“book it right & pack it tight” - uk p&i - ship owners’ …€œbook it right &...

“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

1 - Purpose & content of the Guidebooks

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

Failure to comply with

dangerous goods rules causes severe maritime incidents …….

.

..… and heavy losses

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 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

.

2 - Classification of dangerous goods

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


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


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


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


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


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


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.


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

3 – Documentation: Compliance requirements

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

4 – Packing Certificates and other certification

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


5 – Limited Quantities

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


6 – Segregation

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

7 – IMDG Code Training & Security Awareness

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)


8 – Taking and checking the cargo booking

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!

9 – Summary of topics covered

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

The end

This presentation is to introduce the “Book it

Right and Pack it Tight” guidebooks to a wide

audience and to promote understanding and

use of the IMDG Code. Please modify to your own requirements

“book it right & pack it tight” - uk p&i - ship owners’ …€œbook it right &...

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