Transport of dangerous goods

In the transport of dangerous goods, from the point of view of transport safety and for the intervention of the authorities in the event of an incident or accident, the correct identification of packages containing dangerous goods is indispensable.

In the transport of dangerous goods, packages are identified by:

• Labelling
• Marking
  • With the UN number
  • Handling marks
  • The environmentally hazardous mark

Labelling in the transport of dangerous goods

Packages must be labelled with the danger label/labels prescribed in column (5) of Table A of chapter 3.2 for the substance packed.

• a single label model is indicated

• several danger labels are indicated. When several danger label numbers are indicated, all the label models must be shown on the packaging. The order in column (5) must be followed, the top one indicating the primary hazard. When they are displayed on the packaging from left to right, the one on the left must indicate the primary hazard, the following ones indicating the subsidiary hazard or hazards, in the order in which they are indicated in column (5).

6.1 – primary hazard

3 and 8 – the subsidiary hazards

Specifications for danger labels:

• minimum dimensions 100 x 100 mm.
• the continuous line parallel to the edge of the label must be at a distance of 5 mm.
• if the size of the package so requires, the dimensions may be reduced proportionally, provided that the symbol and the other elements of the label remain clearly visible.
• it must not be covered or obscured by any part or element of the packaging or by any other label or mark.
• it must be displayed on a background of suitable contrasting colour, or must be surrounded by a border drawn with a continuous or dotted line.

Danger label models

Marking with the UN number

Each packaging must be marked with the UN number of the substance preceded by the letters “UN”

The height of the mark must be:

• at least 12 mm, in the case of packages with a capacity of more than 30 litres or a gross mass of more than 30 kg
• at least 6 mm, in the case of packages with a capacity of between 5 and 30 litres or a gross mass of between 5 and 30 kg
• of an appropriate size, legible and readable, in the case of packagings with a capacity of less than 5 litres or a gross mass of less than 5 kg

The “environmentally hazardous” mark:

If a substance is known to present a hazard to the environment, as indicated in the product's safety data sheet, then in the case of packagings with a capacity of more than 5 litres or a gross mass of more than 5 kg, the environmentally hazardous mark must be applied to the packaging, following the same rule as for labelling. The minimum dimensions are 100 x 100 mm

The handling mark:

When:

• a combination packaging contains inner packagings with liquid substances, or
• a packaging (e.g. jerrican, drum, etc.) is fitted with a vent, the orientation of the packaging, which must be observed during loading, transport and unloading, must be indicated on that packaging.

Two black or red arrows on a white or suitably contrasting background.

Drawing the rectangular border around the arrows is optional.

All the elements must be in proportion to those shown.

Examples of labelling and marking:

• ① UN number: 2014
• ② Danger labels: 5.1 and 8
• ③ Application of the handling mark

① UN number: 1986

② Danger labels 3 and 6.1

③ Environmentally hazardous substance

④ The box contains inner packagings holding the substance in liquid form

In the case of large packagings or intermediate bulk containers with a capacity of more than 450 litres, or a gross mass of more than 400 kg, the labelling and marking must be applied on two opposite sides.

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