor to another, make sure that they are no loose-floor boards or safety risks.

6.    Understand the flashpoints

It is critical to store flammable goods below their flash points to help to prevent fires and explosions. A flashpoint of dangerous goods is the lowest temperature at which the vapors of flammable liquid can ignite into flames and explosions.

Various liquids have different flash points as some may have below 0 degrees Celsius. Train your employees to be aware of the flashpoints of dangerous goods before transporting them.

Companies like FET logistics make sure that all safety protocols are followed while transporting dangerous goods.