Hazmat Air Transportation Regulations

Hazmat, or hazardous materials, is defined as dangerous goods in various forms that can harm people and other living things.  Dangerous goods include such goods as radioactive, flammable, explosive, corrosive, biohazards, etc.  When moving these materials via air there must be stringent regulations to ensure that the aircraft and any people aboard will be protected.  In order to accomplish this goal IATA, in conjunction with ICAO and local governments, determine what safeguards need to be in place for transporting hazmat materials and compile regulations in a manual to ensure all have access to both existing and new guidelines.

What is IATA and What does it Do?

IATA is the International Air Transport Association.  IATA regulations govern air transportation worldwide and IATA is responsible for compiling and distributing a manual with all guidelines as needed.  Anyone responsible for handling the shipping of hazardous materials must be trained properly.  Since hazardous materials can impact anyone who comes into contact with said materials, it is extremely important to follow all rules and guidelines for containing and shipping hazardous materials.  It is important to always follow the hazmat air transportation regulations.

Dangerous Goods Training

Anyone who regularly handles the shipping of dangerous goods must be impressed with the sensitive nature of these materials as well as the imperativeness of proper preparations and storage of hazmat.  Training is critical to understanding all regulations and how to apply that knowledge.  Through independent organizations that pair with IATA in providing the training needed for an individual to be fully prepped to understand and be able to execute the procedures necessary to properly package and handle hazardous materials.

The manual gives the guidelines for each staff member to be able to perform his or her level of responsibilities to code.  Everyone that comes in contact with hazmat shipments, including air transport, shippers, freight forwarders, and ground service providers and airlines must follow the rules very closely to avoid serious repercussions.

Due to the nature of hazmat air transportation being on a worldwide scale, IATA partners with local facilities to be convenient to all who must attend training sessions.  IATA strives to provide all training, products, and technical knowledge to make shipping hazmat via air as easy to do as by any other method.

What Materials Constitutes Dangerous Materials?

Everyone is familiar to some extent with some of the more recognizable materials that pose a hazard, but there are some that may seem harmless but can be dangerous if handled improperly.   The Australian Government Civil Aviation Safety Authority website offers a few anecdotes regarding substances someone actually transported or tried to transport by air.  Some are funny, but, unfortunately, some are tragic.

One hapless passenger was detained by customs and received a “talking to” about hazardous goods.  Apparently he arrived at his destination with a vial of mercury that is highly corrosive to aluminum, which planes are made of.

Another gentleman from the Middle East sent some dental supplies to a person in Sydney via the postal service which was then flown to destinations domestically and internationally.  This gentleman actually broke two laws.  One was for the vial of about 100 ml of mercury which broke during transport and leaked into the hold.  Thankfully it was discovered and removed, but had it not been, it could have actually weakened the skin of the airplane.  The second breach of the law was the fact that he was supplying dental equipment to another man who was practicing dentistry illegally.

In another incident, porters upon unloading baggage noticed one was emitting smoke.  Further investigation yielded a large quantity of book matches, which, due to the vibrations of the aircraft itself, spontaneously ignited.  This phenomenon has also been known to ignite matches in pockets and briefcases.  These are just a few of the incidents out of reported hundreds of situations that could have or did cause a serious accident.

Dangerous Goods Regulations

IATA’s Dangerous Goods Regulations manual is an easy to understand guide and the only manual accepted and recognized by all airlines.  It brings together the safety rules and additional requirements in one reference book.  When used correctly, it allows for all hazardous goods to be transported by air.  Persons regularly handling transportation of hazardous materials must be fully trained in all safety aspects to ensure all safeguards are in place and correct as per the manual.  There is a training program put on by various accredited training schools.

Packaging

To ensure maximum safety of all involved, dangerous goods must be packaged correctly.  The IATA manual provides detailed instructions for inner, outer, and single packaging and acceptable options for all.  All needed supplies can be purchased online from Air Sea Containers including packing materials that conform to the IATA standards.  IATA’s manual detailing proper hazmat handling is available as well.

Can it Fly?

Things that may be perfectly alright on the ground can become dangerous on an airplane.  There are forces at work that are not present on the ground.  Things like lithium batteries and aerosol cans that are fine on the ground become hazmat in the air.  Atmosphere within the plane causes increased vibrations, static electricity, temperature, and air pressure changes and can cause leaks, toxic fumes, fires, and even explosions.  Some are allowed in luggage and some are not.

The Hazardous Materials Regulations detail what can and cannot be carried in the cabin of the plane and in checked bags.  This is serious business and can carry anywhere from fines of $250 to $500,000 and 5 years in prison.  There are only a few items considered as hazardous material that can be carried on or checked.  Some toiletries and medicines are allowed.  The government has a list on their website regarding items that are allowed and not allowed; however, the list is not exhaustive so pack with care.

Safety is everyone’s business and breaking the rules can be very hazardous to everyone’s health.