On 1 June 2022, the latest version of the IMDG Code, Amendment 40-20, came into force. Following its publication, UKP&I and TT have again collaborated to update their publication ‘Book it right and pack it tight’ which provides key insights for all participants in the freight supply chain responsible for preparing unitised consignments for carriage by sea.
The amended guide is divided in two parts;
Part A: This covers the operational processes and documentation involved in preparing and presenting a consignment of dangerous goods for shipment and uses terms from the IMDG Code that are explained in the reference section, Part B.
Part B: This is a reference section that explains the basic principles of the UN classification system, the technical terms used in the IMDG Code, and provides useful background information on common IMDG issues such as Limited Quantities procedures.
Depending on their role, report highlights that the staff may be required to understand the following:
– The legal responsibility to identify dangerous goods accurately
– Where to locate required information in the IMDG Code
– How to identify different classes of dangerous goods
– How dangerous goods data should be presented on a transport document and what that data means
– How packages should be marked and labelled
– How to make up, mark and label dangerous goods in palletised unit loads
– The IMDG Code segregation rules for the separating of dangerous goods that have the potential to react with each other
– How to stow and secure packages of different types and sizes in cargo transport units so the packages will not slide, roll or collapse under the weight of over-stowed cargo during the sea journey
– The rules for placarding and marking shipping containers
– The legal responsibility accepted by the packer by signing a packing certificate
IMDG Code dangerous goods training guide for shore-based staff
IMDG Chapter 1.3 indicates that shore-based personnel involved with dangerous goods should have training appropriate to their job role and level of responsibility in one or more key areas. Records of all training should be kept by the employer.
1. General awareness/familiarisation training – all persons should be trained to be familiar with the general provisions of the transport of dangerous goods, including the classes, labelling, marking, placarding, packing, segregation and compatibility, the purpose of the dangerous goods transport document and the container/vehicle packing certificate.
2. Function-specific training – persons must be trained in the specific dangerous goods transport provisions that are applicable to the function(s). A guide to what provisions are applicable to specific job functions is provided in the table in IMDG 1.3.1.6.
3. Safety training – commensurate to the risk of exposure in the event of a release of dangerous substances and the functions involved, persons involved in the handling of dangerous goods, or located in the vicinity of where they are handled, should be trained in:
– Procedures for accident avoidance such as proper control of cargo handling equipment and appropriate stowage of packages
– Available emergency response information and how to obtain it
– General dangers presented by the various classes of dangerous goods, how to avoid exposure and where applicable, how to use or wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
– Immediate procedures to be followed in the event of an unintentional release of dangerous goods to protect self and others.
Download the updated guidance: Book it right and pack it tight
