For ‘dangerous goods’

Ramesh Mamidala DDP Game Changer ICA 2016 & CEO Celebi Delhi Cargo Terminal Management India

Appropriate handling and packaging plays a pivotal role in safe transportation of dangerous goods. Dangerous goods packaging refers to the materials and procedures employed to pack hazardous materials for safe transit and storage. The main priority of packaging of dangerous goods is to ensure that the packaged good is stable and sealed in such a way that ensures no spillage or emission of the material that may cause danger to the person handling it and the environment. Correct labelling and marking is another important pre-requisite in dangerous goods packaging, as this indicates the correct manner in which the dangerous material is required to be handled, stored and transported.

Improper labelling and marking greatly reduces the effectiveness of dangerous goods packaging. Similarly, proper handling and storage of dangerous goods is of utmost importance. There are clear cut classifications of different forms of dangerous goods which have their respective laid down procedures of handling. Different types of dangerous goods should be stored separately to prevent a chemical reaction. It should be understood that dangerous goods are substances that are substantially harmful to people and the environment and can burn or poison people. They should be handled, stored and transported with great care. Inappropriate and unsafe packaging and handling of dangerous goods can cause serious risks to human life, health and harm to the environment. Therefore, unnecessary risks and hazards can be avoided if dangerous goods are packaged and handled with proper care. S. Hari ICA 2016 Winner & General Manager – Sales and Operations CSC India

Dangerous goods vary from radioactive to different types of dangerous goods classified under Different Classes. The major area a shipper, CHA or a transporter should consider before the shipment is handed over to airline or shipping line is to ensure that packaging, labelling and handling information are adequate as per the requirements under of the different classes . Even dangerous goods regulation guided by IATA talks about its importance it in detail. If the cargo which is being transported doesn’t have the adequate packing based on the packing instruction, the terminal operator or the airline before its being taken for carriage rejects it as per the requirements. These rejections need to be avoided as it adds time to the complete process. Awareness is one thing which needs to be there and secondly dangerous goods should be handled by the people who are trained under dangerous goods regulations. Shipper, airline, terminal operator, ground handler and everyone who is involved in the dangerous goods handling need to know the sensitivity of the subject.

The problem today is the packaging which are not adequate, breaks or leaks at the time of multiple handling. So, it must be handled & packed properly and should be carried as per the regulations. It is as good as any other product; the only issue is we have a process or a regulation which regulates the entire process be it acceptance, handling or buildup. If it is being handled as per the regulation, I do not foresee any problem. Presently, all the terminal and airlines across the world are trained to handle dangerous goods and they do it the way it should be handled.

Anand Yedery Regional Cargo Manager – South Asia, Middle East & Africa, Cathay Pacific Airways

A shipment could qualify as dangerous, based on its content. For example, paints while is an everyday consumer product but basis its chemical properties it may qualify as a dangerous good and hence may demand certain packaging requirements. If these requirements are not met or the labelling guidelines are not followed, the ground handling staff wouldn’t be aware of the special supervision required by that particular cargo shipment. This could lead to loss in time, damage to infrastructure and human life. As an airline, we put the safety as a priority and do not go ahead with any shipment if the packaging guidelines are not met.

Dangerous goods have been classified into nine types. Cathay Pacific Cargo is one of the few airlines which move shipments in all categories, but not without a special emphasis on the packaging and labelling requirement for each. There exists a strong communication flow between our agents, sales team, operation and ground handling staff to ensure that specific packaging and labelling guidelines are adhered to and the shipment is warehoused and handled correctly.

Since every shipment of dangerous nature requires unique handling, over the years Cathay Pacific Cargo has formed a well-trained pool of experts. All our staffs, not only at the origin but also the transit ports are certified experts of handling of dangerous goods. Along with a robust communication plan, detailed guidelines, and certified expertise to handle dangerous goods – we aim to provide seamless movement of cargo of this nature. Shailender Anand ICA 2016 Winner & Managing Director - India & Director – Dubai, Pronk Multiservice

The packaging used for their transport and handling plays a key role in greatly minimising such risks. Packing will help ensure the effectiveness with adequate physical safeguards for the given dangerous products. Pronk can customise the packaging with inner fittings and accessories to achieve the best product protection according to DG norms. Following factors need to be considered while packaging of dangerous goods: Knowledge about DG Norms - If one want to transport dangerous goods, then it’s important to have a dangerous goods safety adviser (DGSA). Protection - One of the reasons that containers and pallets have become so standard is that they combine efficiency with excellent cargo protection. Security – Containerisation helps with this, and using container seals makes tampering even less likely. Shrink-wrapping and secure straps also act as deterrents. Mode of transport - For DG products, optimised packaging solutions and cost factors that contribute to the total cost of logistics depend heavily upon the mode of transportation used. Waste legislation - One must comply with the packaging regulations that aim to minimise the amount of waste.