Handling Dangerous Goods (DGR): Complete Guide to Regulations and Safe Procedures

Dangerous Goods, also known as DGR (Dangerous Goods Regulation), are articles or substances that, due to their properties, pose a significant risk to the health and safety of those handling them, as well as to other cargoes and the environment. Throughout this article, we will provide the necessary information on processes and steps to ensure proper shipping and handling of these goods. 

International and National Regulations for Handling Dangerous Goods 

Handling dangerous goods is a delicate task. Any logistical error can be extremely costly, both in terms of safety and money. For this reason, there are worldwide regulations designed to prevent the serious harm these goods can cause if mishandled. 

The most important international regulations include: 

• European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Inland Waterways (ADN) 

• International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code: Sets out requirements for the maritime transport of dangerous goods. 

• European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road (ADR) 

• International Regulations concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Rail (RID) 

These regulations have been developed by two main international organizations: 

1. International Air Transport Association (IATA) 

1. International Maritime Organization (IMO) 

These organizations have incorporated into their regulations the identification and classification of dangerous goods, appropriate packaging and labeling, necessary documentation to provide information on classification and handling, and correct transport procedures. The aim is to ensure the proper handling of these goods and the safety of those who handle them. 

Classification of Dangerous Goods: The Nine Classes. 

CLASS 1. EXPLOSIVES	Symbolism	Examples of goods
Division 1.1 Substances and articles posing a mass explosion hazard.		Ammunition Cartridges Fireworks/pyrotechnics Flares Detonators
Division 1.2 Substances and articles presenting a projection hazard but not a mass explosion hazard.
Division 1.3 Substances and articles with a fire hazard and minor blast or projection hazard, but not a mass explosion hazard.
Division 1.4 Substances and articles with a very low hazard of explosion.
Division 1.5 Very insensitive substances posing a mass explosion hazard.
Division 1.6 Extremely insensitive articles without a mass explosion hazard.
CLASS 2. GASES
Division 2.1 Flammable gas		Aerosols Compressed gas Fire extinguishers Refrigerant gases Lighters Acetylene Helium Hydrogen Oxygen Nitrogen Natural gas Petroleum gases
Division 2.2 Non-flammable compressed gas
Division 2.3 Toxic gas
CLASS 3. FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS		Acetone Paints Varnishes Alcohols Perfumery products Gasoline/petrol Heating oil Isopropanol Methanol
CLASS 4. FLAMMABLE SOLIDS
Division 4.1 Flammable solids, self-reactive substances, and solid desensitized explosives.		Alkali metals Metal powders Matches Calcium carbide Camphor Desensitized explosives Nitrocellulose Phosphorus Sulfur
Division 4.2 Substances liable to spontaneous combustion.
Division 4.3 Substances which, in contact with water, emit flammable gases.
CLASS 5. OXIDIZING AGENTS AND ORGANIC PEROXIDES
Division 5.1 Oxidizing substances		Ammonium nitrate Chlorates Nitrates Nitrites Peroxides Calcium hypochlorite Calcium nitrate Calcium peroxide or hydrogen peroxide
Division 5.2 Organic peroxides		Acids Heavy metal compounds Amines
CLASS 6. TOXIC AND INFECTIOUS SUBSTANCES
Division 6.1 Toxic substances		Arsenic Chloroform Cyanide Lead Mercury substances Nicotine
Division 6.2 Infectious substances		Biological products Cultures Medical and clinical waste Patient samples
CLASS 7. RADIOACTIVE MATERIAL		Density gauges Depleted uranium products Fire detection systems Smoke detectors Medical isotopes X-ray equipment
CLASS 8. CORROSIVE SUBSTANCES		Acid battery fluids Alkaline battery fluids Formaldehyde Hydrochloric acid Iodine Nitric acid Sulfuric acid
CLASS 9. MISCELLANEOUS DANGEROUS GOODS. Covering two or more classes (except class 7).		Airbag modules Battery-powered equipment/vehicles Dry ice First aid kits Safety devices
For unpackaged articles or packages containing lithium batteries.
Hazardous substance mark for marine pollutants/environmental contaminants.
Lithium battery mark for packages containing lithium cells or batteries.

Benefits of Using a Freight Forwarder for Shipping Dangerous Goods

Using a freight forwarder for shipping dangerous goods offers multiple benefits that optimize logistics and ensure compliance with international regulations. These experts in international logistics coordinate all necessary operations for safe transportation, acting as intermediaries between the company and various transport services. With deep knowledge of required regulations and documentation, freight forwarders significantly reduce the risk of errors and delays, thereby facilitating the shipping process and ensuring that dangerous goods are handled safely and efficiently. Moreover, their expertise in cost optimization and route planning allows businesses to save time and resources, ensuring a more economical and punctual delivery. Ultimately, a freight forwarder provides comprehensive and specialized management that is crucial for the safety and success of shipping dangerous goods.

Handling dangerous goods is subject to strict international and national regulations aimed at ensuring safety during handling, transportation, and storage. Proper classification of these goods and compliance with specific regulations is crucial to prevent incidents and ensure an efficient and safe logistical process.

To successfully ship dangerous goods, it is essential to understand and apply these regulations, thereby ensuring proper handling of the goods, avoiding delays, and guaranteeing safety during transportation.