KEY REQUIREMENTS FOR TRANSPORTING HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES: REGULATIONS AND BEST PRACTICES
The transportation of hazardous substances involves risks that must be carefully managed to prevent accidents, damage to the environment, or public health issues. For this reason, there are strict regulations governing how these goods must be handled, packaged, and transported.
What are hazardous substances?
Hazardous substances include products that, due to their chemical or physical nature, present risks to safety, health, or the environment. These include:
- Flammable substances
- Explosives
- Compressed gases
- Corrosives
- Radioactive materials
International regulations
To ensure safety in the transportation of hazardous substances, various international regulations are followed:
- ADR: European Agreement Concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road.
- IMDG: International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code.
- IATA-DGR: Dangerous Goods Regulations of the International Air Transport Association.
Essential requirements for transportation
- Classification and labeling: Each hazardous substance must be properly classified and labeled according to international standards. Labels must be clear and visible to identify the type of hazard.
- Documentation: It is essential to have a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) and other relevant documents, such as the shipping certificate and the hazardous declaration.
- Proper packaging: Hazardous substances must be packaged in containers that prevent spills or leaks. Packaging must comply with international standards.
- Staff training: Personnel responsible for handling, packaging, or transporting these goods must be properly trained in safety regulations and procedures.
- Specialized means of transportation: Some products require special vehicles or containers for transportation, such as tank trucks or temperature-controlled containers.
