Dangerous Stuff - Hazardous Substances

Most of the information in this section has been taken from "The International Freight Guide" with the kind permission of the British International Freight Association.

Responsibility
The Regulations
1. Classification: the Substance
2. Packing
3. Marks and Labelling
4. Documentation
Conclusion

Responsibility

The plethora of rules and regulations that relate to the packing, storage, stowage, marking, labelling, documentation and carriage of hazardous substances demand an increasing application of resources to keep abreast with rules that are frequently changing.

They present a formidable challenge to exporters, forwarders and carriers. Adherence with these regulations is not an option. They represent legal requirements and compliance is mandatory. The legal consequences of not doing so, whether due to ignorance or failure to apply the regulations, are severe for both individuals and companies.

A recent addition to these rules and regulations is "The Transport of Dangerous Goods (Safety Advisors) Regulations 1999", which comes into force on 31 December 1999. Copies can be obtained from The Stationery Office Limited.

Probably the most important part of these new regulations is the following section:

"..4.-(1) No Employer shall transport dangerous goods by road, railway or inland waterway unless-

(a) he has appointed an individual as a safety advisor for the purpose of advising him as to health, safety and environmental matters in connection with the transport of those dangerous goods by the mode or modes of transport concerned…"

The PSL Group have appointed a DGSA (Dangerous Goods Safety Advisor) through BIFA, and are working towards providing a "safety first" procedure for dealing with hazardous movements.

The need for regulation is obvious. With the enormous volumes of ships, aircraft, trailers and trains that transport substances every minute of every day, there will inevitably be accidents. The risks of transportation and, in consequence, possible injury to people and property, should not be increased by unnecessary exposure to, or the result of incorrectly packed or documented, hazardous substances.

The consignor has the specific legal responsibility to declare, document, pack, mark and label the hazardous consignment. The forwarder and carrier have the responsibility to ensure that the consignment is stowed, segregated and secured for transport to its destination in conveyances that are suitable.

It is a shared and often not clearly defined responsibility. Consignors may load containers and trailers and therefore be responsible for stowage and segregation. Forwarders may consolidate and be considered legally as the consignor. The objective of regulations is to ensure the safe carriage of dangerous substances at the minimum of risk.

Percy Pallet™ is a Trademark of the PSL Group. All Trademarks and Registered Trademarks are the property of their respective owners.