AIRPORT EMPLOYEE Dangerous Goods Handling and Regulations 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which organization publishes the primary international regulations for transporting dangerous goods by air?
- International Air Transport Association (IATA)
- International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) (Correct answer)
- Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
- World Health Organization (WHO)
Correct answer: International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)
ICAO publishes the Technical Instructions for the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air, which are the primary international legal framework.
The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), a specialized agency of the United Nations, publishes the 'Technical Instructions for the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air' (Doc 9284). These Technical Instructions provide the legal framework for the international transport of dangerous goods and are incorporated into the national aviation legislation of ICAO member states. IATA publishes the 'Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR)' which are based on the ICAO Technical Instructions but are used primarily by airlines and shippers as an operational reference.
Question 2: What are the nine UN hazard classes for dangerous goods?
- Explosives, Gases, Flammable Liquids, Flammable Solids, Oxidizers/Organic Peroxides, Toxic/Infectious, Radioactive, Corrosives, Miscellaneous (Correct answer)
- Explosives, Fuels, Acids, Heavy Metals, Biologicals, Radioactive, Gasses, Flammables, Poisons
- Flammable Gases, Toxic Solids, Radioactive Materials, Explosive Liquids, Corrosive Gases, Biologicals, Organics, Peroxides, Radioactive Waste
- None — dangerous goods are classified by airline policy, not UN standards
Correct answer: Explosives, Gases, Flammable Liquids, Flammable Solids, Oxidizers/Organic Peroxides, Toxic/Infectious, Radioactive, Corrosives, Miscellaneous
The UN/ICAO system has nine hazard classes: 1 Explosives, 2 Gases, 3 Flammable Liquids, 4 Flammable Solids, 5 Oxidizers/Organic Peroxides, 6 Toxic/Infectious, 7 Radioactive, 8 Corrosives, 9 Miscellaneous.
The United Nations Globally Harmonized System classifies dangerous goods into nine classes: Class 1 Explosives (with six subdivisions), Class 2 Gases (flammable, non-flammable, toxic), Class 3 Flammable Liquids, Class 4 Flammable Solids/Spontaneously Combustible/Dangerous When Wet, Class 5 Oxidizing Substances and Organic Peroxides, Class 6 Toxic and Infectious Substances, Class 7 Radioactive Material, Class 8 Corrosive Substances, and Class 9 Miscellaneous Dangerous Goods. These classes form the foundation of the ICAO Technical Instructions and IATA DGR.
Question 3: What does the 'Packing Group' designation (PG I, II, III) indicate for dangerous goods?
- The required cargo packing configuration on the aircraft
- The degree of danger posed by the substance, with PG I being highest danger (Correct answer)
- The quantity allowed per shipment
- The temperature group for refrigerated cargo
Correct answer: The degree of danger posed by the substance, with PG I being highest danger
Packing Groups indicate danger level: PG I = great danger, PG II = medium danger, PG III = minor danger.
Packing Groups are assigned to Class 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, and some Class 9 dangerous goods to indicate the degree of danger they present. Packing Group I (PG I) designates substances presenting the greatest danger and requires the most stringent packaging and handling requirements. Packing Group II (PG II) indicates medium danger, while Packing Group III (PG III) indicates minor danger and has the most relaxed requirements. The packing group directly determines the packaging type permitted, quantity limits, and labeling requirements for air transport.
Question 4: What does it mean when a dangerous goods shipment is labeled 'Forbidden'?
- The item requires special government permits before transport
- The item is not permitted to be transported by air under any circumstances (Correct answer)
- The item must be transported only on all-cargo aircraft
- The item requires refrigeration during transport
Correct answer: The item is not permitted to be transported by air under any circumstances
'Forbidden' means the substance may not be transported by air under any circumstances — not even with special approval.
Under the ICAO Technical Instructions and IATA DGR, 'Forbidden' designates substances that may not be transported by air under any circumstances. This is an absolute prohibition with no exceptions or special approvals possible. Examples of forbidden substances include certain types of explosives, some infectious substances in liquid form, and materials that are too unstable or reactive for safe air transport. This differs from items that are 'Forbidden Except as Provided' which can sometimes be carried under specific conditions.
Question 5: When handling radioactive materials (Class 7), what is the most important safety principle for airport workers?
- Use double gloves and continue normal handling procedures
- Minimize time of exposure, maximize distance from the source, and use shielding (Correct answer)
- Only handle at night to avoid UV exposure
- Spray the packages with water to reduce radioactivity
Correct answer: Minimize time of exposure, maximize distance from the source, and use shielding
The three principles of radiation protection are Time (minimize), Distance (maximize), and Shielding — known as TDS.
The three fundamental principles of radiation protection — often remembered as TDS — are: Time (minimize the time spent near the radioactive source), Distance (maximize the distance from the source, as radiation intensity decreases with the square of distance), and Shielding (use appropriate shielding materials such as lead or concrete). Airport workers handling Class 7 radioactive material shipments must follow strict segregation distances, transport index limits, and personal protective procedures specified in the ICAO Technical Instructions.
Question 6: What must airport ground staff do if they discover a package that is damaged, leaking, or suspected of containing undeclared dangerous goods?
- Repackage it and continue loading
- Isolate the package, notify the supervisor and dangerous goods trained staff, and follow the cargo emergency response plan (Correct answer)
- Apply hazardous goods labels and load it on a different aircraft
- Return it to the shipper without documentation
Correct answer: Isolate the package, notify the supervisor and dangerous goods trained staff, and follow the cargo emergency response plan
Damaged or suspect dangerous goods packages must be isolated, supervisors and DG staff notified, and emergency response procedures followed immediately.
If airport staff discover a leaking, damaged, or suspected undeclared dangerous goods shipment, they must immediately isolate the package in an appropriate area away from personnel and other cargo, notify their supervisor and dangerous goods (DG) trained staff, and follow the airport's Emergency Response Plan for dangerous goods incidents. The cargo area must be evacuated if contamination is suspected, emergency services may need to be called, and full incident documentation must be completed. Loading of the shipment must be suspended pending investigation.
AIRPORT EMPLOYEE Dangerous Goods Handling and Regulations 1
Which organization publishes the primary international regulations for transporting dangerous goods by air?