Shipping Dangerous Goods

Sending products from one point to another can be complex. When shipping dangerous goods, you must follow specific regulations and guidelines to protect people, property and the environment. Complying with national and international hazardous material safety regulations is crucial to ensure the goods reach their destination without incident.

Various hazardous materials have different shipping and labeling requirements. Knowing the risks associated with handling and transporting goods containing substances like chemicals, explosives or flammable materials can help you avoid disruptions to business operations. Let's discuss what qualifies as dangerous goods, the regulations surrounding their shipment and other safety protocols.

What Classifies Goods as Dangerous? 

Some items are hazardous or potentially harmful to others' health, safety and property or the environment if not handled properly. These may be solids, liquids or gases and range from everyday items like household chemicals to industrial products like batteries and industrial gases. Temperature, pressure, vibrations and static electricity can cause hazardous products to leak, generate toxic fumes, ignite or even explode. The three most commonly shipped dangerous goods are flammable liquids, dry ice and lithium batteries.

Dangerous goods fall into at least one of nine classes of hazardous materials, as defined by the United Nations. This classification communicates the potential hazards throughout the shipping process.

1. Explosives: These materials have a high likelihood of exploding. You cannot ship them internationally or via air. Explosives like dynamite, live ammunition and fireworks fall into six divisions depending on each item's explosion and projection hazard.
2. Gases: Compressed flammable, nonflammable and toxic gases that travel via road transportation include aerosols, gas canisters, lighters, fire extinguishers, spray paint, deodorants and cooking sprays.
3. Flammable liquids: Flammable and combustible liquids will combust when they contact a flame. Products like acetone, paints, perfume and gasoline fall into three divisions depending on their flashpoint temperatures, which range from minus zero degrees Fahrenheit to 141 degrees Fahrenheit.
4. Flammable solids: Matches, sodium batteries and magnesium are examples of flammable solids, spontaneously combustible goods or items that are dangerous when wet. Like flammable liquids, flammable solids can easily ignite and burn vigorously.
5. Oxidizer and organic peroxides: Oxidizers may combust when exposed to oxygen, while organic peroxide could give off flammable vapors with elevated temperatures, friction, impact or in contact with other substances. Hydrogen peroxide, sodium nitrite and fertilizers are a few examples of products in this classification.
6. Poison and toxic substances: Similar to Class 2 items, toxic and infectious substances — such as tear gas, pesticides and biological substances — may cause severe injury when absorbed, inhaled or swallowed.
7. Radioactive materials: Radioactive substances like those found in smoke detectors, X-ray machines and radioactive ores contain radionuclides that exceed pre-defined values.
8. Corrosive substances: Corrosive liquids and solids can damage your skin and corrode steel and aluminum. Some cleaners, acids, wet batteries and battery fluid fall within this class.
9. Miscellaneous hazardous materials: This class is for hazardous materials that don't fit the definitions of the other eight classes. Items in this category include freight shipping products with lithium batteries, equipment that include components made of hazardous materials, dry ice and vehicles.

Dangerous Goods Regulations and Compliance 

Adhering to dangerous goods standards minimizes risks, protects public health and safety and avoids legal consequences associated with improper handling or transportation of hazardous materials. That's why it's also crucial for organizations that ship dangerous goods to stay abreast of regulatory updates.

Several regulatory bodies oversee the compliance of transporting dangerous goods.

• IATA: The International Air Transport Association sets standards for transporting dangerous goods by air. This organization provides updated guidelines in their Dangerous Goods Regulations and offer an IATA Management and Strategic Partnerships program to build and strengthen relationships with industry stakeholders.
• DOT: The Department of Transportation oversees the transportation of hazardous materials within the United States.
• IMDG: The International Maritime Organization developed the International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code to ensure the safe transportation of hazardous materials by sea.
• ICAO: The International Civil Aviation Organization is a UN agency that maintains the international rules of shipping dangerous goods by air.

Dangerous goods regulations and compliance include rules on classifying, packaging and labeling hazardous materials and how to train employees.

Packaging and Labeling Standards 

Shipping dangerous goods requires specific packaging, labeling and documentation standards.

• Packaging: Determine the product's hazard class and consult the material safety data sheet for the packaging and labeling requirements. Different products require specific outer packaging, depending on the danger they pose.
• Labeling: Hazardous goods packages need special markings and labels for safe handling. The labels should be durable, visible and meet shape, color, format and text specifications. Provide care instructions on each package alongside classification labels, including package orientation and heat precautions.
• Documentation: A shipper's declaration must accompany each hazardous material shipment and list detailed information about the dangerous goods. Details should include a UN number, hazard class and packing group, quantity, emergency response info and shipper's certification.

Lithium batteries power many electronic devices, but since they are a Class 9 dangerous good, they need the appropriate documentation and transportation under the same safety standards with labels that unmistakably state “lithium batteries.”

Handling and Transporting Dangerous Goods 

Organizations that ship dangerous goods, including lithium batteries, must follow best practices for loading, securing and transporting these items in vehicles or containers.

• Segregation: Separate incompatible dangerous goods to prevent reactions in case of leakage or spillage.
• Secure packaging: Use UN-approved packaging for dangerous goods and securely seal them.
• Loading: Follow the manufacturer or regulatory guidelines for loading and stacking packages, distributing the weight evenly for stability during transportation.
• Restraints: Use straps, braces or dunnage to secure packages within a vehicle or container.
• Ventilation and temperature: Ensure proper ventilation and maintain suitable temperature conditions to prevent the buildup of hazardous fumes and explosions.
• Emergency equipment: Spill kits, fire extinguishers and personal protective gear should be readily available.
• Regular inspections: Perform checks before and during transit to ensure packaging or containers remain intact.

Lithium batteries require inner and outer packaging, plus cushioning material, to prevent short circuits and provide impact protection. Secure them upright and away from heat sources.

Training for Shipping Dangerous Goods

Anyone who handles, transports or prepares hazardous materials for transportation needs the correct certifications for shipping dangerous goods. The IATA's dangerous goods training is valid for two years and available to everyone who needs training on compliance, safety and industry best practices. Adequate training is essential for every employee who may come in contact with dangerous goods like laptops with lithium batteries.

Receive Safe Industrial Power Supply Shipments From Astrodyne TDI

Power supplies and EMI filters are essential components in various electronic devices and systems. However, products involving batteries, capacitors or specific chemicals qualify as dangerous goods. At Astrodyne TDI, we comply with these safety regulations when transporting our products to customers or distributors. 

With proper handling, packaging, labeling and documentation best practices, we pledge to maintain a safe and reliable supply chain while protecting the well-being of all parties involved in the shipping process. In addition, we bring products into compliance with pre-compliance testing and safety agency certification services.

For more information on our products or shipping compliance, get in touch with our team today.