“Book it right & pack it tight”
New guidebooks to the IMDG Code operational rules for preparing
dangerous goods for carriage by sea
Book 1: Shippers & Forwarders
Book 2: Shipping lines and freight
booking agencies
Book 3: Consolidators –
managers and supervisors
Book 4: Fork lift operators
and cargo handlers
Subjects covered in this presentation
1. Purpose & content of the Guidebooks
2. Classification of dangerous goods
3. Documentation: compliance requirements
4. Packing certificates & other certification
5. Limited quantities
6. Segregation
7. IMDG Code training & security awareness
8. Taking and checking the cargo booking
9. Summary of topics covered
What is in the Guidebooks?
• Clear guidance on how to ensure that shippers
comply with the IMDG Code
• Explanation of legal duties
• Practical examples
• Sample documents
• Photographs
• Illustrations
Format of the guidebooks
The Guidebooks all have a Part A & Part B:
• Part A identifies the key operational duties – what you and
shippers must do and how to do it
• Part B is a common reference section explaining
requirements of the IMDG Code
What is the purpose of the Guidebooks?
1. To provide practical operational guidance to
the complex requirements of the IMDG Code
2. To provide a quick reference to the relevant
IMDG Code text
A fundamental question:
What are dangerous goods?
Answer: Substances or articles that may:
– kill or injure people
– damage ships or transport equipment
– damage cargo
– damage the environment (marine pollutants)
Are there rules for shipping
dangerous goods by sea?
YES – there are strict rules for shippers,
container packers and shipping lines
The rules are contained in the
International Maritime
Dangerous Goods Code
The International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code
Known as the IMDG Code
A complete instruction
manual for documentation,
packaging and carriage of
dangerous goods by sea
What is the IMDG Code?
• Two volumes & a Supplement (over 800 pages)
• Rules for every stage of the carriage of dangerous goods by sea
• The international UN system for classification, listing, documentation, packaging & packing of dangerous goods
• Specific legal duties for all parties that are enforced by national legislation and the international SOLAS Convention
Where does the IMDG Code come from?
• The IMDG Code is produced by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO)
• The IMO is a United Nations agency
• The IMDG Code is based on the UN inter-modal dangerous goods system and is used world-wide
Who has duties under the IMDG Code?
• Shipping line booking agents
• Shippers & forwarders
• Consolidators (supervisor/manager)
• Fork lift drivers/container packers
• Ships and shipping lines
Book 2: Shipping Lines & Freight Booking Agencies
Practical operational guidance on the knowledge required by shipping lines and freight booking agencies:
1. Classification &
identification
2. Documentation
3. Packaging & labelling
References in this presentation
• References to sections in Guidebook 2 are
always shown in yellow at bottom left hand
corner:
• References to text in the IMDG Code are shown
in blue:
See Guidebook Part B section 4
See Guidebook Part B section 4
See IMDG Code 2.10
The guidebook is your quick
guide to the IMDG Code
Your quick reference to ….
…. the 800 pages of the IMDG Code
How to use your guidebook
Identify the operational subject, and see examples. Use the IMDG references to ….
…. take you directly to the relevant text in IMDG Code for full details
Guidebook 2: IMDG Code knowledge
required for freight booking staff
1. Classification of dangerous goods
2. Documentation requirements
3. Packaging certificates
4. Segregation
.
What does “classification” mean?
• Classification is the shippers duty to describe his product and its hazard according to the rules of the IMDG Code
e.g.
- UN Number
- Name of product
- Class and type of hazard(s)
- Degree of hazard (Packing Group)
- Description in terms used in the IMDG Code
Where can classification details be found?
In the the columns of the Dangerous Goods List
in Part 3 of the IMDG Code –
What is the Dangerous Goods List?
• A list containing an entry for all dangerous
goods (it takes up 169 pages of Volume 2 of the
IMDG Code)
• It is the first point of reference for all enquiries
about classification or technical details of a
substance or article
Dangerous
Goods List (diagrammatic display)
Each substance entry has 18 columns of
classification & other information
Substances are listed under their
UN Number in Column 1
Why do I need to understand classification?
If you accept dangerous
goods bookings on behalf
of a shipping line, you must
be able to check that the
classification details and
documents provided by the
shipper are correct
Classification factors
There are a number of classification details shippers must provide for each dangerous substance:
1. UN Number
2. Proper Shipping Name
3. Class
4. Plus a number of “conditional” details such as degree of hazard (Packing Group), flashpoint, marine pollutant etc, depending upon the substance
UN hazard classification system
• The IMDG Code uses the UN intermodal system
to classify and identify dangerous goods
• Classification details for each substance are
listed in the columns of the Dangerous Goods
List
See Guidebook Part B sections 1-8, 11
See IMDG Code Chapts 2.0 – 2.10
Class 1 - Explosives
Class 2 - Gases
Class 3 - Flammable Liquids
Class 4 - Flammable Solids
Class 5 - Oxidising Substances
Class 6 - Toxic Substances
Class 7 - Radioactive Substances
Class 8 - Corrosives
Class 9 - Miscellaneous
Dangerous
goods are put into one
of 9 categories, depending
upon the type of hazard.
These are called
‘Classes’
There are 9 hazard Classes
Hazard classes are represented
by symbols: examples
CLASS 3
Flammable liquids are liquids that have a flashpoint of below 60°C
CLASS 8
Corrosive substances and their vapors destroy living tissue on contact and can damage many other materials
CLASS 6.1
Toxic substances cause injury or death to humans by inhalation, swallowing or skin contact
Some classes are sub-divided into “divisions”
Class 2.1 – Flammable gas
Class 2.2 – Non-flammable non-toxic gas
Class 2.3 – Toxic gas
See Guidebook Part B Section 4 for an explanation of all the classes and sub-divisions
See IMDG Code 2.0 – 2.10 for full details of the UN classification system
Multiple hazards (Sub-risks)
• Some substances have more than one hazard –
They have a main risk and a “sub-risk”
e.g. a substance classed as a flammable liquid may also be toxic:
CARBON DISULPHIDE
Class 3 + Sub-risk of class 6.1
See Guidebook Part B section 5
UN Number
• Every dangerous substance has a UN Number
• This is a unique number allocated by the UN
• The UN Number is used to locate the
dangerous substance entry in the numerical
IMDG Dangerous Goods List (IMDG Part 3)
eg UN 2023
See Guidebook Part B section 6
All dangerous goods have a UN Number, Proper
Shipping Name, & Class Example: ETHANOL
• UN Number – UN 1170
• Proper Shipping Name - ETHANOL
• Class - 3
What name should the shipper
use for his dangerous goods?
• Every dangerous substance and article can also be found listed in the alphabetical index of the IMDG Dangerous Goods List under its Proper Shipping Name
See Guidebook Part B section 7
e.g. substance name: SULPHURIC ACID e.g. article name: ROCKET MOTORS
Proper Shipping Names
• The Proper Shipping Name is the only name internationally recognised by the United Nations dangerous goods system
• You must ensure that the shipper uses only the Proper Shipping Name from the Dangerous Goods List on his documentation
• You should ensure that only the Proper Shipping Name is submitted for the ship‟s dangerous cargo manifest
Proper Shipping Names for
mixtures & unlisted substances
• Mixtures of dangerous substances and
uncommon dangerous substances are not listed
in the Dangerous Goods List
• They are shipped under a name chosen from a
list of names that describe the generic hazard of
the substance or mixture –
Known as a “Not Otherwise Specified” (N.O.S.)
name
How shippers choose an N.O.S
Proper Shipping Name
• A mixture is subjected to standard tests to
determine any hazardous characteristics
• If it is hazardous it is given a generic name and
UN Number that describes the hazard
eg FLAMMABLE LIQUID N.O.S. UN 1993
See Guidebook Part B section 7
Completing N.O.S. names
• To complete an N.O.S. name the identity of the dangerous substance(s) must be added in brackets after the generic name e.g.
• UN 1993, FLAMMABLE LIQUID N.O.S. (contains glycol and acetone)
• The IMDG Code has a list containing N.O.S. generic names that cover all combinations of class and sub-risk – consult the Guidebook & IMDG Code Appendix A
There are other classification
details that are not universal
• After UN Number, Proper Shipping Name and
Class, other “conditional” classification details
may apply to particular dangerous goods
• To find what details are required, refer to the
substance entry in the Dangerous Goods List
See Guidebook Part B sections 5, 8, 10, 11, 14, 15, 16, 17 & 19
Packing Groups: an indication of danger
• Some hazard classes also require a Packing Group to indicate degree of hazard
• “Packing Group” is usually shortened to “PG”
• If a PG is required, it must be included on the shipper‟s declaration
PG I Great danger
PG II Medium danger
PG III Low danger
See Guidebook Part B section 8
Marine Pollutant
• These are substances that bio-accumulate in the
marine food chain or are highly destructive to the
marine environment
• Marine pollutants must be identified on documents
and by the marine pollutant mark (below) on
packages and cargo transport units
See Guidebook Part B section 11
Flashpoint
• The flashpoint must be provided only for:
– Class 3 substances (Flammable Liquids)
– Or any substance with a class 3 sub-risk
CLASS 3 - flammable liquids are liquids that have a flashpoint of less than 60°C.
See Guidebook Part B section 10
Less common variable details
• There are other less common conditional classification details that may be required eg:
– Solid or liquid
– Control & emergency temperature
– Radioactivity details
– Explosives details
• Refer to the substance entry in the Dangerous Goods List and IMDG 5.4 to see what details may be requied
See Guidebook Part B section 3.4
Reminder: How to find classification details
• All classification details are found in the various
columns of the Dangerous Goods List in Part 3.2
of the IMDG Code
• When taking bookings, check that all the
required classification details for the particular
substance or article have been provided by the
shipper
Details of the dangerous goods
• The shipper or his forwarder must provide the
line with full classification details at the initial
booking stage – usually on a shipping line
internal booking request form
• When the shipper despatches the goods, they
must be accompanied by a dangerous goods
declaration that complies with IMDG Code
requirements
Documentation:
Shipper’s dangerous goods declaration & packing certificate
This example of a shipper’s declaration is taken from page 20 of Guidebook 2
Shipper’s dangerous goods declaration
All dangerous goods
consignments must
be accompanied by a
dangerous goods
declaration that shows
the classification details
that is signed by the
shipper
Details required for the
dangerous goods declaration
• Shipper’s address
• Consignee’s address
• Ship & voyage details
• Classification & identification
• Packaging description
• Quantity
• Leading marks
• Shipper’s signature
See Guidebook Part A sections 3 & 4
Shipper’s name & address
Consignee’s name & address
Voyage details
Number & type of packaging
Leading marks
Classification & identification
Container details
Packing certificate must be completed and signed by the container packer
Classification details are vital
Details of the packaging, classification and substance identification must all be entered on the declaration
See IMDG 5.4
See Guidebook Part A sections 3 & 4
Classification details
Proper Shipping name Mandatory
Class Mandatory
UN Number Mandatory
Sub-risk (conditional)
Packing Group (conditional)
Marine Pollutant (conditional)
Flashpoint (conditional)
Control & emergency temperature (conditional)
Fumigation details (conditional)
Radiation details (Mandatory for Class 7)
Explosives details (Mandatory for Class 1)
Shipper’s declaration: This text confirms that the shipper has accurately described his dangerous goods and they are correctly classified, packaged and labelled according to all national and international legislation.
This is a mandatory text from the IMDG Code.
This is where the document is signed and dated by the shipper
Net & gross quantity of dangerous goods
Packing certificate contains a statement signed by the person responsible for packing the container that the container and its load meet all requirements of the IMDG Code
See Guidebook Part A section 6
Packing certificate
Purpose of the packing certificate
• The packing certificate is a signed statement by the person packing the container that goods are:
• correctly packaged, marked & labelled
• not damaged or leaking
• properly braced and secured for sea transport
• in a container that is in good condition, that is correctly marked and placarded
• in compliance with all aspects of the IMDG Code
• accompanied by a shipper‟s declaration that accurately describes the goods
Reminder: Packing certificates
• All consignments of dangerous goods that are
packed in a freight container or a vehicle must
be accompanied by a packing certificate
• Consignments without packing certificates
should not be shipped
Potential additional documentation
• Booking staff should recognise that
supplementary documents may be submitted or
required:
– Weathering certificate
– Exemption certificate
– Letter of indemnity
– Competent Authority Approval
– Container fumigation certificate
See Guidebook Part A section 5
Limited quantities
• Dangerous goods shipped as “limited quantities”
have fewer land and sea transport rules
• By sea the main concession is that limited
quantity goods do not require segregation from
other dangerous goods
• Another concession is that UN-certified
packaging is not required
Limited quantities
In principle limited quantities means shipping in small receptacles protected by outer packaging
Rules for limited quantities
• Packages: Maximum weight/capacity of the inner
receptacles is specified in column 7 of the Dangerous
Goods List for individual substance
• The shipper‟s declaration must state “LIMITED
QUANTITIES”
• Packages must bear the limited quantities mark instead
of the normal label and marks
See Guidebook Part A section 7 and Part B section 9
Aerosols UN 1950: special rules
• Aerosols are a commonly-shipped commodity that often cause problems
• Usually shipped as Limited
Quantities
• Aerosols have special rules
for classification, documentation and packaging
See Guidebook Part B section 19
Segregation: Rules for
controlling mixed hazard loads
• „Mixed loading‟ means loading different types of dangerous goods together in the same container
• Mixed loading creates the possibility of dangerous chemical reaction
• Mixed loading is prohibited unless permitted by the IMDG Code segregation rules in IMDG section 7.2
The rules of segregation are complex - see IMDG chapter 7.2
Be aware that different types of dangerous goods may have to be packed into different containers
See also Guidebook 1 Part A section 9
See also Guidebook 3 (Consolidators) Part A section 12 for segregation in containers
Calculation and checking of
mixed load segregation
• You may be required to advise shippers or packers on load segregation at the booking stage, or check mixed hazard loads prior to loading the ship
• To calculate segregation you will need all the classification details from the shipper‟s declaration
Checking segregation
• When taking bookings for multi-hazard
consignments ensure that any segregation
requirement is identified to the shipper
• Inform shipper if IMDG Code rules prohibit co-
loading of a particular hazard combination offered
for shipment in the same container
Methods of checking segregation
Segregation checks can be carried out:
1. Manually using the IMDG rules in section 7.2 (This method is explained in Guidebook 3 for Consolidators section 12)
2. Electronically using an in-house electronic system supplied by the shipping line
3. Electronically using an independent commercial checking system accessed via the internet such as HAZCHECK
IMDG Code training
• The IMDG Code requires that staff processing
dangerous goods documentation and booking
cargo must be trained to understand the rules of
the IMDG Code
• Booking staff should be trained to provide
shippers and packers with dangerous goods
advice
Check your IMDG Code training competency
The IMDG Code requires that employers train
their employees in both:
– general dangerous goods awareness
– specific jobs involving dangerous goods
Refer to the IMDG training schedule in section
1.3 of the IMDG Code to check the functions in
which you and your staff must be competent
See Guidebook
Part A section 1
Security awareness
• Some dangerous goods can be used by terrorists
to create explosions, fires and toxic releases
• Ports can be strategic terrorist targets and high
levels of security are normal context
• All personnel should be aware of such hazards
and keep cargo and storage information
confidential (see IMDG chapt 1.4 security
provisions)
See Guidebook Part A section 2
Checking dangerous goods bookings
• Shipping lines require classification details from
the shipper in advance to check acceptability and
segregation
• These will normally be requested on a
dangerous goods booking form
• Details on the shipper‟s formal declaration should
be the same as on the advance booking –
CHECK!
What has been covered in this presentation
• This presentation has looked briefly at the following key duties, found in Guidebook 2, that should be familiar to booking staff.
• Greater detail on these and other topics will be found in Guidebook 2 itself: - Classification
- Documentation
- Certification
- Limited quantities
- Segregation
- IMDG Training
Topics covered in other guidebooks
• Guidebooks 1,3 & 4 in the series provide detailed coverage of other topics including:
– Segregation in detail
– Unit loads
– Container packing, bracing & securing
– Causes of cargo damage
– Container marking and placarding
– Fumigation
– Packing certificates in detail
Important Notice
The Guidebooks are a practical operational aid and
should be used alongside the IMDG Code
They are not a substitute for IMDG Code training –
employees should be trained as appropriate for their job
and responsibility
Technical issues should always be checked against the
legal text of the IMDG Code