7 Tips for Shipping Dangerous Goods
March 30, 2020
Dangerous goods are classified as items or substances which may pose a risk to health, safety, property or the environment. Some items could also endanger the safety of an aircraft or persons on board. As a general rule of thumb, you should always double check with your shipping carrier about the types of goods they can handle, as the rules can fluctuate between.
1. Be upfront about what you want to ship
When planning with your carrier, be as clear and open as possible. The more they know about what you’re planning to ship, the better they can assist and advise you on any additional precautions you may need to take note of.
2. Check standardised regulations
Whether you’re a shipper or carrier, there is plenty of information available online and for free about what types of goods you have that may be considered dangerous and whether or not they can be shipped. If you’re not sure where to find these, some example regulations for transporting dangerous goods include Dangerous Goods Regulation (DGR) by the International Air Transport Association, and your local governments regulations. For example, The Australian Dangerous Goods Code and the Transport of Dangerous Goods by Road and Rail Legislation Status.
3. Know what is hazardous
You might be shipping hazardous materials without even knowing it. Here are some of the most prominent examples:- Perfume - Contains large quantities of alcohol which is flammable. As perfume is typically kept in glass, this could become a great threat in transport. As a result a lot of perfumes are either returned to sender or destroyed.
- Alcohol - Similar reasons to perfume, alcohol may strictly not be legal to ship unless you are approved.
- Aerosols - Any aerosol can such as insect spray, air freshener or spray paint are dangerous because they contain compressed gas. This becomes worse when some aerosols contain alcohol. At certain heights or temperatures they could be at risk of exploding. They also have specific shipping conditions where they cannot be placed next to certain chemicals or materials.
- Batteries - Batteries
- Nail Varnish - This is extremely flammable, and is again similar to perfume as they can pose a great fire hazard when broken.
4. Use the right packaging methods
Make sure that you use the right packing method for your goods if deemed acceptable for shipping. Some products may need tight packing, some might need leak proof packaging. If using a shipping container for dangerous goods storage, take a look at container storage solutions. Your carrier will be able to assist further.
5. Ensure proper storage before shipping
Products should be stored in a practical and safe manner, as to mitigate the risk that could arise from beginning the shipping process. Dangerous goods storage is important to understand. For example, if something will pose a risk if exposed to high temperatures, make sure the storage area cannot get that hot, keep it in an insulated area. You can consider dangerous goods containers for sale to view your options for such storage methods. Just remember that a storage container should always be openable, and cannot be blocked.
6. Keep certain materials away from each other
Like with raw and cooked food, keep certain materials away from each other to the best of your ability. If you’re storing flammable or combustible liquids, do not use electrical equipment, it could pose as a great fire hazard. Never have wooden floorboards as well as it could absorb the chemicals if they ever leaked and exacerbate problems.
7. Always have your documentation
For some materials, you must have all the shipping details on hand in case of any discrepancies. Any materials that require documentation should also be accessible. There are many rules and regulations that need to be followed when shipping and storing dangerous goods. If you are upfront and honest about your products, then your shipping company should be able to assist you. Don’t be afraid to ask! If what you need is a refrigerated shipping container, Betta Storage offers the very best, call them today.
