Glossary
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#Hazardous Goods
Hazardous Goods in Shipping Containers
Hazardous Goods (also known as Dangerous Goods, Hazmat) are substances, mixtures or objects that, by their chemical, physical or biological nature, pose a risk to human health, safety, property or environment during transport and storage. These materials include a wide range of items, from explosives and flammable substances, through corrosives, radioactive materials to modern lithium-ion batteries.
Transport of Hazardous Goods in Shipping Containers is an area of global logistics with the highest level of regulation and safety requirements. The rules for containers with hazardous goods are based on international agreements and codes, in particular the IMDG Code and ADR (for road transport). The reason is to ensure that chemicals, gases, explosives and other hazardous materials are transported with maximum protection of human health, property and the environment.
Difference between Hazardous Materials and Dangerous Goods
In international transport practice, you will often encounter two terms:
- Hazardous Materials (Hazmat): Preferred in the USA, defined by the US Department of Transportation (DOT); refers to any substance with disproportionate risk during transport.
- Dangerous Goods (DG): Standard in international maritime and air transport; used by organizations such as IMO (International Maritime Organization) and ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization).
In European and global maritime transport, the decisive term is Dangerous Goods and the associated IMDG Code.
IMDG Code – Legal Basis for Transport Safety
International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code (IMDG Code) is a legally binding code that establishes uniform rules for the transport of hazardous substances and objects by sea. The administration of the code is ensured by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), a specialized UN agency.
Why is IMDG Code Key for Container Transport?
- It is binding for all ships sailing under the flag of states that are signatories to the SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) and MARPOL (Prevention of Pollution of the Sea) conventions.
- It is implemented into national legislation and determines the entire transport process: from packing and marking, through documentation to emergency planning.
- It is regularly updated to reflect new types of risks, substances and technologies.
Objectives of IMDG Code:
| Objective | Description |
|---|---|
| Crew and Personnel Protection | Minimizing risk for anyone who comes into contact with hazardous cargo. |
| Property Protection | Prevention of damage to ships, containers and other cargo. |
| Environmental Protection | Prevention of leaks and contamination of seas and oceans. |
The Code sets out detailed requirements for classification, packing, marking, labeling, documentation, storage and segregation of hazardous goods in containers.
Classification of Hazardous Goods: 9 UN Classes
The UN system divides hazardous substances into 9 basic classes of hazard. Each class has specific rules for packing, marking and transport in containers.
Table: Overview of Hazardous Goods Classes
| Class | Name | Example | Typical Packing/Containers | Transport Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Explosives | Ammunition, pyrotechnics | Special explosive boxes, IMO 1 container | Strict limits, segregation, authority approval |
| 2 | Gases | Acetylene, chlorine, nitrogen | Pressure cylinders, tank containers | Tightness control, valve inspection, marking |
| 3 | Flammable Liquids | Gasoline, paints, alcohol | IBC containers, drums, tank containers | Protection against sparking, ventilation |
| 4 | Flammable Solids, Self-ignition | Matches, sulfur | Drums, barrels, boxes | Dry environment, segregation from water |
| 5 | Oxidizing Substances, Peroxides | Nitrates, hydrogen peroxide | Reinforced packaging, IBC | Separate from flammable materials |
| 6 | Toxic, Infectious Substances | Cyanides, biological samples | Hermetic containers, boxes | Crew protection, emergency plan |
| 7 | Radioactive Materials | Medical isotopes, uranium | Certified type A/B/C boxes | Special license, monitoring |
| 8 | Corrosives | Sulfuric acid, caustic soda | Plastic drums, IBC | Leak protection, ventilation |
| 9 | Other Hazardous Substances | Lithium batteries, dry ice | Cartons, IBC, special boxes | Specific conditions per IMDG |
Detailed Analysis of Individual Classes
Class 1: Explosives
- Division into 6 subclasses according to type of risk (mass explosion, fragmentation, fire, etc.).
- Transport only in certified packaging with appropriate labels.
- Requires special permits, segregation from other classes, prohibition of smoking/handling with open flame.
Class 2: Gases
- Divided into flammable, non-flammable/non-toxic and toxic.
- Most common packing: pressure cylinders, often in special frame containers.
- Must protect valves, prevent heating above permitted temperature.
- In case of gas leak, there is risk of explosion, poisoning or asphyxiation.
Class 3: Flammable Liquids
- Flash point below 60 °C.
- Typical containers: drums, IBC, tank containers (ISO tanks).
- During transport, protection against static electricity and sparking must be ensured.
- Paints, varnishes, solvents often fall into this class.
Class 4: Flammable Solids, Self-ignition, Substances Reacting with Water
- Flammable solids: celluloid, matches, sulfur.
- Substances prone to self-ignition: phosphorus, coal – must be packed in inert atmosphere, protected from air.
- Substances releasing gases with water: calcium carbide, sodium – transport in dry conditions, prohibition of contact with moisture.
Class 5: Oxidizing Substances and Organic Peroxides
- Can support combustion of other substances even without the presence of oxygen.
- Typical packing: reinforced plastic or metal packaging, IBC.
- Segregation required from flammable, self-igniting substances and reducing agents.
Class 6: Toxic and Infectious Substances
- Toxic substances: pesticides, cyanides, arsenic – transported in hermetically sealed containers.
- Infectious substances: biological samples, viruses – strict marking requirements, packing in three layers (primary, secondary, outer packaging).
- Special emergency plan in case of leak.
Class 7: Radioactive Materials
- Packaging must meet strict requirements for durability, impermeability and shielding.
- All shipments are carefully monitored, transport can only be carried out by specially certified carriers.
- Examples: medical or industrial radioisotopes.
Class 8: Corrosive Substances
- Substances causing chemical burns to living tissue and/or damage to containers.
- Typical packing: drums made of chemically resistant plastic, IBC containers with inner liner.
- Measures against leaks, mandatory “CORROSIVE” marking.
Class 9: Other Hazardous Substances
- Wide range: lithium-ion batteries, dry ice, genetically modified organisms.
- Specific requirements depending on the nature of the substance, often a combination of multiple risks (e.g. flammability + toxicity).
Requirements for Packing, Types of Containers and Their Certification
Types of Containers Used for Hazardous Goods
| Container Type | Use | Specifics |
|---|---|---|
| Standard ISO Container | Solids, some liquids in packaging | Proper securing required, ventilation |
| Tank Container (ISO Tank) | Liquids, gases | Built-in cistern, certification per IMDG |
| IBC (Intermediate Bulk Container) | Liquids, solids | Volume 450–3000 l, UN certification |
| Special Container | Explosives, radioactive materials | Reinforced construction, monitoring |
Certification and Testing of Packaging
- Packaging must be UN-certified, tested for resistance to drops, pressure, puncture, leaks.
- Each package is marked with a UN code (e.g. 1A1/Y1.2/250/22/D/BAM12345).
Table: Main Types of UN Packaging
| Code | Type of Packaging | Example Use |
|---|---|---|
| 1A1 | Steel drum with fixed head | Flammable liquids, corrosives |
| 3H1 | Plastic canister | Toxic liquids |
| 4G | Composite packaging (cardboard) | Smaller chemical packages |
| 6HA1 | Composite container | Substances requiring double security |
Marking, Labeling and Documentation
Marking
- Each package/container must be marked with UN number (e.g. UN 1993), official name, package code and other information.
- For substances hazardous to the marine environment, the “Marine Pollutant” mark is mandatory.
Labels and Placards
- Each package bears a diamond-shaped label with class number, pictogram and possibly hazard code.
- Containers must have larger placards on all sides.
- Some classes require multiple labels (for example flammable + toxic).
Examples of Labels:
- Class 3 (Flammable Liquids): red diamond with flame and number 3.
- Class 8 (Corrosives): black and white diamond with hand and metal corroded by liquid.
Documentation
- Dangerous Goods Declaration (DGD): Key document where the shipper confirms correct classification, packing and marking.
- Container/Vehicle Packing Certificate: Confirmation of correct loading and securing of goods.
- Transport Emergency Card (Tremcard): Instructions for driver/carrier in case of emergency.
Storage and Segregation in Container
- Stowage: Hazardous goods must be safely secured inside the container against movement, overturning or damage.
- Segregation: IMDG Code establishes a table of incompatible classes/substances – for example, acids must not be with substances that react violently with them.
- Practical Rules: Flammable materials, toxic substances and oxidizers should be separated by partitions, in separate parts of the container.
Roles and Responsibilities in the Transport Chain
Overview of Responsibilities
| Subject | Responsibilities |
|---|---|
| Shipper | Classification, packing, marking, documentation |
| Packing Facility | Correct storage, cargo securing, issuance of Packing Certificate |
| Carrier | Documentation verification, correct stowage, segregation on ship |
| Ship Captain | Final approval, right to refuse cargo |
| Receiving Party | Inspection of package integrity, assumption of responsibility |
Emergency Preparedness and Safety
- Emergency Response Procedures (EmS Guide): Part of IMDG code, provides ship crew with detailed instructions for handling fires, leaks and other emergencies.
- Medical First Aid Guide (MFAG): Guide to first aid in case of exposure to hazardous substances.
- 24/7 Emergency Contact: Shipper must often provide a contact person or service (e.g. CHEMTREC) capable of providing immediate advice in case of incident.
- Regular Crew Training: All personnel must be trained in accordance with IMDG code.
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