Dangerous Goods (DGR)

Introduction to Dangerous Goods

Dangerous Goods (DGR) are substances or articles that pose a risk to health, safety, property, or the environment when transported by air. Due to the specific conditions of air transport (altitude, pressure, temperature, vibrations), these goods require special precautions and are subject to strict regulations.

The air transport of dangerous goods is primarily governed by the IATA DGR regulations (Dangerous Goods Regulations), which are based on the ICAO Technical Instructions (International Civil Aviation Organization). These regulations define the conditions under which these goods can be safely transported.

Given the potential risks, the air transport of dangerous goods requires specific expertise, precise documentation, and packaging that complies with international standards.

Classification of Dangerous Goods

Dangerous goods are classified into 9 main classes based on the nature of the hazard they present. This classification is harmonized internationally and used in all modes of transport.

The 9 classes of dangerous goods

Image source: Preferred Logistics Solution


• Class 1: Explosives
  • Division 1.1: Substances and articles with a mass explosion hazard
  • Division 1.2: Substances and articles with a projection hazard but not a mass explosion hazard
  • Division 1.3: Substances and articles with a fire hazard and either a minor blast hazard or a minor projection hazard or both
  • Division 1.4: Substances and articles that present no significant hazard
  • Division 1.5: Very insensitive substances with a mass explosion hazard
  • Division 1.6: Extremely insensitive articles with no mass explosion hazard

  Examples: fireworks, ammunition, detonators



• Class 2: Gases
  • Division 2.1: Flammable gases
  • Division 2.2: Non-flammable, non-toxic gases
  • Division 2.3: Toxic gases

  Examples: aerosols, oxygen cylinders, refrigerant gases



• Class 3: Flammable Liquids

  Liquids, mixtures of liquids, or liquids containing solids that give off flammable vapors.

  Examples: gasoline, paints, alcohols, perfumes



• Class 4: Flammable Solids
  • Division 4.1: Flammable solids, self-reactive substances, and desensitized explosives
  • Division 4.2: Substances liable to spontaneous combustion
  • Division 4.3: Substances which, in contact with water, emit flammable gases

  Examples: matches, activated carbon, calcium carbide



• Class 5: Oxidizing Substances and Organic Peroxides
  • Division 5.1: Oxidizing substances
  • Division 5.2: Organic peroxides

  Examples: nitrate fertilizers, hydrogen peroxide, peroxides



• Class 6: Toxic and Infectious Substances
  • Division 6.1: Toxic substances
  • Division 6.2: Infectious substances

  Examples: pesticides, medical samples, bacterial cultures



• Class 7: Radioactive Materials

  Materials containing radionuclides whose activity concentration and total activity exceed certain values.

  Examples: medical isotopes, industrial sources



• Class 8: Corrosive Substances

  Substances that, by chemical action, cause severe damage to living tissue or materials.

  Examples: acids, bases, lead batteries



• Class 9: Miscellaneous Dangerous Goods

  Substances and articles that present a danger during transport but are not covered by the other classes.

  Examples: dry ice, lithium batteries, strong magnets, vehicles

Packing Groups

In addition to classification by class, dangerous goods (except for classes 1, 2, 5.2, 6.2, and 7) are also assigned to a packing group based on their level of danger:

• Packing Group I: Very dangerous substances
• Packing Group II: Moderately dangerous substances
• Packing Group III: Slightly dangerous substances

IATA Regulations for Dangerous Goods

The IATA DGR Regulations

The IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations (IATA DGR) are published annually by the International Air Transport Association. They serve as the reference manual for the air transport of dangerous goods and are used by airlines, shippers, freight forwarders, and authorities worldwide.

These regulations are based on the ICAO Technical Instructions but also include additional requirements imposed by IATA member airlines for operational or safety reasons.

Content of the IATA DGR Regulations

The IATA DGR regulations cover all aspects of the air transport of dangerous goods:

• Classification: Identification and categorization of hazardous substances
• Restrictions: Limitations on what can be transported and under what conditions
• Packaging: Requirements for containers and packaging materials
• Labeling and marking: Prescriptions for visual identification of packages
• Documentation: Required forms and information
• Handling: Procedures for safe handling
• Training: Staff qualification requirements
• Incidents and accidents: Emergency procedures and reporting

List of Dangerous Goods

A central element of the IATA DGR regulations is the List of Dangerous Goods (Table 4.2), which provides detailed information on over 3000 items and substances, including:

• UN number and proper shipping name
• Class or division of hazard
• Subsidiary risks
• Packing group
• Packing instructions
• Maximum quantities permitted per package (passenger and cargo aircraft)
• Applicable special provisions

Operator and State Variations

The IATA DGR regulations also include:

• Operator variations: Additional restrictions imposed by certain airlines
• State variations: Specific requirements imposed by certain countries

These variations may be more restrictive than the basic requirements and must be complied with when applicable to a specific route.

Dangerous Goods Declaration (DGD)

The Dangerous Goods Declaration (DGD) is a mandatory regulatory document in the field of transportation. This document aims to ensure the safety of people, property, and the environment by detailing the nature, quantities, and transport conditions of products classified as dangerous.

What is the DGD?

The DGD accompanies every shipment of dangerous goods and aims to provide stakeholders (shippers, carriers, control authorities, and emergency teams) with precise and essential information. It includes:

• Goods identification: UN number, proper shipping name, and hazard classification.
• Quantities and packaging: Details on the quantity shipped, type of packaging used, and number of packaged units.
• Safety instructions: Preventive measures and specific instructions in case of an incident.
• Contact information: Contact details of the shipper and carrier for quick communication in case of emergency.

Objectives and Importance

The primary objective of the DGD is to ensure that all information related to dangerous goods is communicated clearly and completely. Its purposes include:

• Ensuring safety: By quickly identifying risks, the DGD allows teams to implement preventive measures and appropriate emergency procedures.
• Facilitating controls: Customs authorities and control bodies use the DGD to verify the compliance of shipments with national and international standards. For more information, visit the official website of the French Customs.
• Optimizing logistics: By detailing the characteristics of the goods, the document enables better transport planning and efficient resource allocation.
• Ensuring regulatory compliance: The DGD serves as documentary evidence of compliance with requirements imposed by regulations such as the IATA DGR regulations and ICAO standards.

Content of the DGD

A complete DGD must include several essential sections:

• Identification and description: UN number, goods designation, and hazard class (e.g., explosives, gases, flammable liquids, etc.).
• Quantities and packaging: Quantity transported, type of packaging, number of units, and specific packaging instructions.
• Contact information: Complete contact details of the shipper, carrier, and, if applicable, the consignee.
• Safety measures: Procedures to follow in case of an incident, onboard safety equipment, and instructions for first responders.

Procedures and Obligations

The establishment and transmission of the DGD are subject to strict procedures aimed at minimizing risks. Obligations include:

• Prior verification: The shipper must ensure that all information is accurate and compliant with current standards before shipment.
• Staff training: All stakeholders must be regularly trained to understand and apply the requirements related to the DGD.
• Customs and regulatory controls: Authorities use the DGD to conduct inspections and ensure that dangerous goods meet the required safety criteria.
• Updating information: The DGD must be revised according to regulatory changes, particularly during the annual updates of the IATA DGR regulations.

Incident Management

In case of an accident or incident during transport, the DGD is a crucial tool for:

• Determining the nature and extent of the risks.
• Quickly deploying appropriate emergency measures.
• Effectively informing emergency services and competent authorities.
• Limiting the impact on the environment and public health.

The Dangerous Goods Declaration (DGD) is much more than just an administrative document; it is at the heart of the safe management of dangerous goods shipments. By ensuring the transparency of information and facilitating the implementation of safety measures, the DGD helps protect human lives, preserve the environment, and maintain trust in the international transport system. The continuous commitment of shippers, carriers, and authorities is essential to meet these requirements and ensure risk-free transport.

Conclusion

The air transport of dangerous goods is a complex task that requires in-depth knowledge of regulations and safety procedures. By complying with the requirements of the IATA DGR regulations, air transport professionals can ensure the safety of passengers, crew, and goods, while minimizing risks to the environment.

Continuous training and vigilance are essential to stay up-to-date with regulatory changes and industry best practices. By working together, airlines, shippers, and authorities can ensure the safe and efficient transport of dangerous goods worldwide.