Dangerous Goods: The Risks and Regulations
ISO tanks are specialized containers designed to transport bulk liquids, widely used in the shipping industry to carry various goods, including dangerous substances. While ISO tanks offer efficient and safe transportation, they also pose significant risks due to the nature of the materials they carry. That’s why knowing what kind of cargo we handle is important for our safety.
What are Dangerous Goods?
Dangerous goods, or DG, are cargo classified as hazardous and require special handling, storage, and transport. Each shipment is accompanied by an MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet), also known as SDS (Safety Data Sheets), detailing the substance's hazards, safe handling practices, and emergency procedures. Additionally, there's a UN number, a four-digit code that identifies the specific hazardous material.
There are nine classes of DG with different kinds of volatility and different ways to handle. Here is the list of the classes*.
Class 1 Explosives: substances that can explode under specific conditions, producing a sudden release of energy and pressure.
Ex: dynamite, gunpowder, fireworks, rocket propellants.
Class 2 Flammable Gas: gases that can ignite and burn in air.
Ex: hydrogen, methane, propane, butane.
Class 3 Flammable Liquids: liquids that emit flammable gases.
Ex: gasoline, alcohol, kerosene, acetone.
Class 4 Flammable Solids: solids that could burn or even combust when transporting.
Ex: matches, phospor, camphor.
Class 5 Oxidising Substances: substances that can support combustion or intensify the burning of other materials.
Ex: hydrogen peroxide, nitric acid, potassium permanganate.
Class 6 Toxic Substances: substances that can bring harm to humans or pathogens that can cause outbreaks.
Ex: blood samples, cyanide, rat poison.
Class 7 Radioactive Material: substances that continuously emit radiation that can cause harm to humans or animals.
Ex: uranium, x-ray machines, smoke alarms (radioactive isotope).
Class 8 Corrosive Substances: substances that can cause skin corrosion, burns, or damage to metals or other materials.
Ex: acids, mercury, alkalis.
Class 9 Miscellaneous: substances that do not fit into the other categories but still pose a risk.
Ex: dry ice, asbestos, chemical kits.
*Our T11 tanks can only ship cargo with DG classes 3, 6, 8, and 9.
After understanding the classes, we should know the regulations. The dangerous goods transportation is subject to strict international and national regulations called the International Maritime Organization (IMO). They have established comprehensive codes of practice to govern the transportation of hazardous substances.
With international maritime regulations in place, we can reduce the environmental impact of shipping and improve maritime safety. To further enhance safety, individuals and organizations can implement specific measures, including proper packaging, labelling, and storage of dangerous goods, regular inspections and maintenance, and well-developed emergency response plans.
The Risks and Accident
These regulations aim to minimize the risks of accidents and protect human health and the environment. If there's an accident such as fire, explosion, or spillage that can cause significant damage to property, injure or kill people, and contaminate the environment. Like acids, they can corrode the container. Hence, they need loading preparations to ensure the safety of the shipment.
One of the biggest accidents regarding dangerous goods is the Beirut Explosion in 2020. As reported by Aljazeera in 2023, the improper storage of industrial chemical ammonium nitrate led to a catastrophic explosion that injured at least 6,500 people and resulted in the tragic loss of over 220 lives. This incident serves as a reminder of the critical importance of safety measures and proper handling of dangerous goods. The potential consequences of neglecting these vital aspects are severe, as evidenced by the Beirut disaster.
By adhering to these regulations, we can significantly reduce the likelihood of such incidents and safeguard the well-being of our communities and the planet.
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