Hazardous goods packaging for air transport

Dangerous goods are actively being shipped by air freight companies. But, as you might guess, the requirements for their transportation are much stricter than for ordinary shipments - at every stage of the process. Let's find out how to properly pack dangerous goods to ensure they are delivered safely.

Classification of dangerous goods

First of all, it should be noted that there is a special classification of dangerous substances and items in legislation. Its application helps in the identification of this or that cargo and, accordingly, the selection of the right packaging means and mode of transport.

Packaging requirements

There are no specific criteria which must be met when packing dangerous goods for air shipment as compared to other methods of transport. Consignments must be carefully packaged individually, the packaging method must consider the efficient use of space within the aircraft compartment taking into account the characteristics of the goods and generally the packaging must protect the consignment from three groups of external influences: Mechanical (Climatic); Biological criteria (e.g. weather); Physical (e.g. weather); Physical (e.g. air pollution).

In total there are three packing groups (1, 2, 3) for the transport of dangerous goods of high, medium and low risk respectively.

The means of transport of dangerous goods are individual and combined packagings.

Separate ones are individual containers for a single unit of cargo and gaskets are placed inside them to prevent cargo breakage and leakage during delivery.

Combination packagings are packaging units in which individual packagings are grouped together in several packagings. Also for additional safety and space optimisation on board aircraft, dangerous goods can be placed in additional outer packaging.