Hazardous Goods Management in Cargo Terminals
What is Hazardous Goods Management in Cargo Terminals?
Hazardous goods management in cargo terminals represents a complex system of processes, procedures, technologies, and legislative measures aimed at ensuring safe handling, storage, and transport of materials that may threaten human health, property, or the environment. This field is fundamental to modern logistics and encompasses a wide spectrum of chemical, biological, radioactive, and physically hazardous substances.
Key Management Areas:
- Compliance: The necessity to comply with international and national legislation (IMDG, ADR, RID, 49 CFR, IATA DGR), which regulates classification, packaging, marking, documentation, equipment, and training.
- Safety Procedures: Measures for handling, storage, and transport, including segregation, emergency preparedness, and use of PPE.
- Risk Management: Risk assessment, emergency plan development, prevention, and minimization of accident consequences (leaks, fires, explosions).
- Training and Competence: Mandatory and regular employee training according to the type of handling and role in the chain, including professional certifications (e.g., ADR/RID safety advisor).
- Technology and Monitoring: Monitoring of temperature, humidity, goods movement, detection of leaks or unwanted changes in condition using sensors and IT systems.
Legislative Framework and International Standards
Transport of dangerous goods is strictly regulated by international conventions and technical standards:
| Regulation / Convention | Area of Application | Key Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| ADR | Road transport in Europe | Classification, marking, packaging, driver training, safety advisor |
| RID | Rail transport | Classification, packaging, tanks, marking, documentation, safety rules |
| IMDG Code | Maritime transport | IMO code, classification, packaging, marking, segregation, documentation |
| IATA DGR | Air transport | Strict limits, packaging, marking, documentation, restrictions for certain substances |
| 49 CFR | USA – all types of transport | Federal framework, high documentation requirements, training, packaging, marking |
Alphabetical Glossary of Terms
49 CFR (Code of Federal Regulations, Title 49)
Description:
American federal regulation governing the transport of hazardous materials by all modes of transport (road, rail, air, and maritime). Administered by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). Contains detailed requirements for classification, packaging, marking, documentation, mandatory employee training, and vehicle and container inspections.
Additional Information:
- 49 CFR contains a detailed “Hazardous Materials Table” listing permitted limits, packaging types, special requirements, etc.
- Mandatory record-keeping of training, regular equipment inspections, strict emergency planning requirements (Emergency Response Information).
- Violations can result in high fines or prohibition of operations.
- Applies to international transport of goods entering/leaving the United States.
ADR (European Agreement Concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road)
Description:
International agreement regulating rules for road transport of dangerous goods in Europe. Establishes classification of substances, obligations of manufacturers, shippers, carriers, and recipients, requirements for vehicles, driver training, marking, equipment, and emergency measures.
Additional Information:
- ADR is updated every 2 years, with the latest changes effective from January 1, 2023.
- Requirement for a safety advisor for companies that transport, dispatch, or receive dangerous substances (see § 24a of Act No. 111/1994 Coll. on Road Transport).
- Specifications for vehicle equipment requirements (fire extinguishers, spill containment trays, personal protective equipment).
- Mandatory driver training concluded with an examination and issuance of an ADR certificate.
Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
Description:
Standardized document (according to REACH and CLP regulations) containing 16 sections with information on chemical, physical, and toxicological properties of a substance, handling instructions, storage, health protection, first aid, and emergency response procedures.
Additional Information:
- Mandatory for all hazardous substances/compounds in the EU.
- Must always be available at the place of handling/storage – e.g., in digital form, in the language of the country where the activity takes place.
- The safety data sheet is the basis for employee training, emergency plan development, and communication with emergency services.
Emergency Response Plan
Description:
A set of procedures and measures for managing extraordinary events (leaks, fires, explosions, contamination) in the terminal. Establishes tasks for individual workers, emergency service contacts, placement of emergency equipment, evacuation routes, methods of informing the public and authorities.
Additional Information:
- Mandatory for all operations according to the law on prevention of major accidents (No. 224/2015 Coll., known as SEVESO III).
- Must be regularly updated and practiced (minimum once per year).
- Must include a site map, warehouse locations, hydrants, escape routes, list of PPE, and contact persons.
IMDG Code (International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code)
Description:
International IMO code for safe transport of dangerous goods in maritime transport. Legally binding for all ships under the flag of states that have signed the SOLAS convention. Contains detailed classification, packaging requirements, marking, stowage in container ships, and container segregation.
Additional Information:
- Regularly updated (every 2 years, latest version effective from 2024).
- Essential is the so-called segregation table, which precisely defines which types of dangerous substances must not be stored next to each other.
- Mandatory documentation (Dangerous Goods Declaration), marking of containers with IMO labels, personnel training in ports.
Incompatible Materials
Description:
Substances that can cause dangerous reactions upon mutual contact (combustion, explosion, toxic gases, strong heating). Proper segregation is key to preventing accidents.
Practical Examples:
- Flammable materials and oxidizing agents (e.g., gasoline and sodium hypochlorite).
- Acids and bases (e.g., sulfuric acid and sodium hydroxide).
- Organic peroxides and heavy metals (explosion risk).
- Segregation is mandatory and precisely defined in all regulations (IMDG, ADR, RID).
Classification of Dangerous Goods
Description:
The process of assigning a substance to hazard classes according to its primary risk (according to the UN system – UN Recommendations). This determines packaging, marking, and transport method.
Overview of Classes:
| Class | Name and Example | Primary Risk |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Explosives (dynamite, pyrotechnics) | Explosion |
| 2 | Gases (propane, oxygen, chlorine) | Pressure, toxicity, flammability |
| 3 | Flammable liquids (gasoline, ethanol) | Flammability |
| 4 | Flammable solids, spontaneously combustible substances | Self-ignition, formation of flammable gases with water |
| 5 | Oxidizing substances, organic peroxides | Support of combustion, possibility of explosion |
| 6 | Toxic and infectious substances (cyanides, viruses) | Toxicity, infection |
| 7 | Radioactive materials | Ionizing radiation |
| 8 | Corrosives (sulfuric acid) | Corrosivity |
| 9 | Other hazardous substances (lithium batteries, dry ice) | Various risks |
Handling Hazardous Materials
Description:
Physical operations with hazardous substances – unloading, moving, storage, loading. Requires the use of certified equipment (cranes, forklifts with antistatic elements), strict adherence to work procedures, and trained personnel.
Specifics:
- Mandatory use of PPE (see below).
- Regular inspection of the condition of packaging, marking, and seal integrity.
- Immediate reporting of incidents (leaks, packaging damage).
- Documentation of every goods movement in terminal record systems.
Packaging
Description:
Special containers and packaging designed for safe transport and storage of hazardous substances. Must comply with UN standards and undergo resistance tests (drop, pressure, tightness tests).
Packaging Parameters:
- UN marking (e.g., UN 4G/Y25/S/22/CZ/1234 – type, group, year, country, manufacturer).
- Performance groups (I – high hazard, II – medium, III – low).
- Specific material requirements (corrosion resistance, absorption).
- Regular inspections and replacement of packaging according to current legislation.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Description:
Protective devices for workers handling hazardous substances. Part of mandatory equipment for any handling or intervention.
Types of PPE:
- Safety glasses, face shields
- Respirators, masks with filters
- Chemically resistant gloves and clothing
- Safety footwear with non-slip and antistatic treatment
- Helmets, hearing protection
- Special suits for intervention in case of toxic substance leaks
Requirements:
- Regular inspections and replacements according to manufacturer’s instructions.
- Employee training in use, maintenance, and disposal of PPE.
- Record of issuance and use.
Marking and Labeling
Description:
A system of visual identification of hazardous substances that informs about the type of hazard and nature of the material.
Types of Marking:
- Labels: Diamond-shaped symbols (100 × 100 mm), color and pictogram according to hazard class.
- Placards: Larger signs (250 × 250 mm) on containers, vehicles, railway cars.
- Inscriptions and UN Numbers: Mandatory for all packages and transport means.
- EHS Tables: For substances hazardous to the environment.
Legislative Basis:
- Requirement according to ADR, RID, IMDG, 49 CFR, CLP regulation (EU).
Hazardous Materials Regulations
Description:
A comprehensive set of rules governing classification, packaging, marking, transport, storage, training, and emergency measures for dangerous goods.
Most Important Regulations:
- International: IMDG, ADR, RID, IATA DGR, UN RTDG (Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods).
- National: Act No. 111/1994 Coll. (road transport), Ministry of Transport decrees, Act No. 224/2015 Coll. (SEVESO III), Act No. 258/2000 Coll. (public health protection).
- Each regulation establishes requirements for a specific type of transport, packaging, marking, documentation, training, equipment, etc.
Segregation
Description:
Physical separation of incompatible types of hazardous goods during storage and transport. Prevents the occurrence of dangerous reactions.
Requirements:
- Compliance with minimum distances between containers, separate storage zones.
- Segregation tables in IMDG, ADR, RID determine specific spacing and combinations that are not permitted.
- Prohibition of joint storage of certain classes (e.g., class 3 and class 5.1).
Terminal Storage
Description:
Safe placement of hazardous substances in the terminal according to strict rules.
Requirements:
- Designated zones separated from normal operations, protected from weather conditions.
- Impermeable surfaces, emergency containment trays.
- Fire protection (detection, hydrants, extinguishing systems).
- Monitoring systems (sensors for gas leaks, temperature, humidity, access control).
- Regular inspections of storage unit condition, movement records.
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