INTERNATIONAL SAFETY PANEL BRIEFING PAMPHLET NO 3

THE INTERNATIONAL MARITIME DANGEROUS GOODS (IMDG) CODE

ICHCA INTERNATIONAL PREMIUM MEMBERS:

ICHCA International Safety Panel Briefing Pamphlet #3

ICHCA INTERNATIONAL LIMITED is an independent, non-political, international membership organisation and is dedicated to the promotion of safety and efficiency in the handling and movement of goods by all modes and during all phases of both the national and international supply chains. Originally established in 1952 and incorporated in 2002, it operates through a series of Local, National and Regional Chapters, Panels, Working Groups and Correspondence Groups and represents the cargo handling world at various international organisations, including the International Maritime Organization (IMO), United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), International Labour Organization (ILO) and the International Standards Organization (ISO). Its members included ports, terminals, transport companies and other groups associated with cargo handling and coordination. Members of ICHCA International Panels represent a substantial cross-section of senior experts and professionals from all sectors of the cargo transport industry globally. Members benefit from consulting services and informative publications dealing with technical matters, best practice advice and cargo handling news. For more information on ICHCA International and its services please visit/contact ICHCA International Limited Suite 2, 85 Western Road, Romford, Essex, RM1 3LS United Kingdom Tel: Fax: Email: Website: +44 (0) 1708 735295 +44 (0) 1708 735225 info@ichca.com. www.ichca.com.

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ICHCA International Safety Panel Briefing Pamphlet #3 The International Safety Panel Briefing Pamphlet series consists of the following subjects: No. 1 No. 2 No. 3 No. 4 No. 5 No. 6 No. 7 No. 8 No. 9 No. 10 No. 11 No. 12 No. 13 No. 14 No. 15 No. 16 No. 17 No. 18 No. 19 No. 20 No. 21 No. 22 No. 23 No. 24 No. 25 No. 26 No. 27 No. 29 No. 30 No. 31 No. 32 No. 33 No. 34 No. 35 No. 36 International Labour Office (ILO) Convention No. 152 Occupational Safety and Health in Dockwork (revised) Ships Lifting Plant (revised) The International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code (revised)) Classification Societies (revised) Container Terminal Safety (revised) Guidance on the Preparation of Emergency Plans (revised) Safe Cleaning of Freight Containers (revised) Safe Working on Container Ships Safe Use of Flexible Intermediate Bulk Containers (FIBCs) Joint publication with EFIBCA (under further revision) Safe Working at Ro-Ro Terminals The International Convention for Safe Containers (CSC) (revised) Safety Audit System for Ports Loading and Unloading of Solid Bulk Cargoes (revised) The Role of the Independent Marine Surveyor in Assisting Claims Handling (revised) Substance Abuse Safe Use of Textile Slings Shore Ramps and Walkways (revised) Port State Control Safe Handling of Interlocked Flats (under revision) Unseen Dangers in Containers Stow it right Suspension Trauma Safe Handling of Forest Products Safe use of Road Vehicle Twistlocks An Illustrated Guide to Container Type and Size Codes Safe Handling of Dangerous Bulk Liquids and Gases at the Ship/Shore Interface Safe Working with Pallets Safe Handling of Logs from Water in British Columbia Safe Handling of Tank Containers (joint publication with ITCO) Safe Operation of Passenger Terminals Safe Use of Cargo Strapping for Lifting Purposes Safe Working with Reefer Containers Container Top Safety Provisions for Safe Lashing of Deck Containers Safe Operation of Straddle Carriers

The International Safety Panel Research Paper series consists of the following research papers: No. 1 No. 2 No. 3 No. 4 No. 5 No. 6 No. 7 Semi-Automatic Twistlocks Fumes in Ships Holds (revised) Health & Safety Assessments in Ports (revised) Container Top Safety, Lashing and Other Related Matters (partly under revision as BP#34) Port & Terminal Accident Statistics (revised) Safe Handling of Radioactive Materials in Ports and Harbour Areas (revised) Ship Design Considerations for Stevedore Safety (revised)

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ICHCA International Safety Panel Briefing Pamphlet #3 No. 8 No. 9 No. 10 No. 11 No. 12 No. 13 No. 14 No. 15 No. 16 No. 17 Safe Walkways in Port & Terminal Areas Personal Protective Equipment & Clothing Back Pain Lifting Persons at Work for Cargo Handling Purposes in the Port Industry Whole Body Vibration Lifting of Containers by Rubber Tyred Gantry Cranes Lashing of Deck Containers Terminal Operations in High Winds Crane Driver Ergonomics Terminal Lighting (in final preparation)

The International Safety Panel Technical/Operational Advice series consists of the following: No. 1 No. 1A No. 2 No. 3 Vertical Tandem Lifting of Freight Containers Vertical Tandem Lifting Operations Checklist Container Vessels Safety aspects of Lashing on Deck 40 and 45 containers with particular regard to horizontal lashings Guidelines on the Lifting of Persons for Cargo Handling Purposes

Plasticised Pocket Cards IIL/1 IIL/2 IIL/3 IIL/4 IIL/5, 6 IIL/7 IIL/8 Dangerous Goods by Sea Documentation Dangerous Goods by Sea: The IMDG Code Labels, Placards, Marks and Signs Confined Spaces on Board Dry Cargo Ships Entry into Freight Containers Safe slinging Packing Cargo Transport Units (in preparation) Security awareness in the marine transport chain (in preparation)

General Series No. 1 No. 2 No. 3 No. 4 No. 5 No. 6 No. 7 Guidelines to Shipping Packaged Dangerous Goods by Sea Advice to Consignors and Shippers Fire Fighting in Ports and on Ships WindStorm (joint publication with TT Club) Gear Stores (joint publication with LEEA - in final preparation) Ships Crews Coming Ashore at Working Terminals Medical Standards for Terminal Equipment Drivers (in preparation) Recommended Minimum Safety Specifications for Quay Container Cranes (joint publication with PEMA and TT Club in final stages of preparation)

Other titles in many of the series are in preparation This publication is one of a series developed by the International Safety Panel ("Safety Panel") of ICHCA International Limited ("ICHCA"). The series is designed to inform those involved in the cargo-handling field of various practical health and safety issues. ICHCA aims to encourage port safety, the reduction of accidents in port work and the protection of port workers' health. ICHCA prepares its publications according to the information available at the time of publication. This publication does not constitute professional advice nor is it an

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ICHCA International Safety Panel Briefing Pamphlet #3 exhaustive summary of the information available on the subject matter to which the publication refers. The publication should always be read in conjunction with the relevant national and international legislation and any applicable regulations, standards and codes of practice. Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information but neither ICHCA nor any member of the Safety Panel is responsible for any loss, damage, costs or expenses incurred (whether or not in negligence) arising from reliance on or interpretation of the publication. The comments set out in this publication are not necessarily the views of ICHCA or any member of the Safety Panel All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or copied without ICHCA's prior written permission. For information, contact ICHCA's registered office.

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ICHCA International Safety Panel Briefing Pamphlet #3

ICHCA International Limited - INTERNATIONAL SAFETY PANEL The International Safety Panel is composed of safety and training officers and directors, transport consultants, representatives from leading safety and training organisations, enforcement agencies, trade unions, insurance interests, institutions and leading authorities on the subject area from around the world. Mike Compton (Chairman), Circlechief AP, UK John Alexander, UK Meir Amar, Port of Ashdod, ISRAEL Martin Anderson, Port of Freemantle, AUSTRALIA Paul Auston, Checkmate UK Limited, UK David Avery, Firefly Limited, UK Peter Bamford, CANADA Philip Beesemer, ECT, THE NETHERLANDS Geoff Beesley, Newcastle Stevedores, AUSTRALIA Didi Ould Biha, SAMMA, MAURITANIA Jan Boermans, DP World, THE NETHERLANDS Mike Bohlman, Horizon Lines, USA (Deputy Chairman) Roy Boneham, UK Bill Brassington, UK Jim Chubb, BMT Marine & Offshore Surveys Ltd (incorporating BMT Murray Fenton Limited) UK Daniele Ciulli, Contshipitalia, Italy John Crowley, APM Terminals, USA Johan van Daele, PSA, BELGIUM Rob Dieda, SSA, USA Trevor Dixon, WNTI, UK Steve Durham, Trinity House, UK Patricia Esquival, OPCSA, SPAIN Margaret Fitzgerald, IRELAND Pamela Fry, DP World, CANADA Kirsty Goodwin, SAMSA, SOUTH AFRICA Fabian Guerra, Fabian Guerra Associates, EQUADOR Charles Haine, DP World, DUBAI Harri Halme, Min. of Social Affairs & Health, Dept for Occupational Health & Safety, FINLAND Trevor Harris, DP World, DUBAI Les Heather, Drake International, UK Joseph Hogan, APM Terminals, DUBAI Geoff Holden, LEEA, UK Lawrie Holman, DP World, DUBAI Hans Jacob, APMT, THE NETHERLANDS Laurence Jones, TT Club, AUSTRALIA Larry Keiman, Matrans Holding BV, THE NETHERLANDS Gabriel Kierkels, APM Terminals, THE NETHERLANDS Jos Koning, MARIN, THE NETHERLANDS Henrik Kristensen, APM Terminals, THE NETHERLANDS Ryan Jones, APM Terminals, CHINA Fer van de Laar, IAPH, THE NETHERLANDS Christof Lautwein, Malmedie, GERMANY Shimon Lior, Israel Ports, Development and Assets, ISRAEL Richard Marks, Royal Haskoning, UK

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ICHCA International Safety Panel Briefing Pamphlet #3 Joachim Meifort, Hamburger Hafen-u Lagerhaus A-G, GERMANY Marios Meletiou, ILO, SWITZERLAND John Miller, Mersey Docks & Harbour Company, UK Al le Monnier, ILWU, CANADA Gordon Moir, TVReinland, JAPAN Hannu Oja, Kone Cranes and PEMA, FINLAND Manuel Ortuno, Lloyds Register, GERMANY Nic Paines, Gordon, Giles & Coy Ltd, UK Daan Potters, Merford, THE NETHERLANDS Irfan Rahim, IMO, UK Peter Rasmussen, BIMCO, DENMARK Risto Repo, Accident Investigation Bureau of Finland, FINLAND Rene van Rijn, Euroports Holdings, BELGIUM Raymond van Rooyan, SAPO, SOUTH AFRICA Cedric Rousseau, CMA-CGM, FRANCE Alf Sandberg, GARD, NORWAY Ambroise Sarr, Port of Dakar, SENEGAL Ron Signorino, The Blueoceana Company, Inc., USA Tom Sims, UK Ken Smith, USCG, USA Matt Smurr, Maersk Inc, USA Armin Steinhoff, Behrde fr Arbeit, Hamburg, GERMANY Peregrine Storrs-Fox, TT Club, UK Bala Subramaniam, INDIA Mark Sultana, Malta Freeport Terminals Ltd, MALTA Chris Symonds, Drake International, UK Diego Teurelincx, FEPORT, BELGIUM Markus Theuerholz, German Lashing. GERMANY David Tozer, Lloyds Register, UK Gerrit Uitbeijerse, THE NETHERLANDS Hubert Vanleenhove, BELGIUM Evert Wijdeveld, Environmental & Safety Affairs, Deltalinqs, THE NETHERLANDS (Deputy Chairman) Bill Williams, Maersk Inc. USA Dave Wilson, Hutchison Ports (UK) Limited, UK Jan Zwaan, Transport Canada, CANADA Beat Zwygart, LASSTEC, FRANCE OBSERVERS: Harry Lam, HIT, HONG KONG John Mace, International Group of P&I Clubs, UK Capt. Jim McNamara, National Cargo Bureau, Inc., USA Samuel Ng, Maritime Department, HONG KONG Pedro J. Roman Nunez, Puertos del Estado, SPAIN Mick Payze, AUSTRALIA Charles Visconti, International Cargo Gear Bureau, Inc., USA AFFILIATED MEMBERS: OPIG, EUROPE The above lists those persons who were members of the Panel when the pamphlet was published. However, membership does change and a list of current members can always be obtained from the ICHCA International Secretariat.

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ICHCA International Safety Panel Briefing Pamphlet #3

About the Author MARGARET FITZGERALD BSc (Hons), CChem, MRSC, MSc, MIOSH, DGSA Margaret holds an Honours degree in Chemistry and a Masters in Occupational Safety & Health. She has more than 15 years experience in risk management in relation to maritime and road transportation of hazardous materials, chemicals, oil, etc, storage and environmental protection. Having spent 4 years in private industry for a risk management company specialising in chemical safety, Margaret joined the Secretariat of the International Maritime Organization, where she was responsible for Dangerous Goods legislation and related environmental protection matters. She oversaw the ongoing development of the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code and its harmonization with other modal regulations and the UN Orange Book. She was IMOs representative at the UN Committee of Experts on the Transport of Dangerous Goods. Margaret subsequently joined the Irish Government's Health & Safety Authority as an inspector in the Dangerous Substances/ADR Group, responsible for drafting, implementing and enforcing dangerous goods legislation under the ADR and DGSA Directives. She was Irelands representative at transport meetings of the European Commission in Brussels and the United Nations in Geneva. Margaret is now a chemical specialist working with Lloyds Register and has been a member of the International Safety Panel for many years. She wrote the original booklet and the subsequent revisions up to 2009.

This edition of the briefing pamphlet was prepared by ICHCA Internationals secretariat.

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ICHCA International Safety Panel Briefing Pamphlet # 3

CONTENTS Item 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Status/Background Principles of the IMDG Code Layout of the IMDG Code Classification Degree of Hazard (Packing Group) Product Containment Documentation Stowage and Segregation Competent Authorities Warning Appendix 1 Contents page of the IMDG Code Page 1 2 2 3 5 6 7 8 8 9

ISBN: 978-1-85330-001-1 First Published: 1st Revision 2nd Revision 3rd Revision 4th Revision 5th Revision 6th Revision 7th Revision 1993 1995 2000 2003 2005 2007 2009 2011

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The International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code

1 Background The International Maritime Organization (IMO) is the specialised United Nations agency with responsibility for international maritime affairs. Like all United Nations agencies, the IMO is made up of Member States who are obliged to become contracting parties to IMOs various international conventions. In addition to the Member States, there are a number of international organizations who are concerned with maritime issues and who have Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) status at IMO. ICHCA International Limited has such status at IMO. 1.1 There are 2 international conventions produced by IMO which govern the transport of dangerous goods: The International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974 (1974 SOLAS Convention), as amended, Chapter VII of which deals with the safety aspects of the transport of dangerous goods by sea; and The International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships as modified by the Protocol of 1978 (MARPOL 73/78), Chapter III of which deals with prevention of pollution arising from the transport of dangerous goods by sea. All IMO Member States are required to implement national legislation to address the transport of dangerous goods, through their legal obligations under the SOLAS and MARPOL Conventions. However, to assist them, the IMO has produced a detailed set of requirements covering the transport of packaged dangerous goods by sea in a separate Code; the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code. The requirements of the IMDG Code are based upon the Model Regulations (known as the Orange Book) produced by the United Nations Committee of Experts on the Transport of Dangerous Goods in Geneva, together with a number of recommendations for good practice. The requirements of the IMDG Code are published in 2 volumes with an additional Supplement volume, which contains a number of individual IMO related publications. Most parts of the IMDG Code became mandatory on 1st January 2004, under the mandatory requirements of the SOLAS Convention. While most Member States have incorporated the requirements of the IMDG Code without further amendment into their national legislation, others have applied some different (usually more stringent) national requirements in addition to those of the IMDG Code. When shipping dangerous goods, it is important to be aware of any further restrictions or requirements, which may apply in a particular country, in addition to the IMDG Code. In the latest edition of the Code (amendment 34), training of shoreside personnel involved in packaged dangerous goods shipments is made mandatory from 1 January 2010. Only paragraphs 1.3.1.4 to 1.3.1.7 (which deal with training content) remain recommendatory

1.1.1

1.1.2

1.2

1.3

1.4

1.5

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ICHCA International Safety Panel Briefing Pamphlet # 3 1.6 The IMDG Code is updated on a two-yearly basis by IMOs Sub-Committee on Dangerous Goods, Solid Bulk Cargoes and Containers (DSC). In addition to incorporating amendments arising from the United Nations Committee of Experts in Geneva, the DSC Sub-Committee also considers proposals for amendments prepared by IMOs Member States. All amendments must be approved by IMOs most senior technical committee, the Maritime Safety Committee (MSC), before they can be published in the next edition of the IMDG Code. As a result of the two-yearly cycle of amendments, a completely new edition of the IMDG Code is published every two years. Following publication, errata sheets may be issued to correct any printing errors which may have arisen. It is extremely important to ensure that the details on any errata sheets that may be issued are incorporated into the IMDG Code and taken into account at the appropriate time. Principles of the IMDG Code The IMDG Code is based on an internationally agreed system which: groups dangerous goods together based on the hazards they present in transport (classification); contains the dangerous goods in packagings/tanks which are of appropriate strength and which will prevent the goods escaping; uses hazard warning labels and other identifying marks to identify dangerous goods in transport; requires standard documentation to be provided when dangerous goods are being transported; lays down principles for ensuring that incompatible dangerous goods are kept apart; lays down principles for where to place dangerous goods on board ship to ensure safe transport; provides emergency response advice for dangerous goods involved in a fire or spillage on board ship. Layout of the IMDG Code The Code is composed of 7 parts, each part covering one of the principles .1 to .7 outlined above. Central to the IMDG Code is the Dangerous Goods List (DGL) which is the core of the Code. This contains a list of all the dangerous goods assigned under the United Nations system in numerical (UN Number) order, together with their specific transport requirements in a coded system. The Code is presented in two books, Volume 1 and Volume 2 with a third Supplement volume containing related IMO publications and IMO resolutions. It is necessary to use the first two volumes to obtain the required information when shipping dangerous goods by sea. The IMDG Code adopts a standard reference book format with an introduction, main contents, appendices and an index. Its layout has been harmonised with that of the United Nations Model Regulations (the Orange Book) which forms the basis of all international modal regulations covering the transport of dangerous goods (i.e. road, rail, inland waterway, air and sea). Consequently, the multimodal shipper should be able to find the same information in the same part of the international regulations, no matter what form of transport is being used.

1.7

2 2.1 2.1.1 2.1.2 2.1.3 2.1.4 2.1.5 2.1.6 2.1.7

3 3.1

3.2

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ICHCA International Safety Panel Briefing Pamphlet # 3 3.3 Volume One Volume 1 contains Parts 1, 2, 4, 5, 6 and 7. Details of the contents of each of these parts are reproduced in the Appendix of this briefing pamphlet. 3.4 Volume Two Volume 2 is comprised mainly of Part 3 which contains the DGL, a central index of all the dangerous goods listed in UN Number order, together with their transport requirements in a coded system presented in 18 columns. The transport requirements contained in the DGL include: special provisions applicable to certain substances and articles in the DGL; limited quantity and exempted quantity provisions; Stowage & segregation requirements; Packaging and tank requirements; and transport schedules for radioactive materials. This volume also has two appendices and an alphabetical list of the substances, materials and articles listed in the DGL. 3.5 The Supplement Volume The Supplement volume to the Code comprises a number of separate IMO publications that relate to the Code, i.e.: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 4 4.1 Emergency Procedures (EmS) for use on ships in the event of an accident (e.g. spillage or fire). Medical First Aid Guide (MFAG) for use on ships in accidents involving dangerous goods. Reporting procedures, for use by ships to report incidents involving dangerous goods, harmful substances, and/or marine pollutants. IMO/ILO/UN ECE Guidelines for Packing Cargo in Freight Containers or Vehicles. Recommendations on the Safe Use of Pesticides in Ships (e.g. fumigation). INF Code. Various relevant IMO Resolutions, Circulars, etc.

Classification The purpose of the IMDG Codes classification system is concerned with the safety of people and is: to distinguish between goods which are considered to be dangerous for transport and those which are not; to identify the dangers which are presented by dangerous goods in transport; and to ensure that the correct measures are taken to enable these goods to be transported safely without risk to persons or property (both within the port and on the ship).

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ICHCA International Safety Panel Briefing Pamphlet # 3 4.2 In accordance with the principles set out in the UN Recommendations, the IMDG Code divides dangerous goods into 9 classes, some of which are further subdivided, as follows:Class 1 Class 2 Class 2.1 Class 2.2 Class 2.3 Class 3 Class 4 Explosives Gases, which are sub-divided as follows: Flammable gases Non-flammable gases Toxic gases Flammable liquids Flammable solids, substances liable to spontaneous combustion and substances which, in contact with water, emit flammable gases, which are sub-divided as follows: Flammable solids Spontaneously combustible substances Substances which, in contact with water, emit flammable gases Oxidizing substances and organic peroxides, which are subdivided as follows: Oxidizing substances Organic peroxides Toxic and infectious substances, which are sub-divided as follows: Toxic substances Infectious substances Radioactive material Corrosives Miscellaneous dangerous substances and articles (class9) and environmentally hazardous substances

Class 4.1 Class 4.2 Class 4.3 Class 5 Class 5.1 Class 5.2 Class 6 Class 6.1 Class 6.2 Class 7 Class 8 Class 9

4.3

Some dangerous goods may present hazards associated with more than one class. For example, some flammable liquids (class 3) may also be toxic (class 6.1) and some flammable liquids (class 3) may also be toxic (class 6.1) and corrosive (class 8). When classifying dangerous goods, the main hazard presented is considered to be the primary hazard and any other hazards (up to a maximum of 2) are considered to be subsidiary hazards. Dangerous goods must always be labelled to show all the hazards (i.e. primary and subsidiary) they present in transport (see 4.4 and 4.5 below). Pure chemicals and dangerous goods transported in sufficient quantities are allocated individual United Nations (UN) numbers. However, as many of the chemicals produced today are mixtures, solutions, formulations, etc., containing a number of different hazardous constituents, they are shipped under an appropriate general Not Otherwise Specified (N.O.S.) entry, which describes the dangerous goods by their main hazards (up to 3). For example, any flammable liquid which does not have its own individual UN Number is shipped under UN 1993 Flammable Liquid, NOS. Similarly, any corrosive

4.4

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ICHCA International Safety Panel Briefing Pamphlet # 3 solid, which is also toxic, is shipped under UN 2923 Corrosive Solid, Toxic, NOS. Most classes contain a number of possible NOS. entries which may be used and Appendix A on page 215 of volume 2 lists all the possible NOS. entries by class. 4.5 Class 5.2 (Organic Peroxides) and self-reactive substances in class 4.1 are divided into five types (B to F) and further sub-divided according to whether they are solid or liquid and whether they require temperature control during transport. This results in 20 group UN Numbers being available to ship both organic peroxides and self-reactive substances (e.g. UN 3101 for Organic Peroxide Type B, Liquid and UN 3235 for Self-reactive liquid, Type D, Temperature-Controlled). Each class is assigned a specific diamond shaped label or labels indicating the main hazard pictorially and showing the class number in the bottom corner. Each package containing dangerous goods must bear the appropriate label(s) to warn of all the hazards (both primary and any subsidiary hazards) presented by the dangerous goods. Orientation labels (indicating which way is considered to be upright) are also required for certain dangerous goods. Exempted quantity marks are used to show the primary hazard of each of the dangerous goods in the package. As a consequence of MARPOL 73/78 Annex III (see 1.3 above), since 1st January 1991 items which are harmful to the marine environment, but not to people or the ship (hitherto the only basis for inclusion in the Code) have been included in Class 9. All marine pollutants, whether in Class 9 (because they do not fall under the criteria of classes 1-8) or one of the other classes, must carry the triangular marine pollutant mark. Freight containers, vehicles, etc., containing such packages must bear enlarged labels, known as placards. However, In addition to the class placards, there are also additional marks and signs, which must be shown on the exterior of vehicles and cargo transport units in certain circumstances. These include the Fumigation Warning Sign to be displayed on units carrying dangerous goods under fumigation and the Elevated Temperature Mark to be displayed on tanks carrying dangerous goods which are carried hot. Degree of hazard (Packing Group) Dangerous goods in most classes have been sub-divided into three packing groups (PG) reflecting the degree of danger they present in transport. Packing Group (PG) I - represents great danger; Packing Group (PG) II - represents medium danger; and Packing Group (PG) III - represents minor danger. 5.2 When selecting a packaging to contain dangerous goods, the PG of the dangerous goods determine the type of packaging and the standards to which it is manufactured and tested. Packagings used to transport PG I dangerous goods must be manufactured and tested to a higher standard than packagings used to transport PG III dangerous goods (see section 6 below).

4.6

4.7

4.8

5 5.1

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ICHCA International Safety Panel Briefing Pamphlet # 3 6 6.1 Product containment Product containment is dealt with in six distinct categories, as follows:a) Conventional packagings (e.g. drums, bags, fibreboard boxes) have a capacity up to 450 litres/400 kg, are required to meet certain standards, pass specified performance tests, and bear UN packaging codes as evidence of this. The IMDG Code indicates a range of possible packages for every substance, but these are, of course, subject to the prime requirement that the packaging materials must be compatible with the proposed contents and suitable for use. The packagings permitted to be used for all dangerous goods are coded into packing instructions (P codes) which are given in column 8 of the DGL. Any special packing provisions which apply are coded (PP codes) in column 9 of the DGL. Full details of the Packaging Instructions and Special Packing provisions are found in Chapter 4.1.4.1 of Volume I of the IMDG Code. Details of testing and examples of UN packaging codes are given in Chapter 6.1 of Volume 1 of the IMDG Code. b) Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBCs) are large rigid or flexible packagings of a capacity up to 3,000 litres and are designed for mechanical handling. Six types of IBC are specified, together with performance tests and details of which substances are allowed in which types of IBC. If IBCs are permitted to be used for dangerous goods they are coded into IBC packing instructions (IBC codes) which are given in column 10 of the DGL. Any special IBC packing provisions which apply are coded (B codes) in column 11 of the DGL. Full details of the Packaging Instructions and Special Packing provisions are found in Chapter 4.1.4.2 of Volume I of the IMDG Code. Details of testing and examples of IBC packaging codes are given in Chapter 6.5 of Volume 1 of the IMDG Code. c) Large Packagings Large packagings consist of an outer packaging having a capacity exceeding 400 kg net mass or 450 litres capacity up to a volume of not more than 3m3 and containing either inner packagings or articles. They are designed to be handled by mechanical means. If Large Packagings are permitted to be used for all dangerous goods they are coded into large packing instructions (LP codes) which are given in column 8 of the DGL. Any special large packing provisions which apply are coded (LP codes) in column 9 of the DGL. Full details of the large Packaging Instructions and Special Packing provisions are found in Chapter 4.1.4.3 of Volume I of the IMDG Code. Details of testing and examples of large packaging codes are given in Chapter 6.6 of Volume 1 of the IMDG Code. d) Bulk Containers Certain solid dangerous goods may be transported in closed bulk packagings when indicated in the DGL by the code "BK2" in column 13 of the DGL. Closed bulk containers include freight containers, skips, offshore bulk containers, bulk bins, swap bodies, trough-shaped

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ICHCA International Safety Panel Briefing Pamphlet # 3 containers, roller containers and the load compartment of vehicles. Sheeted bulk containers may not be used for sea transport. Details on the use of bulk containers are given in chapter 4.3. e) Portable tanks and road tank vehicles Portable tanks and road tank vehicles range in size from 450 litres upwards, and different types, required to accommodate the different requirements of various liquids and gases, are detailed in the Code. Items such as maximum allowable working pressure, relief valves, filling ratios etc., are all dealt with, together with specific requirements for individual substances (volume 1, chapters 4.2, 6.7 and 6.8. also in the DGL). Multiple-Element Gas Containers (MEGC) are built to similar standards as portable tanks and are used for the transport of non-refrigerated gases (see Chapter 4.2 and 6.7). Limited Quantities When certain dangerous goods are packed in small quantities (as given in column 7 (a) of the DGL) and the package gross mass does not exceed 30 kg, they are exempt from the full requirements of the Code provided they meet the requirements given in Chapter 3.4 of Volume 2. For more hazardous dangerous goods, including all PG I dangerous goods, this exemption does not apply and the word None appears in column 7 (a) of the DGL. This indicates that the full requirements of the IMDG Code apply and there is no exemption quantity Exempted Quantities A new Chapter 3.5 has been added in the latest edition of the Code and this is reflected in column 7 (b) of the DGL. This column will provide an alpha numeric code which indicates the maximum quantity per inner and outer packaging for transporting dangerous goods as exempted quantities. The codes are E0 to E5 and the criteria for each is explained in Chapter 3.5. Excepted quantities of dangerous goods of certain classes meeting the provisions of this Chapter are not subject to any other provisions of the Code except for: 1. The training provisions in Chapter 1.3 2. The classification procedures and packing group criteria in Part 2 Classification 3. The relevant packaging provisions in Part 4 4. The provisions for documentation in Chapter 5.4 Where dangerous goods in excepted quantities for which different codes are assigned are packaged together, the total quantity per outer packaging shall be limited to that corresponding to the most restrictive code. Paragraphs 3.5.2 and 3.5.3 deal with packagings to be used for excepted quantities and tests for those packagings

f)

g)

7 7.1

Documentation Information which has to appear on shipping documents (Volume 1, Chapter 5.4) falls into the following categories: a) Dangerous Goods Description i.e. UN number, Proper Shipping Name (PSN), class/division, subsidiary risks and Packing Group. The

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ICHCA International Safety Panel Briefing Pamphlet # 3 sequence in which this information appears is vitally important and is laid down in the IMDG Code; b) Information required in addition to the dangerous goods description - number and kind of packages, total quantity of dangerous goods and dangerous goods declaration (duly signed by or on behalf of the shipper) certifying that all the Code requirements have been complied with. Additional information required only if applicable - such as flash point, marine pollutant, limited quantity, exempted quantity and container packing certificate/vehicle declaration certifying that permitted dangerous goods have been properly packed and secured in a suitable container/vehicle. Special information is sometimes required for goods of classes 1, 2, 4.1, 5.2, 6.2 and 7 as mentioned in chapter 5.4. One item that is specifically NOT required is any reference to IMDG Code page numbers as they can be confused with UN numbers. 8 8.1 Stowage and Segregation Stowage refers to where (on deck or under deck) and on what sort of ship (cargo or passenger) different dangerous goods may be stowed, or whether they are prohibited. There are 5 stowage categories (A to E) and the stowage category indicating the applicable requirements for each UN Number appear in column 16 of the DGL (volume 1, chapter 7.1). Dangerous goods, which may interact dangerously with each other, need to be separated (i.e. segregated) from each other. This is achieved by maintaining a safe distance between: 8.3 dangerous goods in different classes (e.g. explosives (class 1) from flammable liquids (class 3)); dangerous goods in the same class (e.g. some acids from alkalis, both being corrosives (class 8)); and dangerous goods and non-dangerous goods (e.g. toxics from foodstuffs).

8.2

The Code specifies four separation distances (3m, 6m, 12m and 24m) which are coded into a segregation table (volume 1, chapter 7.2), together with information in the Dangerous Goods List (column 16). These enable the required level of segregation to be established for different dangerous goods in various types of shipment (e.g. break bulk, container ships, Ro-Ro etc.). Segregation within cargo transport units (e.g. freight containers, vehicles) is also dealt with in chapter 7.2. Similar principles should be applied on shore when such cargoes are stowed with other dangerous goods and other cargoes Competent Authorities Competent Authorities, often the Marine Section of the Ministry of Transport, are responsible for certain issues in relation to the maritime transport of dangerous goods, such as for granting approvals and exemptions, wherever this is authorised in the Code. Where the Competent Authority of one Member State has granted an approval or an exemption, this must be recognised by the Competent Authorities of all the relevant Member States through which the dangerous goods are travelling. A list of Competent

9 9.1

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ICHCA International Safety Panel Briefing Pamphlet # 3 Authority addresses is included in the Code, and is regularly updated as additional information becomes available to IMO (volume 1, chapter 7.9).

WARNING The foregoing necessarily represents a very brief summary of some of the important aspects dealt with in the IMDG Code. For detailed advice it is essential to refer to the latest version of the Code itself, read in conjunction with national legislation etc.

NOTE: ICHCA International provides a technical summary to its members of each set of changes made to the IMDG Code and also offers a technical advisory service to answer any queries that might arise

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ICHCA International Safety Panel Briefing Pamphlet # 3 APPENDIX 1 The IMDG Code Contents pages The IMDG Code - VOLUME 1 Preamble Contents Part 1 General Provisions, Definitions and Training Chapter 1.1 General provisions Chapter 1.2 Definitions, units of measurement and abbreviations Chapter 1.3 Training Chapter 1.4 Security Chapter 1.5 General provisions concerning class 7 Part 2 Classification Chapter 2.0 Chapter 2.1 Chapter 2.2 Chapter 2.3 Chapter 2.4 Page iii v 3 9 25 30 33

Introduction 39 Class 1 Explosives 44 Class 2 Gases 52 Class 3 Flammable liquids 55 Flammable Solids; substances liable to spontaneous combustion; Substances, which in contact with water, emit flammable gases 59 Chapter 2.5 Class 5 Oxidizing substances and organic peroxides 69 Chapter 2.6 Toxic and infectious substances 84 Chapter 2.7 Class 7 Radioactive materials 92 Chapter 2.8 Class 8 Corrosive substances 112 Chapter 2.9 Class 9 Miscellaneous dangerous substances and articles 114 Chapter 2.10 Marine pollutants 124

Part 4 - Packing and Tank Provisions Chapter 4.1 Use of packagings, including IBCs and large packagings 129 Chapter 4.2 Use of portable tanks and multi-element gas containers 200 Chapter 4.3 Use of bulk containers 219 Part 5 - Consignment Procedures Chapter 5.1 General Provisions Chapter 5.2 Marking and labelling of packages including IBCs Chapter 5.3 Placarding and marking of cargo transport units Chapter 5.4 Documentation Chapter 5.5 Special provisions Part 6 - Construction and Testing of Packagings Chapter 6.1 Provisions for the construction and testing Chapter 6.2 Provisions for the construction and testing of receptacles for gases Chapter 6.3 Provisions for the construction and test of packagings for Class 6.2 substances Chapter 6.4 Provisions for the construction, testing and approval of packages and material of Class 7 Chapter 6.5 Provisions for the construction and testing of IBCs Chapter 6.6 Provisions for the construction and testing of large packagings Chapter 6.7 Provisions for the design, construction, and inspection and testing of portable tanks and MEGCs

225 230 239 243 254

259 278 295 300 318 337 344

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ICHCA International Safety Panel Briefing Pamphlet # 3 Chapter 6.8 Chapter 6.9 Provisions for road tank vehicles Provisions for the design, construction, inspection and testing of bulk containers 385 389

Part 7 - Provisions Concerning Transport Operations Chapter 7.1 Stowage Chapter 7.2 Segregation Chapter 7.3 Special provisions in the event of an incident and fire precautions involving dangerous goods Chapter 7.4 Transport of cargo transport units on board ships Chapter 7.5 Packing of cargo transport units Chapter 7.6 Transport of dangerous goods in ship-borne barges or barge-carrying ships Chapter 7.7 Temperature control provisions Chapter 7.8 Transport of wastes Chapter 7.9 Exemptions, approvals and certificates VOLUME 2 Part 3 - Dangerous Goods List and Limited Quantity Exceptions Chapter 3.1 General Chapter 3.2 Dangerous Goods List Chapter 3.3 Special provisions applicable to certain substances, materials or articles Chapter 3.4 Limited quantities Chapter 3.5 Exempted quantities Appendix A - List of generic and N.O.S. proper shipping names Appendix B - Glossary of terms Index

393 410 453 456 460 462 465 469 471

3 20 195 214 217 223 237 247

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