Section 14: Transport Information
This section provides basic classification information for the transportation/shipment of hazardous substances by road, rail, sea, inland waterways or air. Where information is not available or relevant, this should be stated.
Transport information is a critical section of the safety data sheet as it provides essential information for the safe transport of hazardous materials. Incorrect or incomplete transport information can lead to non-compliance with regulations, safety risks during transportation, and potential legal consequences.
Key Transport Regulations
- ADR/RID: European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road/Regulations concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Rail
- IMDG Code: International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code
- IATA DGR: International Air Transport Association Dangerous Goods Regulations
- DOT: U.S. Department of Transportation regulations
- TDG: Transport of Dangerous Goods Regulations (Canada)
- ADN: European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Inland Waterways
Classification Elements
- UN Number: Four-digit number identifying hazardous substances in international transport
- Proper Shipping Name: Standardized name used for transportation documentation
- Hazard Classes: Numerical classification indicating the type of hazard (e.g., Class 3 - Flammable liquids)
- Packing Group: Indicates degree of danger (I - high, II - medium, III - low)
- Labels: Pictograms indicating hazards for transport packages
- Marine Pollutant: Indication if substance is hazardous to aquatic environments
Transport Hazard Classes Overview
- Class 1: Explosives
- Class 2: Gases (Flammable, Non-flammable, Toxic)
- Class 3: Flammable Liquids
- Class 4: Flammable Solids, Substances Liable to Spontaneous Combustion, Substances Which Emit Flammable Gases When in Contact With Water
- Class 5: Oxidizing Substances and Organic Peroxides
- Class 6: Toxic and Infectious Substances
- Class 7: Radioactive Material
- Class 8: Corrosive Substances
- Class 9: Miscellaneous Dangerous Goods
Important Transport Considerations:
- Transport classification may differ between transport modes (road, rail, sea, air)
- Some substances may be forbidden for certain transport modes
- Special provisions or exemptions may apply based on quantities or packaging
- Additional documentation may be required (e.g., dangerous goods declaration)
- Emergency response information should be readily available during transport
Special Transport Provisions
- Limited Quantities: Simplified provisions for small amounts
- Excepted Quantities: Very small amounts with minimal requirements
- Special Packaging Instructions: Specific requirements for certain substances
- Segregation Requirements: Rules for separation of incompatible materials
- Tunnel Restrictions: Limitations for road tunnels in Europe
- Temperature Controls: Requirements for temperature-sensitive materials
Documentation Requirements
- Dangerous Goods Declaration: Official transport document
- Container/Vehicle Packing Certificate: For containerized shipments
- Shipper's Declaration: For air transport
- Multimodal Dangerous Goods Form: For multiple transport modes
- Emergency Response Information: Instructions for accidents
- Waste Transport Documentation: For hazardous waste
Remember: The transport classification information provided in a safety data sheet is the responsibility of the supplier and must be accurate, complete, and comply with all applicable transport regulations. When in doubt, consult with a dangerous goods safety advisor or regulatory specialist.
ADR - European Agreement for Road Transport of Dangerous Goods
The ADR (Accord européen relatif au transport international des marchandises Dangereuses par Route) is the European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road.
Key features of ADR include:
- Standardized classification system for dangerous goods
- Requirements for packaging, labeling and marking
- Vehicle and tank specifications
- Driver training requirements
- Documentation requirements
- Restrictions for tunnel passages
The ADR agreement is updated every two years, with the latest version implemented on January 1st of odd years. Compliance with ADR is mandatory for international transport of dangerous goods within Europe and is also adopted by many non-EU countries.
IMDG - International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code
The International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code is the mandatory framework for all aspects of handling, packing, and transporting dangerous goods by sea.
Key aspects of the IMDG Code include:
- Classification of dangerous goods for maritime transport
- Packing requirements and instructions
- Marking, labeling and placarding of cargo
- Stowage and segregation requirements
- Emergency response procedures
- Special provisions for marine pollutants
The IMDG Code is published by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and is updated biennially. It is mandatory under the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) and is used by shipping companies, port authorities, and maritime safety agencies worldwide.
IATA - International Air Transport Association Dangerous Goods Regulations
The IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR) is the global reference for shipping dangerous goods by air and the only standard recognized by airlines.
Key components of the IATA DGR include:
- Classification criteria for air transport of dangerous goods
- Stringent packaging requirements
- Detailed documentation requirements (Shipper's Declaration)
- Limitations on quantities permitted on passenger and cargo aircraft
- Training requirements for personnel handling dangerous goods
- Operator responsibilities and acceptance procedures
The IATA DGR is updated annually and incorporates the ICAO Technical Instructions for the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air, with additional airline-specific requirements. Air transport generally has the most restrictive regulations among all transport modes due to the unique risks associated with aviation.
DOT - U.S. Department of Transportation
The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) regulates the transportation of hazardous materials in the United States through the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR), found in Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations (49 CFR).
Key aspects of the DOT regulations include:
- Classification system for hazardous materials
- Packaging specifications and testing
- Marking, labeling, and placarding requirements
- Shipping papers and emergency response information
- Training requirements for hazmat employees
- Incident reporting procedures
- Special provisions for specific materials
The DOT regulations apply to all modes of transportation within the United States (road, rail, air, and water) and are enforced by various agencies including the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and United States Coast Guard (USCG).