Dangerous Goods Awareness

Summary

This training program on dangerous goods handling provides essential knowledge for safe air transport. It covers the identification, classification, and labeling of hazardous materials, including the nine classes of dangerous goods. The program also highlights regulatory bodies like ICAO and IATA, and emphasizes the importance of compliance with handling, storage, and segregation procedures. Key topics include dealing with undeclared dangerous goods, ensuring proper labeling, and responding to emergencies involving hazardous substances. By the end, participants will be equipped to manage dangerous goods safely and efficiently in aviation contexts.

Takeaways

• 😀 Dangerous goods can pose significant risks to health, safety, property, or the environment, but can be safely transported by air if proper regulations are followed.
• 😀 The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) provide the guidelines for the safe transport of dangerous goods.
• 😀 Dangerous goods are classified into nine classes based on their hazards, including explosives, gases, flammable liquids, toxic substances, and radioactive materials.
• 😀 Not all dangerous goods can be transported on all aircraft; some are forbidden, while others can only be carried on cargo aircraft or require special exemptions.
• 😀 Dangerous goods must be properly declared and identified. Hidden dangerous goods in cargo may be discovered through smell, unusual sounds, or leakage signs.
• 😀 Each dangerous goods package must have proper labeling and marking, including hazard symbols, UN numbers, and shipping names to ensure correct handling and safety.
• 😀 Special labels indicate whether a package should be loaded on cargo aircraft only or requires a specific orientation (e.g., 'This way up' labels for liquids).
• 😀 Dangerous goods can also be identified by packaging markings like UN numbers, proper shipping names, and net weights, all of which are crucial for proper handling.
• 😀 The segregation chart is vital to ensure dangerous goods are loaded separately according to their compatibility, as some substances cannot be stored together due to their reactivity.
• 😀 In case of an emergency involving dangerous goods, actions include identifying the substance, evacuating the area, inspecting for contamination, and handling leaks with caution.

Q & A

What is the aim of the dangerous goods handling program?

The aim of the program is to familiarize participants with the details required for the safe handling of dangerous goods, including general philosophy, labeling, storage, loading, emergency procedures, and applicable legislation.

What are the nine classes of dangerous goods?

The nine classes of dangerous goods are: 1) Explosives, 2) Gases, 3) Flammable Liquids, 4) Flammable Solids, 5) Oxidizing Substances and Organic Peroxides, 6) Toxic and Infectious Substances, 7) Radioactive Materials, 8) Corrosive Substances, and 9) Miscellaneous Dangerous Goods.

What are dangerous goods forbidden from being carried on an aircraft under any circumstances?

Dangerous goods forbidden from being carried on an aircraft include substances that react dangerously, produce flames, heat, or toxic/corrosive gases under normal transport conditions. An example is wet charcoal.

What is the role of the shipper in dangerous goods handling?

The shipper is responsible for ensuring that each package of dangerous goods is properly labeled and marked, and that all necessary labels and markings required by dangerous goods regulations are displayed.

What is the purpose of the segregation chart in handling dangerous goods?

The segregation chart is used to ensure that incompatible dangerous goods are not stored or loaded next to each other. It helps identify which substances can be safely stored together and which must be kept apart.

What are the procedures to follow in the case of a dangerous goods emergency?

In case of a dangerous goods emergency, the steps include notifying your supervisor, identifying the substance from the package markings, evacuating the area, not loading the package, inspecting adjacent packages for contamination, and approaching leaking substances with caution.

What should be done if a package of dangerous goods is found damaged?

If a package is found damaged, you should immediately notify your supervisor, remove other property from around it, evacuate the area, and inspect adjacent packages for contamination.

What is the role of regulatory bodies like ICAO and IATA in dangerous goods transport?

ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) and IATA (International Air Transport Association) set the guidelines and regulations for the safe transportation of dangerous goods by air. ICAO provides recommendations and updates the technical instructions, while IATA applies those instructions in the daily transport of dangerous goods.

What are the potential signs of undeclared dangerous goods?

Signs of undeclared dangerous goods include unusual smells (like fuel), rattling sounds during movement, and evidence of leakage or liquid stains on or around the package.

What does the 'Cargo Aircraft Only' label indicate?

The 'Cargo Aircraft Only' label indicates that the package poses extreme danger and must not be loaded on passenger aircraft. It typically marks items that are hazardous or sensitive to certain transport conditions.