Dangerous Goods: What You Need to Know

Dangerous goods are substances or articles that can pose a risk to health, safety, property, or the environment if not handled or transported properly. They are classified according to their hazard properties and are subject to specific regulations for their transportation.

UN Numbers

UN numbers are four-digit codes that identify dangerous goods in the context of international transportation. Each UN number is assigned to a specific substance or group of substances with similar properties. UN numbers are used on shipping documents, labels, and other materials to identify dangerous goods.

Why Declaration Is Required

Declaring dangerous goods when transporting by air is important for several reasons:

• To protect the safety of passengers, crew, and aircraft. Dangerous goods can pose a significant hazard if they are not properly handled or transported. For example, flammable goods can catch fire, explosive goods can detonate, and toxic goods can poison people. By declaring dangerous goods, shippers help to ensure that they are handled and transported in a safe manner.
• To comply with international regulations. The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has established regulations for the transportation of dangerous goods by air. These regulations are designed to ensure the safe transport of dangerous goods around the world. By declaring dangerous goods, shippers help to comply with these regulations and avoid penalties.
• To facilitate the transportation of dangerous goods. Shippers who declare dangerous goods are required to provide certain information to the airline, such as the type of dangerous goods, the quantity, and the packaging. This information helps the airline to properly handle and transport the dangerous goods.

Responsibilities

The shipper is responsible for declaring dangerous goods when transporting by air. The shipper must complete a dangerous goods declaration form and provide the necessary documentation to the airline. The shipper is also responsible for ensuring that the dangerous goods are properly packaged and labeled.

Potential Hazards of Undeclared Dangerous Goods

Undeclared dangerous goods can pose a significant hazard to the safety of passengers, crew, and aircraft. In some cases, undeclared dangerous goods have caused serious accidents, including fires, explosions, and fatalities.

For example, in 2013, a UPS Airlines flight from Hong Kong to Dubai crashed after it caught fire in mid-air. The fire was caused by undeclared lithium-ion batteries in a shipment of electronic equipment. The crash killed all 228 people on board.

Types of Dangerous Goods

Dangerous goods are classified into nine classes according to their hazard properties. The classes are:

• Class 1: Explosives
• Class 2: Gases
• Class 3: Flammable liquids
• Class 4: Flammable solids
• Class 5: Oxidizing substances and organic peroxides
• Class 6: Toxic and infectious substances
• Class 7: Radioactive materials
• Class 8: Corrosives

Common Household Items That May Be Considered Dangerous Goods

Some common household items may be considered dangerous goods when transported by air. These items include:

• Electronic devices with batteries, such as laptops, cell phones, and cameras
• Speakers and other items with magnets
• Nail polish remover and other flammable liquids
• Alcohol and other flammable liquids
• Pesticides and other toxic substances

Dangerous Goods Declaration Form

The dangerous goods declaration form is a document that provides information about the dangerous goods being shipped. The form must be completed by the shipper and provided to the airline.

The information required on the dangerous goods declaration form includes:

• The name of the shipper
• The name of the consignee
• The type of dangerous goods
• The quantity of dangerous goods
• The packaging of the dangerous goods
• The UN number of the dangerous goods

Conclusion

Declaring dangerous goods when transporting by air is important to ensure the safety of passengers, crew, and aircraft. Shippers have a responsibility to declare dangerous goods and to provide the necessary documentation to the airline. By following the proper procedures, shippers can help to prevent accidents and injuries involving dangerous goods.

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