IMDG Amendment 37-14
Below we have highlighted some of the changes that were introduced in the 37-14
amendment to the IMDG code. Most of these changes will become mandatory on
January 1st 2016, but be aware that there are a few items that will
become mandatory January 1st, 2017. The amendment 37-14 to the IMDG
Code was voluntary to apply since January 1st 2015. Some of the changes listed
in this amendment pertain to other modes of transport as well. Continue
reading below to gain a better understanding of the new or updated regulations.
The areas that are affected by the amendment, and will be covered in this
article are;
· New/Updated entries in Dangerous Goods List
· Marking & Labelling
· Stowage and Segregation
· Special Provisions
Dangerous Goods List
Additions
The update includes an additional 20 NEW UN numbers to the dangerous goods
list. These numbers range from UN 3507 to UN 3526.
The updated UN numbers include;
o UN 3057 - Uranium hexafluoride, radioactive material, excepted package
o UN 3508 - Capacitor, asymmetric
o + 17 Additional for absorbed gasses (UN 3510 – UN 3526)
o “PACKAGING DISCARDED, EMPTY, UNCLEANED” (UN 3509) – Has been added but CAN NOT be used for sea transport
Changes
o AIR BAG MODULES, AIR BAG INFLATORS OR SEAT-BELT PRETENSIONERS are no longer acceptable proper shipping names. These items now fall under UN 3268 Safety Devices electrically initiated.
o Asbestos related items now only have two acceptable PSN: UN 2212 Asbestos, amphibole or UN 2950 Asbestos, chrysotile.
o Lamps & Light Bulbs not considered dangerous goods
Marking & Labelling
o Overpack marking must have a specific dimension of at least 12 MM high
o Clarification on the design and dimensions
Marine Pollutant and Limited Quantity
Not Mandatory until January 1st 2017
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Marine Pollutant
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The marking shall be in the form of a square set at an angle of 45° (diamond-shaped). The symbol (fish and tree) shall be black on white or suitable contrasting background. The minimum dimensions shall be 100 mm x 100 mm and the minimum width of line forming the diamond shall be 2 mm. If the size of the package so requires, the dimensions/line thickness may be reduced, provided the marking remains clearly visible. Where dimensions are not specified, all features shall be in approximate proportion to those shown. |
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Limited
Quantity |
The marking shall be readily visible, legible and able to withstand open weather exposure without a substantial reduction in effectiveness. The marking shall be in the form of a square set at an angle of 45° (diamond-shaped). The top and bottom portions and the surrounding line shall be black. The centre area shall be white or a suitable contrasting background. The minimum dimensions shall be 100 mm x 100 mm and the minimum width of the line forming the diamond shall be 2 mm. The symbol "Y" shall be placed in the centre of the mark and shall be clearly visible. Where dimensions are not specified, all features shall be in approximate proportion to those shown. If the size of the package so requires, the minimum outer dimensions shown above may be reduced to be not less than 50 mm x 50 mm provided the marking remains clearly visible. The minimum width of the line forming the diamond may be reduced to a minimum of 1 mm. The symbol "Y" shall remain in approximate proportion to that shown above. |
o The previous column 16 in the dangerous goods list has been split into two different columns, 16a and 16b. Stowage and Handling codes in 16a, and Segregation codes in 16b.
o A new segregation requirement has been added; Class 2.1 Flammable Gasses and Class 3 Flammable Liquids must be stowed separate from class 4.3 Substances which, in contact with water, emit flammable gasses
Special Provisions
o Marine Pollutants – 2.10.2.7 provides conditional exemption from the majority of the IMDG codes provisions when the net quantity of a single package, or the inner package does not exceed 5L / 5kg.
Marine pollutants packaged in single or combination packagings containing a net quantity per single or inner packaging of 5 l or less for MSC 93/22/Add.2 Annex 8, page 23 I:\MSC\93\22-Add-2.doc liquids or having a net mass per single or inner packaging of 5 kg or less for solids are not subject to any other provisions of this Code relevant to marine pollutants provided the packagings meet the general provisions of 4.1.1.1, 4.1.1.2 and 4.1.1.4 to 4.1.1.8. In the case of marine pollutants also meeting the criteria for inclusion in another hazard class all provisions of this Code relevant to any additional hazards continue to apply."
Many changes have been made to align the transport of radioactive material with other governing bodies. The changes and requirements for radioactive material will not be covered in this article. If you ship radioactive materials, be sure to familiarize yourself with these adjustments.
Please contact Transportation Compliance Associates, Inc. for any questions
pertaining to changes to the IMDG code that will become mandatory on January 1st
2016 or any other questions pertaining to the transportation of dangerous
goods.
Sources