Standard Operating Procedure for Dangerous Goods in TAA flight

 Approval for The Transportation of Dangerous Goods

Thai AirAsia shall ensure that Dangerous Goods transport on Thai AirAsia aircraft shall be carried out only after approval is granted by The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) as specific in the Operations Specifications of Air Operator Certificate (AOC) 

Shipper responsibility

1. The shipper is responsible for all aspects of the packaging of dangerous goods in compliance with the ICAO Technical Instruction for Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air (Doc 9284).

2. Dangerous goods must be packed in packages designed to withstand leakage, which may occur during air transportation. Packaging can be either single packaging (e.g. steel drum) or combination packaging (e.g. metal can in a plywood box). 

3. Packages may be further secured with an overpack for safe and convenient handling. The regulations specifying packaging requirements for each hazard class are to be strictly followed without exception.

Marking and Labelling

1. Packages containing dangerous goods are normally identified with specific markings and labelling, intended to alert you to the risks inherent to the contents. Correct marking and labelling of dangerous goods packages is an important element in the safe transport process. Makings and labeling fulfill the following general purposes:

i. indicate the contents of the package

ii. indicate that the packaging meets approved standards

iii. provide safe handling and stowage information

iv. indicate the nature of hazard(s)

2. The shipper is responsible for all necessary marking and labelling of each package of Dangerous Goods and each overpack containing dangerous goods, in compliance with IATA DGR section 7 current edition. Each package must be of such a size that there is adequate space to affix all required marks and labels.

3. The cargo acceptance personnel and/or designated personnel are required to check and make sure that all packages are correctly marked and labeled before accepting the consignment.

4. When discovered that any of the marks in DGM 6.1.1, hazard labels in DGM 6.1.2 and/or handling labels in DGM 6.1.3 have become lost, detached or illegible after acceptance, wherever discovered, the packages must be returned to the warehouse at acceptance point for replacement in accordance with the information provided on the “Shipper’s Declaration for Dangerous Goods” or other transport document, such as an air waybill, when applicable. This process / requirement does not apply where the marks and labels are found to be missing or illegible at time of acceptance.

Packaging

Package/Overpack Re-use

The shipper must ensure that before a packaging (or overpack) is authorized for re-use, all inappropriate dangerous goods label markings and labels are removed or completely obliterated.

Overpack

1. The overpack must not contain packages enclosing different substances which might react dangerously with each other, or packages of dangerous goods requiring segregation.

2. Each package contained within an overpack must be properly packed, marked, labelled and freed of any indication of damage or leakage; it must be properly prepared as required in IATA DGR. Packages must be secured within the overpack.

a. The overpack must not contain packages bearing the “Cargo Aircraft Only” label except where:

b. Only one package is contained in the overpack; or

c. Two or more packages are contained in the overpack and the packages are assembled in such a way that clear visibility and easy access to   them is possible; or

d. The packages contain:

i. Flammable liquids (Class 3), Packing Group III, other than those with a subsidiary risk of Class 8.

ii. Class 6 toxic substances (Division 6.1) with no subsidiary risk other than Class 3.

iii. Infectious substances (Division 6.2).

iv. Radioactive materials (Class 7).

v. Miscellaneous dangerous goods (Class 9).

3. For cooling purposes, an overpack may contain solid carbon dioxide (dry ice) — provided the overpack meets the requirements of Packing Instruction 954 IATA DGR.

Salvage Packaging

Damaged, defective, leaking or non-conforming packaged — or dangerous goods that have spilt or leaked — may be transported in salvage packaging.

NOTE: Salvage Packaging will not be accepted for carriage on TAA aircraft."

Inner Packaging

1. Inner packaging must be packed, secured or cushioned in outer packaging in such a way that, under normal conditions of transport, they cannot break, be punctured or leak their contents into the outer packaging.

2. Inner packaging containing liquids must be packaged with the closures upward and placed within outer packaging consistent with the orientation markings."

Packing Quality

1. Dangerous goods must be packed in good quality packaging which must be strong enough to withstand the shocks and loading encountered in transport, including removal from pallets, unit load devices or overpacks for subsequent manual or mechanical handling.

2. Packages must be constructed and closed to prevent the loss of contents when prepared for transport, which might be caused under normal conditions of transport, by vibration or by changes in temperature, humidity or pressure."

Evidence of Compatibility

1. Shippers must ensure that all appropriate measures have been taken to ensure that the packaging used is compatible with the dangerous goods to be transported. Evidence of such measures or assessments must be made available to the competent authority upon request.

2. NOTE: For more details on packaging, please refer to IATA DGR Section 5."

Packaging

Package/Overpack Re-use

The shipper must ensure that before a packaging (or overpack) is authorized for re-use, all inappropriate dangerous goods label markings and labels are removed or completely obliterated.

Overpack

1. The overpack must not contain packages enclosing different substances which might react dangerously with each other, or packages of dangerous goods requiring segregation.

2. Each package contained within an overpack must be properly packed, marked, labelled and freed of any indication of damage or leakage; it must be properly prepared as required in IATA DGR. Packages must be secured within the overpack.

a. The overpack must not contain packages bearing the “Cargo Aircraft Only” label except where:

b. Only one package is contained in the overpack; or

c. Two or more packages are contained in the overpack and the packages are assembled in such a way that clear visibility and easy access to   them is possible; or

d. The packages contain:

i. Flammable liquids (Class 3), Packing Group III, other than those with a subsidiary risk of Class 8.

ii. Class 6 toxic substances (Division 6.1) with no subsidiary risk other than Class 3.

iii. Infectious substances (Division 6.2).

iv. Radioactive materials (Class 7).

v. Miscellaneous dangerous goods (Class 9).

3. For cooling purposes, an overpack may contain solid carbon dioxide (dry ice) — provided the overpack meets the requirements of Packing Instruction 954 IATA DGR.

Salvage Packaging

Damaged, defective, leaking or non-conforming packaged — or dangerous goods that have spilt or leaked — may be transported in salvage packaging.

NOTE: Salvage Packaging will not be accepted for carriage on TAA aircraft."

Inner Packaging

1. Inner packaging must be packed, secured or cushioned in outer packaging in such a way that, under normal conditions of transport, they cannot break, be punctured or leak their contents into the outer packaging.

2. Inner packaging containing liquids must be packaged with the closures upward and placed within outer packaging consistent with the orientation markings."

Packing Quality

1. Dangerous goods must be packed in good quality packaging which must be strong enough to withstand the shocks and loading encountered in transport, including removal from pallets, unit load devices or overpacks for subsequent manual or mechanical handling.

2. Packages must be constructed and closed to prevent the loss of contents when prepared for transport, which might be caused under normal conditions of transport, by vibration or by changes in temperature, humidity or pressure."

Evidence of Compatibility

1. Shippers must ensure that all appropriate measures have been taken to ensure that the packaging used is compatible with the dangerous goods to be transported. Evidence of such measures or assessments must be made available to the competent authority upon request.

2. NOTE: For more details on packaging, please refer to IATA DGR Section 5."

Marking

1. For each package and overpack has required one or more marks, the shipper must:

a. Check that any relevant mark on the package or overpack already on the package is in the correct location and meets the quality and specification   requirements of this IATA DGR;

b. Remove or obliterate any irrelevant mark already on the package or overpack;

c. Apply any appropriate new mark in the correct location and ensure that it is of durable quality and correct specification;

d. Ensure that marking are completely fulfilled when the package or overpack is presented to the operator for shipment;

e. Ensure that marking for dangerous goods shipment must be in English and other language if require by state of origin;

2. There are two types of markings:

a.Marking of UN specification packaging's which identify the design or specification of a packaging (Refer to IATA DGR section 6.0.4 current edition)

b. Packaging use marks which identify the use of a particular packaging for a particular shipment. Every package of dangerous goods must be marked with the proper shipping name, the UN or ID number, and the full name and address of the shipper and consignee All the other package use marking requirements must be shown as applicable. (Refer to IATA DGR section 7.1.4 current edition)

Marking for Overpacks

Package specification marking must not be reproduced on the overpack as the word “overpack” indicates that the package contained within complies with the prescribed specification. When packages containing dangerous in limited quantities are placed in an overpack, the outside must also be marked with the limited quantity marking shown below. (unless the limited quantity marking on the package/packages are clearly visible)."

Salvage Packaging Marking

Before a person offers any salvage packaging for transport by air, they must ensure it is marked with the word “SALVAGE”.

NOTE: Salvage Packaging will not be accepted on TAA aircraft."

Empty Packaging Marking

Other than class 7, packaging which previously contained dangerous goods must be marked as required for those dangerous goods — unless steps such as cleaning, purging vapours or refilling with non-dangerous goods are taken to nullify the hazard. Before an empty packaging which had previously contained an infectious substance is returned to the shipper (or sent elsewhere) it must be thoroughly disinfected or sterilized. Any marking indicating that it contained an infectious substance must be removed or obliterated.

All packed in one outer package

When two or more dangerous goods are packed within the same outer packaging, the package must be marked as required for each substance.

Package Orientation

When a “Package Orientation” (This Way Up) label is affixed to a package or overpack, the words “THIS END UP” may be marked on the top of the package or overpack.

Environmentally Hazardous Substances Marking

Packages containing environmentally hazardous substances or mixtures meeting the criteria of UN3077 and UN2082 must be durably marked with the environmentally hazardous marking. The environmentally hazardous substance mark is not required on single packaging and combination packaging when such single or inner packaging of such combination packaging has:

a. A net quantity of 5L or less for liquids; or

b. A net quantity of 5 kg or less for solids

The environmentally hazardous substance mark must be adjacent to the marking required. All packages containing environmentally hazardous substances (UN3077 and UN3082) must bear a Class 9 hazard label."

Labelling

1. For each such package and overpack requiring labelling, the shipper must:

a. Remove or obliterate any irrelevant labelling already on the package or overpack;

b. Use only labels of durable quality and correct specification;

c. Inscribe on each label, in a durable manner, any require additional information;

d. Affix the appropriate label(s) in the correct location(s) and in a secure manner;

e. Ensure that the labelling(s) are completely fulfilled when the package or overpack is presented to the operator for shipment.

2. Labels are of two types:

a. Hazard Labels, which are required for most dangerous goods in all classes.

b. Handling Labels which are required, either alone or in addition to hazard labels, are indicated as follows;

i. Magnetized Material

ii. Cargo Aircraft Only

iii. Cryogenic Liquids

iv. Package Orientation

v. Keep Away from Heat

vi. Radioactive Material, Excepted Package

Shippers responsibilities

1. Removing or obliterating any irrelevant labelling already on the package;

2. Only using labels with durable quality and correct specification;

3. Inscribing any required additional information on each label in a durable manner; and

4. Affixing the appropriate label(s) in the correct location(s) and in a secure manner.

Durability

The material, printing and any related adhesives of every label must be sufficiently durable to withstand normal transport conditions (including open weather exposure) without a substantial reduction in effectiveness.

Types of Labels

1. Hazard labels, which are required for most dangerous goods in all classes;

2. Handling labels, which are required for some dangerous goods (either alone or in addition to hazard labels). 

Multiple Hazards and Labelling

Some substances exhibit more than one hazard. These hazards will be classified as primary hazards and subsidiary hazards. When there is more than one hazard, the subsidiary risk(s) label(s) must be shown in addition.

Affixing of Labels

1. All labels must be securely affixed or printed on the packaging so that they are readily visible and legible and not obscured by any part of or attachment to the packaging, or by any other label or mark.

2. Each label must be affixed or printed on a background of contrasting colour, or must have a dotted or solid liner outer boundary.

3. Labels must not be folded or affixed in such a manner that parts of the same label appear on different faces of the package.

4. If the package is of such an irregular shape that a label cannot be attached or printed on a surface, it is acceptable to attach the labels to the package by means of a strong tag. The package must be such a size that there is adequate space to affix all required labels.

Cargo Aircraft Only Label

1. When a “Cargo Aircraft Only” (CAO) label is required, it must be affixed on the same surface of the package near the hazard label.

2. For routes that are operated by our freighter, "Cargo Aircraft Only" dangerous goods can be accepted.

Orientation Label

When package orientation “This Way Up” labels are used, the labels are to be affixed on two opposite sides of the package, with arrows pointing in the upright position.

Overpack

Labels required on packages within an overpack must be clearly visible or else be reproduced on the outside of the overpack. Only one hazard label is required for each class of division contained within the package.

Special Handling

Shipping Goods With or Containing Lithium Batteries

A wide variety of electronic goods powered by Lithium Batteries are affected by the new regulations, regardless of whether they are rechargeable (Lithium Ion) or non-rechargeable (Lithium Metal). (Please refer Approval for The Transportation of

Dangerous Goods, DGM 1.1.3/ COM 2.1.5.13) The regulations apply when:

1. Lithium Batteries are packed and shipped as individual items;

2. Lithium Batteries are packed separately but shipped with equipment in the same box. Example: A cell phone with a replaceable Lithium Battery;

3. Lithium Batteries are contained or installed in equipment and therefore shipped in the same box. Example: A computer tablet with an integrated Lithium Battery within the device that cannot be removed or replaced by the user.

Due to increasing safety concerns raised by the aviation industry, the IATA regulations governing the shipping of Lithium Batteries have been tightened and airlines consequently have to enforce these regulations more rigorously.