3 Important Considerations to Make When Packaging Dangerous Goods

Packaging Dangerous Goods

When packaging dangerous goods, there are a number of things you have to consider to keep everyone safe.

Learning how to package dangerous goods requires great attention to detail and diligence. Many dangerous goods have extremely detailed specifications regarding the type or manner of packaging that needs to be used to ensure that the cargo is safe for transport. And these packaging requirements can also vary widely depending upon the mode of transportation that is being used to move the cargo. Fully understanding packaging procedures is the key to ensuring the success and safety of your shipping department and all of the players around it. Here are three important considerations to make when packaging dangerous goods.

What Kind of Packaging is Sufficient for this Shipment?

It is always critical to use USDOT-approved packaging in every shipment of dangerous goods. Staying in compliance with DOT regulations will ensure safety in dangerous goods packaging. In terms of the actual packing process, much of this will be determined by the class of dangerous goods you are working with. This class will determine best practices for handling, packing, marking, and labeling. There are also three packing groups that shippers should be aware of – they are labeled with Roman numerals I through III and designate the degree of danger the packaged goods pose. Understanding which packing group your goods fall into help everyone understand the degree of danger clearly and keep everyone safe.

Are the Dangerous Goods Being Transported Safely?

For all ocean, air, and ground shipments of dangerous goods, there are rules in place governing standard safety practices for effective transportation. All hazmat shipping companies must provide comprehensive training to any employee who handles, packages, or transport dangerous shipments. The regulations also stipulate follow-up training every three years for ground and ocean shipping, or every two years for air shipping, to ensure everyone in the process has the knowledge necessary to do their work safely. Ensure that all of your employees are compliant with their training regimen and address any shortfalls immediately.

Is the Company in Compliance with All Relevant Regulations?

The hazmat transportation industry depends on the DOT, the International Air Transport Association (IATA), and other international organizations to set regulatory standards and guarantee the safety of everyone involved in the industry. Your company should keep up to date regarding all relevant regulations to stay in complete compliance with these bodies. Failure to do so puts your workforce at risk and may lead to penalties down the line.

Contact Airpack Today for Your Hazardous Material Training Needs

We have been pioneers in our industry for over 30 years and can assist you with your hazardous material training.  We are able to meet any and all of your needs and our trained professional staff is here to help you with any questions you may have.

Feel free to contact us today or email us at [email protected]. Our fax number is 410-768-6603. You can also find and follow us on FacebookTwitter, and Google+, and be sure to subscribe to our blog to receive additional important postings concerning perishable packing, hazardous material shipping, and other services Airpack provides. We look forward to hearing from you soon.

This entry was posted on Friday, December 1st, 2017 at 11:57 am. Both comments and pings are currently closed.

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