Learning Objectives 7

Dangerous Cargo

At the end of this lesson, you should be able to :

 Describe the content of IMDG Code
 Identify the classification of DG
 Describe the packaging requirements for DG
 Describe the marking, labelling and placarding of DG
 List the documents required for the carriage of DG
 Describe the stowage requirements for DG
 State necessary precautions for loading and discharging
DG

KNR/01-2003 SP-SMA Slide 1

 Introduction-Dangerous Cargo
The handling and carriage of dangerous goods must be carried out
in full compliance with the laws of the country :
 from which the dangerous goods are being shipped,
 in whose vehicle or ships it is moved,
 through which the goods will transit,
 to its final destination.
So the classification, packaging and stowage of dangerous goods
must be in accordance with any legislation which may be enforced
in
 the country of origin
 the country of destination
 any country which it has entered
 the country under whose flag the carrying vessel operates.
KNR/01-2003 SP-SMA Slide 2
 IMDG Code
 the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code
is based on the report of the United Nations Committee of
Experts on the Transport of Dangerous Goods , which also
forms the basis for legislation and recommendations for
transport of Dangerous Goods by other modes - road, rail
and air.
 The IMDG code comes in 2 volumes and a Supplement.
The 2 volumes cover details of dangerous goods, all of
which are subdivided into:
9 classes.

KNR/01-2003 SP-SMA Slide 3

 Contents of IMDG Code

Contents of the IMDG Code may be summarised as

follows:
a) General Provisions, Definitions and Training.
b) Classification
c) Dangerous Goods list and limited quantities
exceptions – Volume 2
d) Packing and Tank provisions
e) Consignment procedures
f) Construction and testing of packaging
g) Transport operations
h) Supplement covers, Ems, MFAG, Reporting
Procedure, Packing, Pesticides & Others.

KNR/01-2003 SP-SMA Slide 4

 Contents of IMDG Code
Dangerous Goods shall be divided into the following classes:
Class 1 - Explosives
Class 2 - Gases: compressed, liquefied or dissolved under pressure.
Class 3 - Flammable liquids.
Class 4.1 - Flammable solids.
Class 4.2 - Substances liable to spontaneous combustion
Class 4.3 - Substances which, in contact with water, emit flammable
gases.
Class 5.1 - Oxidizing substances
Class 5.2 - Organic peroxides
Class 6.1 - Poisonous (toxic) substances
Class 6.2 - Infectious substances
Class 7 - Radioactive materials
Class 8 - Corrosives
Class 9 - Miscellaneous dangerous substances, that is any other
substance which experience has shown, or may show, to be
of such dangerous character that the provisions of this part
shall apply to it.
KNR/01-2003 SP-SMA Slide 5
 Packaging
 Well made and in good condition.
 Interior not dangerously affected by contact with contents.
 Strong enough to withstand normal handling- by sea.
 Where absorbent or cushioning material is used, it shall be :
 Capable of minimising the dangers to which the liquid may give rise.
 So disposed as to prevent movement and that the receptacle remains surrounded.
 Where reasonably possible, of sufficient quantity to absorb the liquid in the
event of breakage of the receptacle.
 Receptacles to have an ullage (space) to allow for the highest
temperature during normal carriage.
 Receptacles for gases under pressure shall be adequately constructed,
tested, maintained and correctly filled.
 Empty receptacles used previously for carriage of dangerous goods, to
be treated as full, until thoroughly cleaned.

KNR/01-2003 SP-SMA Slide 6

 Marking, Labelling and Placarding

 Packages shall be durably marked with the correct technical name.

 Trade name alone shall not be used.
 Have distinctive labels or placards to indicate dangerous properties
 Markings of technical name, labels or placards shall remains
identifiable on packages surviving at least three months' immersion
in the sea except the followings which may be exempted from
labelling requirements :
 low degree of hazard or packed in limited quantity; and
 When special circumstances permit, packages that are stowed and
handled in units that are identified by labels or placards

KNR/01-2003 SP-SMA Slide 7

 Documents

 the correct technical name and description of the goods

shall be used (trade names alone shall not be used)
 a signed certificate or declaration that the shipment offered
for carriage is properly packaged and marked, labelled or
placarded, and in proper condition for carriage.
 shall have a special list or manifest setting forth, in
accordance with the classification set out in the regulation,
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 special list or manifest.

KNR/01-2003 SP-SMA Slide 8

 Stowage Requirements

 Stowed safely and appropriately according to the nature of goods.

 Incompatible goods shall be segregated from one another.
 Explosives (except ammunition) stowed in a magazine and segregated
from detonators. Electrical apparatus and cables in this
compartment designed and used so as to minimise the risk fire and
explosion.
 Goods which give off dangerous vapours shall be stowed in a well
ventilated space or on deck.
 Where inflammable liquids or gases are carried, special precautions
to be taken where necessary against fire or explosion.
 Substances liable to spontaneous combustion or heating shall not be
carried unless adequate precautions have been taken to prevent
outbreak of fire.

KNR/01-2003 SP-SMA Slide 9

 Precautions for Loading / Discharging
Dangerous Goods
 Packages inspected for signs of damage, leakage prior to being stowed in the
compartment or container.
 Keep combustible materials away from source of ignition.
 Stow in places not liable to damage or heating
 Segregate from substances liable to start or spread fire.
 Ensure accessibility so that dangerous goods may be removed to safety.
 Naked lights and smoking prohibited in or near DG areas at all times.
 Safeguard electrical appliances against short circuit and sparking to avoid risk
of ignition.
 Ensure fire-fighting appliances in constant state of readiness.
 Protective clothing and self-contained breathing apparatus should be available
if cargo is liable of emitting dangerous fumes.
 If loading explosives, avoid bunkering, hot work and working of radar and
radio.

KNR/01-2003 SP-SMA Slide 10

 Precautions for Loading / Discharging
Dangerous Goods- cont...
 Funnel and ventilators be fitted with "spark arrestor" if loading explosive.
 DG cargo tightly stowed and well secured against movement- chafe.
 Securing materials used should be compatible with the DG themselves.
 Securing DG packages which have been wetted by rain, and received in a wet
condition with frost or snow adhering, should he effectively dried before
loading.
 If possible, DG should be handled and stowed during daylight hours, if not,
adequate lighting must be provided during the operation.
 Ambient temperatures in relation to the flash point should be taken into
account -particularly in hot weather/tropical climates.
 If spillage occurs it should be carefully dealt with having regards to the
dangerous nature of the substances.
 Loading and discharging of dangerous goods must be supervised by a
responsible officer. Establish communication with terminal.

KNR/01-2003 SP-SMA Slide 11