Also known as hazardous goods, it is important to understand
what constitutes dangerous goods if you are planning on shipping items overseas
so that you don’t create any unnecessary hazards to yourself or the shipping
crew. Not understanding what is possible
can mean serious delays.
In general, anything that is considered explosive,
flammable, poisonous or corrosive in some way is considered dangerous goods and
must be labeled. In some instances, the
cargo may be considered dangerous because it is also possibly polluting to the
marine environment. Explosives and
gasses or flammable liquids naturally make the list. Items subject to spontaneous combustion or
oxidizing substances, radioactive materials, toxic and infectious substances
also make the list. Other miscellaneous
items may be on the dangerous goods list without being intuitively obvious that
they pose a threat.
Batteries, computer parts, cigarette lighters, drilling and
mining equipment and other machinery parts and even frozen foods are some of
the items considered for one reason or another to be potentially hazardous. Sometimes the hazard is not the item itself,
but the way in which the item is packed that could potentially set off an
explosion.
Taking safety seriously is everyone’s job. When mistakes happen, they can have deadly
consequences. Serious accidents happen
all the time, the most recent case happening in China where hundreds were
killed and more missing in a massive explosion at a logistics warehouse storing
dangerous goods. Even the rescue efforts
were hampered when everyone realized they had no idea the full extent of the
dangerous goods in the warehouse.
It is important to take seriously what you might consider
simple and inconvenient requirements when shipping your goods – such as making
sure the gasoline is drained from your vehicle and the battery
disconnected. Understanding how to
properly label and declare any dangerous goods ensures they will be handled
with the utmost care. Miscommunication
or misdeclaration can result in serious problems and delays.
