Dangerous Goods

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1. What are Dangerous Goods?

Dangerous goods are hazardous substances which are being transported. They should be labelled according to IATA, IMDG or ADR regulations. In trade those goods should be accompanied with all relevant paperwork including an SDS.

If you are not trained to deal with them you should not enter a hazardous environment or attempt to sample goods if they are declared cargo.

Certain goods must only be sampled by qualified personnel or contractors.

Some goods should never be sampled.

The chapter Sampling of Dangerous Goods provides more detail on procedures for sampling.

2. Where might they be encountered?

Dangerous goods are most commonly encountered by freight staff working at ports, inland clearance depots, airports and some oil installations but they may be found in smaller packages sent by post or courier service. They should be immediately identifiable from the labels on the packaging and the accompanying documentation. However you may encounter suspicious goods which may be mis-declared or lack the correct labels and documentation. If there is any doubt regarding such goods you should treat them as Dangerous Goods. See Sampling of goods of unknown composition.

3. What can be done to reduce the risks?

Always request copies of all accompanying documentation and follow the instructions provided on the SDS regarding PPE and safety precautions. If the documentation is not immediately available general information regarding the hazards can be determined from the labels.

If you have to work near any dangerous goods, you should wear appropriate safety clothing. You must never touch, inhale or taste anything which you suspect is dangerous. 

4. What should I do if I feel ill?

If you start to suffer any discomfort while working in a container or examining any substances, stop work immediately and leave the area. You should also seek medical attention — even if you feel that you have recovered — and report the incident. 

5. What other risks do Dangerous goods pose?

Dangerous goods will usually require special storage and transport arrangements. For example:

• water-sensitive materials must be kept in waterproof containers and are sometimes stored in oils if particularly sensitive (e.g. sodium). They must be kept away from rooms with automatic sprinkler systems.
• Oxidizing agents should be kept away from liquids with a low flashpoint, such as oils. Oxidizing agents and liquids with a low flashpoint must both be kept away from sources of heat. Because oxidizing agents supply their own oxygen, conventional fire-fighting equipment which relies on smothering could be ineffective.
• There may be limits on the quantities that can be stored in one place this is particularly important if large numbers of samples are taken or a consignment is detained or seized.
• When samples are sent to the laboratory the ADR regulations apply and the samples must always be labelled appropriately and accompanied by a copy of SDS however the rules are simplified for very small quantities. See Sampling of Dangerous goods.

You must refer to the legislation and the guidance of your national administration for more information.
The guidance contained in this section intended to serve as a general reminder of the risks that are sometimes encountered during the examination and sampling procedure and of the safety equipment that you should use and precautions that you should take.