Special Handling Transports: Hazardous Cargo

Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR) are a set of international and national rules that control the classification, packaging, labeling, handling, and transportation of hazardous materials to ensure safety in transit. They apply across air, sea, road, rail, and inland waterways, with each mode having its own governing body and regulations.

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Main International Frameworks

Here’s a breakdown by transport mode:

1. Air Transport – IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations (IATA DGR)
• Based on ICAO Technical Instructions (Annex 18 to the Chicago Convention).
• Published annually by the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
• Specifies:
• 9 hazard classes (explosives, gases, flammable liquids, etc.)
• Packaging instructions (PI numbers)
• Shipper’s declaration requirements
• Marking & labeling rules
• Mandatory for all IATA member airlines and widely used as the industry standard.

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2. Sea Transport – IMDG Code
• International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code by the IMO (International Maritime Organization).
• Implements requirements of SOLAS and MARPOL conventions.
• Covers:
• Classification into 9 UN hazard classes
• Stowage and segregation rules on vessels
• Documentation (Dangerous Goods Manifest)
• Packaging & labeling requirements

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3. Road Transport – ADR Agreement
• European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road.
• Managed by the UNECE.
• Covers:
• Vehicle equipment & driver training
• Packaging codes (UN-approved)
• Placarding & marking of vehicles
• Special provisions for tunnels, temperature control, etc.

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4. Rail Transport – RID
• Regulation concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Rail.
• Harmonized with ADR for classification, packaging, and labeling.

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5. Inland Waterways – ADN
• European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Inland Waterways.

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Core Principles Across All Modes
• UN Number & Proper Shipping Name (PSN) – Each dangerous good is assigned a 4-digit UN number and a standardized name.
• Hazard Classes (1–9) and divisions (e.g., Class 3 = Flammable liquids, Class 8 = Corrosives).
• Packing Groups (I = high danger, II = medium, III = low).
• UN-certified packaging – Tested for leakproofness, stacking, drop resistance.
• Marking & Labeling – Hazard diamonds, handling marks, orientation arrows.
• Documentation – Dangerous Goods Declaration + transport document.
• Training – Mandatory for all personnel handling or shipping dangerous goods.
• Emergency response – Carriers must carry instructions (e.g., Tremcards in ADR).