Most shippers use tanks provided by tank operators for shipping dangerous goods. What are shippers’ responsibilities when using tank containers?
First step is training! Relevant personnel involved in classification, selection of tank, filling, marking & placarding and preparing dangerous goods note must be trained in IMDG Code commensurate with their responsibilities. Training must also include security of dangerous goods in transport. This is applicable when using both SOC tanks and providers tanks.
Responsibilities
- Correct classification of dangerous goods
- Selection of appropriate tank
- Verify the validity of the test certificates provided by the tank operator prior to filling
- Any special instructions related to tank preparation, heating, nitrogen blanketing must be communicated well in advance with stakeholders
- Ensure substance is compatible with materials of shell, gaskets, service equipment and any protective linings and are not likely to react dangerously with them to form dangerous products or appreciably weaken these materials.
- Must not be filled in excess of
- maximum degree of filling (in %) for general use; or
- maximum degree of filling (in %) for liquids of class 6.1 and class 8, in packing groups I and II, and liquids with an absolute vapour pressure of more than 175 kPa (1.75 bar) at 65°C, or for liquids identified as marine pollutants; or
- maximum degree of filling (in %) for solids transported above their melting points and for elevated temperature liquids, whichever applicable
- all applicable tank provisions are met with.
- Tanks are marked & placarded
- Hand over Dangerous Goods Declaration and additional documents, if any, to the carrier.
Tanks must not be offered for transport:
- With a degree of filling, for liquids having a viscosity less than 2,680 mm2/s at 20°C or at the maximum temperature of the substance during transport in the case of a heated substance, of more than 20% but less than 80% unless the shells of portable tanks are divided, by partitions or surge plates, into sections of not more than 7,500 L capacity;
- With residue of substances previously transported adhering to the outside of the shell or service equipment;
- When leaking or damaged to such an extent that the integrity of the portable tank or its lifting or securing arrangements may be affected; and
- unless the service equipment has been examined and found to be in good working order.
Above is not an exhaustive list of responsibilities, shippers must refer to IMDG Code and other national/regional regulations and adhere to applicable provisions of same.
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