Transportation Safety

The potential to adversely affect human health and the environment is always present when using, storing, and transporting regulated materials. Consequently, numerous regulations have been created to prevent accidents and reduce the risk of exposure to regulated materials. Complying with these regulations will minimize your liability and protect your employees, the community, and the environment. In hazardous transportation the following below mentioned things must be follow:-

Classification and Characteristics of Dangerous Goods

Before the transportation of dangerous good the classification of these type of good is important because it show that how much they are dangerous so planning to transport is very easy and also define the characteristics of hazardous goods.

Documentation

Carrier Responsibility

A carrier is defined as a person who whether or not for hire or reward has possession of dangerous goods while they are in transport. A carrier must not take possessions of a shipment of dangerous good unless they have a shipping document for the dangerous good. Of the dangerous goods are passed to another person. The carrier must provide a copy of the shipping document to that other person who could be another carrier or the consignee of the dangerous goods.

Location of shipping document

The driver of power unit must ensure that a copy of the shipping documents kept in a pocket mounted on the driver’s door, or within the driver’s reach. After unloading a shipment of a dangerous goods or disconnecting a cargo unit from a power unit, the carrier must place the shipping document in a waterproof receptacle attract to or near the means of containment containing the dangerous goods.

Safety Marks

  • Safety marks are the placards, labels and package marking which identify dangerous good shipments. Anyone who offers for transport, transports or imports a means of containment that contain dangerous goods must display the safety marks required by the regulations.
  • A person must not load or pack dangerous goods into a large means of containment unless the means of containment displays the safety marks required when loading or packing is compete.
  • The carrier is responsible for displaying the required safety marks on the large means of containment and ensuring that required safety makes remain displayed on the small means of containment and large means of containment. The carrier must also provide.

Small Means of Containment

A small means of containment has a capacity of 450 liters or less. A small means of containment must display the dangerous goods label(s). the shipping name , the technical name(if applicable) and the UN number. A label must be at least 100 mm on each side.

Large Means of Containment

A large means of containment has a capacity greater than 450 liters. Placards representing the various chemical hazards are placed on all four sides of a large means of containment or transport units. Placards can be used to represent both the primary and the subsidiary class of the dangerous good in transport. Each side of a placard must be at least 250 mm in length.

Training

Anyone who handles, offers for transport or transports dangerous good must be adequately trained and have a valid dangerous good training certificate or must be in the present of and under the direct supervision of a trained person. A person adequately trained if the person has sound knowledge of the topics listed below:-

  • Classification of dangerous goods, shipping names, UN numbers, packing groups.
  • Shipping documentation.
  • Safety marks.
  • Certification safety marks, safety requirements and safety standards.
  • Emergency response assistance plan requirements.
  • Reporting requirements.
  • Safe handling and transportation practices, including characteristics of dangerous goods.
  • Proper use of equipment and
  • Emergency measures to take in case of releases.

Transportation Reporting Requirements

In the event of an accidental release or an imminent accidental release of dangerous goods. The person who has possession of the dangerous good must make an immediate report of the releases or imminent accidental release. An immediate report is required the quantities of dangerous goods released exceed.

Emergency Response Assistance Plan (ERAP)

An emergency response assistance plan is required in instances where dangerous good are potentially very hazardous when transported in moderate or large quantities. If a large enough amount of these dangerous goods were released, the potential for harm to people and the environment would be great.

GUIDE FOR DANGEROUS GOODS SHIPPERS

STEP 1- Determine the proper shipping name

The shipper must determine the proper shipping name of the materials.

STEP 2- Determine the class and subclass of the dangerous material

Before the transport the hazardous good its requires the classification into the class and sub- class of the material. Because it easy to define the material and its properties and its level of danger.

STEP 3- Determine the mode(s) of transport to ultimate destination

As a shipper, you must assure yourself that the shipment complies with various modal requirements. These are mentioned below:-

  • Packaging.
  • Quantity per package.
  • Markings.
  • Shipping documentation.

STEP 4- Determine and select the proper packaging

  • Packaging requirements will vary according to modes of transportation.
  • If packaged by a prior shipper, make sure the packaging is correct and in proper condition for transportation.

STEP 5- Shipping document

  • The basic requirements for the shipping document include:- shipping name, class, UN number, total quantity, packing group, 24 hour emergency response telephone number, date , name and address or the shipper.
  • Make all entries on the shipping document legible using the information required and in proper order.

STEP 6- Select the proper safety marks and apply as required

  • For a small means of containment, the shipping name and UN number should be printed on package.

STEP 7- Loading, blocking and bracing

If the shipper loads the freight container or transport vehicle, the shipper is responsible for the proper loading, blocking and bracing of the materials in accordance with the requirements for mode of transport.

Other precautions when transport the hazardous goods

  • Train all personnel in spill prevention techniques. Some regulations indicate who, at a minimum, must be trained for handling regulated material and waste.
  • Practice safe loading and unloading procedures
  • Have inventory control procedures to track material from receipt to disposal.
  • Post warning and instructional signs in appropriate places.
  • Adequately label all containers.
  • Use appropriate pumps or funnels to transfer liquids.
  • Keep lids and covers on containers to control spills and evaporation.
  • Install spill basins or dikes in storage areas.
  • Install splash guards and drip boards on tanks and faucets.
  • Use drip buckets under liquid spigots.
  • Prohibit outside draining or replacement of fluids over the ground or on pavement not designed for containment.

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