IS 18149:2023 – Transportation of Dangerous Goods — Guidelines

Introduction: The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has recently published the ‘IS 18149:2023 – Transportation of Dangerous Goods — Guidelines’ to ensure safe transportation of hazardous materials in India. These guidelines aim to establish a benchmark for safe handling and transportation of dangerous goods and provide guidance on various aspects of transportation, including classification, packaging, labeling, handling, documentation, and emergency actions.

Importance of the Guidelines:

Transportation of dangerous goods poses a significant risk to public safety and the environment. Incidents of accidents during transportation of hazardous goods have been reported in the past, causing loss of life and damage to property. The newly released guidelines by BIS are expected to enhance safety measures and reduce the risk of accidents. The guidelines will standardize transportation practices and ensure that hazardous goods are transported safely, reducing the risk of potential harm to people and the environment.

Key Highlights of the Guidelines:

The guidelines provide comprehensive guidance on the safe transportation of dangerous goods. Some of the key highlights of the guidelines include:

• Classification: The guidelines provide guidance on the classification of dangerous goods based on their properties and the risks they pose.
• Packaging: The guidelines specify the type of packaging required for different types of dangerous goods. They provide details on the design, construction, and performance requirements of packaging.
• Labeling and Marking: The guidelines provide guidance on the labeling and marking requirements for hazardous goods. They specify the information that must be displayed on the packaging of dangerous goods to indicate the nature of the goods and the risks they pose.
• Handling: The guidelines provide guidance on the safe handling of dangerous goods, including loading and unloading, storage, and handling procedures.
• Documentation: The guidelines specify the documentation requirements for transporting hazardous goods. They require the shipper to provide information on the nature of the goods being transported, the quantity, and the risks they pose.
• Training: The guidelines require personnel involved in the transportation of dangerous goods to undergo appropriate training. The training must cover the identification of dangerous goods, their properties, and the safe handling and transportation procedures.
• Emergency Actions: The guidelines specify the emergency actions that must be taken in the event of an accident during the transportation of dangerous goods. They require the personnel involved in the transportation to be trained on emergency procedures and require the presence of appropriate emergency equipment and personnel during transportation.