One focus area is safe carriage of lithium batteries, volumes of which have grown in recent years. They have undergone testing in cargo environment to determine the safest standards to apply. Continual assessment is a fundamental aspect of this new approach to training, says Glyn Hughes, Director General, TIACA.
Ritika Arora Bhola
What safety measures are currently in place for handling dangerous goods?
Safety and security will always remain the industry’s top priority. With regards to safety, dangerous goods handling and transport are subject to global and national regulations and carrier specific policies. The development of various regulations considers manufacturing developments, packaging standards and safe controls. Documentation, training and accountability ensure all parties in the supply chain should be aware of what is being moved, how it has been packaged and what safe controls to apply. There are regulations and standards applicable to cargo carried in passenger aircraft and different regulations and standards applied to all cargo freighter aircraft.
This considers the different containment measures applicable in the various cargo holds and main deck environments. ICAO’s Technical Instructions, published every two years, provides the source of regulations for safe carriage of dangerous goods. IATA publishes its Dangerous Good Regulations manual based on the TI and adds chapters covering certain requirements. One focus area is on the safe carriage of lithium batteries, volumes of which have grown in recent years. Lithium batteries have undergone testing in an air cargo environment to determine the safest standards to apply. They include the maximum state of charge that a battery may hold, while it is being shipped. It also covers quantities when loaded loose, quantities within appliances and other considerations. The important consideration though starts with knowing what is being carried and correct declaration.
How effective is TIACA’s training for those handling HAZMAT?
Training is crucial as regulations and standards evolve based on developments in manufacturing and application. Training is mandatory for staff involved in the handling and transport of dangerous goods and is focused is based on competency i.e. the employer determines the involvement a staff member has and determines the appropriate level of training to perform their required job function. Continual assessment is a fundamental aspect of this new approach to training. There are many providers of HAZMAT training, ensuring there should be availability for all.
How can firms optimise their logistics network to minimise risk during transport?
It starts with knowing the rules, training staff, knowing what you are moving, standards and processes in place, aligning with supply chain partners, exchanging information throughout the cargo journey and applying the safety controls. Through a quality-based approach, movement of dangerous goods should be a safe and smooth process.
