The term hazardous materials is applied to all substances and objects whose transport may represent a potential threat to the environment, humans, animals and public safety and order. The transportation of hazardous materials is therefore subject to various legal regulations depending on the mode of transport. The regulations concerning classification for the relevant mode of transport determine whether a substance or object is a hazardous material. Differences are made between the following modes of transport.
- Road (ADR) = European agreement concerning the international carriage of dangerous goods by road (ADR = Accord européen relatif au transport international des merchandises Dangereuses par Route)
- Inland waterway (AND) = European Agreement concerning the international carriage of dangerous goods by inland waterway (ADN = Accord européen relatif au transport international des merchandises dangereuses par voie de navigation intérieure)
- Air (IATA-DGR) = International aviation treaty agency – dangerous goods regulations (ICAO – International civil aviation organization
- Ocean (IMDG) = International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code (IMO -International maritime organization)
- Rail (RID) = Convention concerning the international carriage of dangerous goods by rail
Efforts aimed at harmonization mean that the regulations governing classification for the various modes of transport are being brought into line. However, differences still exist. Prominent regulatory frameworks for the transportation of dangerous goods include the United Nations Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods, ICAO’s Technical Instructions, IATA’s Dangerous Goods Regulations and the IMO’s International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code. Collectively, these regulatory regimes mandate the means by which dangerous goods are to be handled, packaged, labeled and transported.
Regulatory frameworks incorporate comprehensive classification systems of hazards to provide taxonomy of dangerous goods. Classification of dangerous goods is broken down into nine classes according to the type of danger materials or items present, click on a class to read more details.
- Explosives
- Gases
- Flammable Liquids
- Flammable Solids
- Oxidizing Substances
- Toxic & Infectious Substances
- Radioactive Material
- Corrosives
- Miscellaneous Dangerous Goods
The multitude of dangerous goods regimes across the world and the complexity of dangerous goods classifications and regulations render compliance a particularly difficult task.
The regulations and procedures for shipping “hazardous” materials apply to all individuals involved with the transportation/shipping of hazardous materials. This includes all those individuals who arrange for transport and/or may engage in any of the following activities involving hazardous materials.
- Filling packages
- Marking and labeling packages
- Preparing shipping papers, handling, loading, securing and segregating packages within a transport vehicle, freight container or cargo hold, and transporting.
