The IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations is an easy-to-use manual based on the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Technical Instructions for the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air. It incorporates additional operational requirements, which provide a harmonized system for operators to accept and transport dangerous goods safely and efficiently.
The Regulations include a detailed list of individual articles and substances specifying the United Nations classification of each article or substance and their acceptability for air transport as well as the conditions for their transport. Since no listing can be complete, the list also includes many generic or “not otherwise specified” entries to assist in the classification of those articles or substances not listed by name.
Some dangerous goods have been identified as being too dangerous to be carried on any aircraft under any circumstances; others are forbidden under normal circumstances but may be carried with specific approvals from the States concerned; some are restricted to carriage on all cargo aircraft; most however, can be safely carried on passenger aircraft as well, provided certain requirements are met.
Packaging is the essential component in the safe transport of dangerous goods by air. The IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations provide packing instructions for all dangerous goods acceptable for air transport with a wide range of options for inner, outer and single packagings. The packing instructions normally require the use of UN performance-tested specification packagings, however these are not required when dangerous goods are shipped in Limited Quantities under the provisions of Limited Quantity “Y” Packing Instructions. The quantity of dangerous goods permitted within these packagings is strictly limited by the Regulations so as to minimize the risk should an incident occur.
Training is also an essential element in maintaining a safe regulatory regime. It is necessary for all individuals involved in the preparation or transport of dangerous goods to be properly trained to carry out their responsibilities. Depending on the job-function, this may entail only familiarization training or may also include more detailed training in the intricacies of the Regulations. It is important to remember that dangerous goods are very unlikely to cause a problem when they are prepared and handled in compliance with the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations.
The proper declaration of dangerous goods by the shipper ensures that all in the transportation chain know what dangerous goods they are transporting, how to properly load and handle them and what to do if an incident or accident occurs either in-flight or on the ground. The pilot-in-command must know what is on board the aircraft in order to properly deal with any emergencies, which may occur. The pilot must also convey this information, if possible, to air traffic services to aid in the response to any aircraft incident or accident.
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