In Singapore, many industries deal with hazardous substances such as chemicals, petroleum, electronics, manufacturing, and more, which is why it’s essential for these industries to transport dangerous goods safely and efficiently. As long as dangerous substances are handled safely and compliantly, Singapore’s economy will remain reliable and competitive. For instance, when shipping lithium batteries, it’s important to handle them carefully because if they’re damaged, overcharged, overheated, or exposed to short-circuiting, they’ll catch fire and cause significant damage to the proximity. If you’re thinking about appropriately shipping any hazardous items, this article will assist you with the shipping process and discuss why you should hire a dangerous goods cargo service company.
What is Dangerous Goods (DG) Cargo?
Dangerous Goods (DG) Cargo refers to any goods or substances that have the potential to cause harm to people, property, or the environment. These goods are often called hazardous because they have physical, chemical, or biological properties that can cause harm if not properly handled, stored, or transported. These substances must be handled carefully and safely as they are susceptible to exploding, burning, corrosion, or poisoning. Most would be aware of hazardous substances, but they can be broken down into several classes according to their material composition and effects.
Dangerous Goods Classification List
There are nine classes of dangerous goods, each with its own characteristics and properties.
- Class 1: Explosive (e.g. Gunpowder, Fireworks, Dynamite, Detonators, Ammunition)
- Class 2: Flammable Gas (e.g. Aerosol, Fire Extinguishers, Gas Lighters, Camping Gas)
- Class 3: Flammable Liquids (e.g. Kerosene, Acetone, , Oil-Based Paints, Perfume, Aftershave)
- Class 4: Flammable Solids (e.g. Phosphorus, Sodium, Matches, Camphor, Waste Rubber)
- Class 5: Oxidizing Substances (e.g. Oxygen Generators, Zinc Chlorate, Ammonium Dichromate)
- Class 6: Toxic Substances (e.g. Cyanide, Vaccines, Herbicides, Insecticide)
- Class 7: Radioactive Material (e.g. Uranium Oxide, X-Ray Machines, Some Fire And Smoke Alarms)
- Class 8: Corrosive Substance (e.g. Hydrochloric Acid, Batteries With Acid, Sulfuric Acid)
- Class 9: Miscellaneous (e.g. Dry Ice, Asbestos, Magnetic Material, Consumer Goods, Self-Inflatable Rescue Equipment Like Vests And Airbag)
Documents For Shipping Dangerous Goods
It is important for you to understand the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR) and to have proper documentation to ensure the safe transport of dangerous goods and hazardous items. The following are some of the key documents that you need to prepare when shipping hazardous substances:
Material Safety Data Sheet
The Material Safety Data Sheet is a document used to identify whether a product is regulated or restricted for shipping. In the MSDS, it must be clearly stated with information on a product’s composition, physical and chemical properties, its potential as fire and explosion hazards, health hazards, reactivity and stability, and environmental hazards. The MSDS is a valuable resource for workers and employers who handle these dangerous chemicals and substances in the workplace.
Declaration For Dangerous Goods
The Dangerous Goods Declaration (DGD) is required by international regulations and guidelines for transporting dangerous goods and must be completed by the shipper or their authorized representative. In the shipper’s declaration, you must describe the list of items and their special packaging, identification marks, and labels. Completing a DGD is essential to ensure safe and compliant transportation of dangerous goods, as it helps identify potential hazards and ensure that appropriate safety measures are taken during transport. Importers and exporters of dangerous goods must ensure that a DGD is completed for all of their shipments and that the information provided is accurate and up-to-date.
Commercial Invoice / Packing List
The commercial invoice or packing list describes the goods being shipped in detail concerning the quantity, weight, quality, and value. It is important that the invoice accurately reflects the nature of the dangerous goods, as this information is used by customs authorities to assess the potential risks associated with the shipment as well as by carriers to ensure that the dangerous goods are properly handled and transported, in compliance with all applicable safety regulations and guidelines.
Not sure how to transport dangerous goods safely? Check this article out.
Ultimate Guide to Shipping Dangerous Goods (DG) in Singapore
Things to Consider When Shipping Dangerous Goods Internationally
With multiple industries and their need for imported and exported materials, the shipping of hazardous substances is bound to be required. However, it must be done in a way that minimizes the risk of harming the people, property, and environment involved. If you’ve decided to expand your business by transporting dangerous goods globally, there are several things that you should take into account:
Mode Of Freight: Air, Sea Or Road
When transporting hazardous items abroad, the manner of transportation is the first thing you should consider. The mode of transport you can consider includes cargo aircraft, cargo ships, and even road cargo services. The transportation type will decide the destination from which the dangerous goods can be delivered due to different transportation means having their own distinct regulations, costs, and time used for delivery. This is significant because the mode of transport you decide on should be within your allocated budget, all while ensuring the shipping of your products will be smooth and risk-free.
Qualified DG Trained Personnel
It is also vital to have qualified dangerous goods trained personnel involved in the handling, packaging, labeling, and transporting of harmful products. This includes trained and certified employees, contractors, and other parties who may come into contact with hazardous substances. The priority of hazardous shipping substances lies in ensuring all parties’ safety by minimizing the potential risks. Taking the time to research your cargo company options and their backgrounds will give you a better grasp of their work ethics and procedures when it comes to transporting dangerous goods.
Proper United Nation (UN) Compliant Packaging
You must also prepare proper United Nations (UN) compliant packaging of dangerous goods. You must ensure that packaging adheres to strict rules and displays UN-certified packaging for hazardous items. In addition, the certificate should include proper shipping name, specific identification numbers containing the packaging provider’s code and the product’s manufacturer. The packaging and the package itself should be done according to the tests conducted by the UN to prevent any unexpected accidents from ensuing. It is necessary for helping to minimize the risk of accidents and incidents during transportation and ensures that harmful effects are transported safely and efficiently.
Reasons to Hire a Dangerous Goods (DG) Cargo Services Company
When it comes to hiring a company to deliver your dangerous goods, there might be some doubt or speculations. However, there are some good reasons why you should hire professional transportation services for handling dangerous goods:
Fuss Free Shipping Experience
If you’re shipping dangerous goods, you might worry about everything that could possibly go wrong including improper handling of DG consignments. However, dangerous goods cargo services companies offer a safe, secure, and fuss-free shipping experience. When you ship using a DG cargo services company, there is no need to worry about what could happen during transit because they have the expertise and experience to handle any situation.
Expert Opinion On Proper Procedures From Preparation To Shipping
When shipping dangerous goods, it is crucial to have a professional team handling your cargo. They ensure that the dangerous goods are adequately secured and separated from other materials throughout the transport process to minimize the risk of accidents or incidents. In the event of an emergency, they will also be trained to follow protocols according to the Transport Emergency Response Plan (TERP) in place, outlining the appropriate procedures for responding to a hazardous materials incident. Expert opinion is clear that adherence to proper procedures throughout the transport process is essential to ensuring the safe and compliant transport of dangerous goods.
Cost Effective
The cost to hire a Dangerous goods (DG) cargo services company is significantly less than if you were to purchase all the equipment and means of transportation on your own. If you were to compare the cost of hiring a cargo company to the costs of resolving an accident caused by poor handling of dangerous goods, it would save you a lot of time, money, and energy for handling logistics should you leave the work to the professionals. They will also ensure a safe carriage of dangerous goods without compromising quality standards.
Engage DG Packaging for Dangerous Goods (DG) Shipping
The shipping of dangerous goods is a highly specialized process, and many factors need to be considered before it can be done correctly. Within each step of transporting hazardous materials, there are documents required, labelling and transportation standards to watch out for and laws that must be adhered to. Therefore, the best method to guarantee that your hazardous materials are packed, shipped, and handled professionally and safely is to deal with a dangerous goods cargo service company such as DG Packaging who boasts extensive experience in handling hazardous materials to ensure your package gets to its destination safely.
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