If your business trades in handling items that are considered ‘dangerous goods’, there are many challenges that come up when shipping these items to and from different locations around the world. Any dangerous items that need to be shipped internationally to or from Ireland must be done so utilising the experience and expertise of a freight forwarder in Ireland. That way, you can guarantee the safe handling and supply chain of all goods while adhering to strict international policies and customs legislation.

What Qualifies as Dangerous Goods?

You might sometimes see dangerous goods described as hazmat or hazardous materials. The overarching umbrella term of dangerous goods describes a wide range of materials and items that would pose a serious risk to the well-being of crew and others handling the goods along the supply chain. It poses safety risks and could damage the materials themselves. There are different categorisations for dangerous goods that are based on the inherent danger of the items. This involves classification based on corrosive properties, explosive potential, flammability, radioactivity, toxicity, and whether or not the goods pose a risk to the environment.

Common Types of Hazardous Materials

The categorisation of dangerous goods is split into 9 different classifications, based on the primary hazard of each:

Class 1 – Explosives

This includes any items that classify as a mass explosion hazard or can produce a pyrotechnic effect. Examples include flares, fireworks, and ammunition.

Class 2 – Flammable Gases

Substances that are gaseous at 20°C and a standard pressure of 101.3 kPa. There are sub-classifications such as flammable gases, non-flammable gases, and toxic gases. Examples include chlorine, compressed oxygen, and propane.

Class 3- Flammable Liquids

Liquids, mixtures of liquids, and liquids containing solids in solution or suspension that give off a flammable vapor at a temperature of over 60.5°C. Examples include paints, adhesives, and gasoline.

Class 4 – Flammable Solids

Readily combustible solids or substances that can cause fire through friction. Examples include metal powders, sulphur, and matches.

Class 5 – Oxidising Substances and Organic Peroxides

Materials that could cause the combustion of other materials or that are thermally unstable.

Class 6 – Toxic and Infectious Substances

Substances that could cause death or serious injury if inhaled, swallowed, or through skin contact. Examples include pesticides, biological samples, and medical waste.

Class 7 – Radioactive Material

Items that have radionuclides that exceed specific values. Examples include medical isotopes, plutonium, and uranium.

Class 8 – Corrosive Substances

Can cause severe damage when in contact with living tissue. Examples include alkalis, battery fluid, and acids.

Class 9 – Miscellaneous Dangerous Goods and Articles

Covering substances and articles that present a danger when in transit but do not meet any of the other classifications. Examples include lithium batteries, genetically modified organisms, and dry ice.

Relevant Regulations

Any items that are considered dangerous goods must be prepared in accordance with ADR regulations for ground shipments, IATA regulations for air shipments, and the IMDG for travel by sea. All goods must be accurately marked, packaged, labelled, and documented prior to being shipped. Labels and markings are an essential part of the regulations, identifying the hazards associated with specific goods, including class labels, proper shipping names, UN number, and handling labels.

Documentation and Labelling Requirements

Ensuring you have all the shipping papers, relevant documentation and labelling requirements in place is an important part of handling the shipment of dangerous goods. Accurate documentation is vital to ensure that all dangerous goods are compliant and experience a smooth journey across borders. The required documentation and labelling include:

Dangerous Goods Declaration (DGD)

This is a document that contains detailed information about the shipment, the classification of dangerous goods, the quantity of the goods, and packaging details.

Air Waybill

This serves as a contract of carriage, containing all shipping information that is essential to the transportation of the dangerous goods.

Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)

This document contains all information about the specific hazardous properties of the goods in question, including all the necessary handling, storage, and emergency procedures linked to that specific classification of dangerous goods.

Without the proper documentation and labelling, your shipment could experience severe delays in crossing borders.

Handling and storage best practices

Ensuring dangerous goods reach their destination in one piece and without causing harm or injury to persons along the way is only effective if there are best practices for handling and storage that are followed at every step.

Segregation

Always store any goods that are incompatible with each other in separate places to prevent dangerous reactions. This means different storage areas for different classifications, or specific storage shelving or cabinets within storage areas.

Ventilation

There must be good ventilation in storage areas to prevent flammable or toxic vapours to build-up. Regularly inspect and maintain storage areas to ensure good ventilation, whether a mechanised system or a natural air flow.

Temperature control

Some hazardous goods must be maintained within specific temperature ranges to prevent instability or degradation. This means refrigeration for some foods or other temperature levels.

Full training

Any person coming into contact with dangerous goods must be fully trained to understand the different classifications and the potential hazards associated with each. They should be trained in proper handling and storage processes, emergency response, and using personal protective equipment (PPE) effectively.

Choosing the Right Carrier

Emerald Freight has a wealth of experience in shipping dangerous goods internationally both to and from Ireland. We understand the technical approaches required to each classification of hazardous materials for safe movement of goods, and how to produce accurate documentation and labelling that ensures smooth transit across borders. It’s important to us that your shipment arrives at its destination quickly, in optimal condition, and without causing any harm or injury to others. Connect with us today to discuss your next shipment of dangerous goods and we’ll be happy to talk through the process and how we can help your goods reach the destination successfully.