TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Understanding IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations — Packing Instruction 650
- Feel Confident Shipping Dangerous Goods With Hazmat Training
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) is responsible for setting the regulations that make air travel and transportation safer, easier and more efficient. Since 1945, the organization has developed thousands of rules, procedures and articles aimed at training airlines and the packaging operations that use them. When it comes to regulations surrounding dangerous goods shipments, the IATA maintains stringent standards that every packaging and shipment team should note.
Understanding IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations — Packing Instruction 650
IATA Packing Instruction 650 details the packaging requirements for all dangerous goods shipments. Packaging for dangerous goods must include:
- A clear, itemized list of contents with proper classifications
- The contact information, including the name, phone number and address of the person responsible for the package
- Proof of prior inspection for damage or leakage
Furthermore, each package should consist of three components outside the container’s content:
- Primary receptacle: The primary receptacle directly holds the materials in transit. It must be strong enough to prevent breakage or leaking into the secondary receptacle.
- Secondary receptacle: The secondary receptacle plays two roles — protecting the primary receptacle and holding cushioning between it and the outer packaging.
- Rigid outer packaging: Most exterior packaging should be durable enough to handle any bumps, falls and temperature changes associated with normal transportation. It should be fully sealed to prevent spillage and contamination.
Liquid Packaging Requirements
As liquid transportation often carries the greatest risk of leakage or spillage, the IATA’s guidelines for shipping liquid substances include:
- The primary receptacle(s) has a maximum capacity of one liter.
- The primary and secondary receptacles must be leakproof and able to withstand a pressure of 95 kPa.
- There must be absorbent material between the secondary receptacle and outer packaging.
- The overall package has a maximum capacity of four liters (not including temperature regulation elements like dry ice or liquid nitrogen).
Solids Packaging Requirements
While transporting solids is a bit more straightforward, the IATA enforces these rules for their dangerous goods shipments:
- The primary and secondary receptacles must be siftproof.
- The overall package should not weigh more than four kilograms (not including temperature regulation elements like dry ice or liquid nitrogen). Packages transporting organs, body parts or a whole body are exempt from this weight limit.
- Any solid that may contain residual liquids should also follow liquid packaging requirements.
Feel Confident Shipping Dangerous Goods With Hazmat Training
Working with dangerous goods shipments and IATA regulations requires knowledge, experience and practice — all of which you can gain at Hazmat School. Our training courses offer essential, OSHA-approved education that will protect you, your products and everyone around you.
Browse our courses today and take another step toward becoming an informed hazmat worker.
Manages Hazmat School’s E-Learning courses and blog. Kirstie has extensive experience in the online training and education industry. Kirstie has worked with courses that offer a variety of safety and environmental certifications that satisfy OSHA, EPA and DOT requirements.
