Receipt and Despatch of Hazardous Substances

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UKRI Code on Carr​iage of Dangerous Goods

Contents

• 1. Purpose
  
• 2. Scope
• 3. Definitions
• 4. Responsibilities
  
  • 4.1 Staff, tenants, facility users and visitors
  • 4.2 Line Managers
    
  • 4.3 Consignors
    
  • 4.4 Radiation Prote​ction Advisers
  • 4.5 Radioactive Substance Dispatchers
  • 4.6 Logistics Personnel
    
  • 4.7 Dangerous Goods Safety Adviser
  • 4.8 Director Responsible for SHE
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• Appendices
  
  • Appendix 1 - Dispatch of Dangerous Goods Flowchart (PDF - 20kB - link opens in a new window)
  • Appendix 2 - Process Summary for all transport operations involving Dangerous Goods
  • Appendix 3 - STFC Dangerous Goods Dispatch pro-forma and examples
  • Appendix 4 - Transport Data Tables
  • Appendix 5 - Dangerous Goods Packaging Requirements
  • Appendix 6​ - Training Requirements
  • Appendix 7 - Audit Checklist
  • Appendix 8 - Document Retention Policy
  • Appendix 9 - Site Contingency Plans for Incidents/Accidents involved with the Transport of Radioactive Materials by Road

Revisions

NB - The changes to version 2​.0 were considerable and readers should assume that significant portions of the body and Appendices have changed.

1. Purpose

The nature of work at the STFC involves the movement of a large number of hazardous substances, referred to in transport matters as Dangerous Goods. These are substances which can cause harm to the person, pose a fire hazard, can be explosive, or chemicals which would pollute the environment if released.

The STFC has a responsibility to ensure that any chemicals that leave its sites do so safely. This includes chemicals bought in by a third party as the STFC assumes partial liability for their safe transport when leaving STFC sites.

Under the provisions of the Carriage of Dangerous Goods and Use of Transportable Pressure Equipment Regulations (2009) and amendment regulations 2019 any hazardous substances leaving any establishment should be packaged, labelled and transported in a manner appropriate to both the item in question and the method being used to transport it.

In addition the following directives define how hazardous substances should be packaged, labelled and transported when being sent by:

• Road: European agreement concerning the international carriage of Dangerous Goods by road (ADR), updated and re-issued every two years;
  
• Sea: International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code, updated and re-issued every two years​; and
• Air: International Air Transport Association (IATA) Dangerous Goods Regulations, updated and re-issued annually
  

Where the materials being transported are radioactive the following regulations are also applicable:

• International Atomic Energy Authority (IAEA) Safety Standards Series, number 6​ – Regulations for the Safe Transport of Radioactive Material.
  

The aim of this code is to ensure that the transport of hazardous substances is carried out safely and in compliance with legislation.

2. Scope

The requirements of this code are mandatory across the STFC and apply to all staff, tenants, facility users, visitors and contractors, and apply in any instance when hazardous substances are being transported from or between STFC sites. This code applies to visitors and facility users transporting hazardous substances from STFC sites.

This code addresses the receipt and despatch of radioactive materials in small industrial type packages (e.g. Facility user samples). This code should be read in conjunction with the related radiation management codes including:

STFC Code 29, Management of Ionising Radiation Hazards at Work.

STFC Code 21, Management of Radioactive Waste.

STFC Code 28, Management of Radioactive Open Sources.

This code covers the basic transport arrangements for higher hazard radioactive items, such as type B packages, but each case must be managed individually. Some may require a specific Certificates of Approval from the Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) Transport Section, quality management plans, and transport contingency plans/procedures for the dispatch.​

This code does not apply to the transport of waste chemicals from the STFC sites by recognised waste contractors and to the transport of hazardous waste “created” by contractors working on the STFC’s behalf, although those carrying out these activities may need to seek the advice of the appointed DGSA.

This code does not apply to the movement of dangerous goods on STFC sites, though the packaging guidance given in Appendix 5 should be followed where ever possible, even for short journeys on foot.

This code does not apply to the dispatch of materials or equipment that are not classed as Dangerous Goods.

3. Definitions

3.1 Hazardous substance

A hazardous substance is one which possesses one or more of the following properties: flammable, harmful, toxic, is an irritant, is corrosive, is an oxidiser, is explosive, radioactive, carcinogenic, or is hazardous to the Environment.

3.2 Safety Data Sheet (SDS)

An SDS provides information on the hazards posed by a substance. It should be supplied with the substance in question by the manufacturer or supplier and will have 16 sections. Section 3 identifies whether the material is hazardous and contains hazard information, and Section 14 contains shipping information

For many experimental materials, which may be unique it is likely that no MSDS will exist, in these circumstances its hazards must be assessed by the DGSA or other suitably competent person prior to sending. The DGSA or other suitably qualified person must record and retain all results and make available details of the substance and if hazardous or not.

3.3 Dangerous goods

Dangerous Goods are substances or articles, the carriage of which is either prohibited by the relevant transport regulations, or authorized only under conditions prescribed within the regulations. They are usually also hazardous substances. They are identified by a United Nations (UN) four digit number, for example UN1203 – Gasoline.

There are over 4000 UN numbers in use, many of which apply to groups or categories of materials with the same hazard, for example UN3182, Metal Hydrides, Flammable, N.O.S. (N.O.S. Stands for Not Otherwise Specified). For experimental materials many hazardous substances will not have a unique UN number.

3.4 Radioactive Substance (RS) Dispatcher

An appointed person trained to classify dangerous goods and check the suitability of packages/packaging for the transportation of those radioactive substances in the scope of this code (UN Class 7 materials). Each Site where radioactive materials are employed should have at least one RS Dispatcher to assist consignors in dispatching radioactive substances.

3.5 Logistics personnel

These are the employees who work in site Logistics teams dispatching and receipting packages.

3.6 Dangerous Goods Safety Adviser (DGSA)

An appointed person trained to provide advice to consignors on the correct classification of substances and undertake an annual audit of all dangerous goods shipment from STFC sites. Their legal role and training requirements are defined and listed in ADR 2015. Those DGSAs advising on radioactive material transport should have completed UN Class 7 training.

3.7 Radiation Protection Adviser (RPA)

This is the competent person who provides advice to the employers and consignors, on compliance with the Ionising Radiations Regulations 2017, including all aspects of dealing with Radioactive Materials, see Safety Code 29, Management of Ionising Radiation Hazards at Work.

These are the receptacles and any other components or materials necessary for the receptacle to perform a containment function. They will have been type tested under conditions, will be certified as such and will be marked with a code that identifies the type and maximum mass of goods they can be used to transport.

3.8 UN Packing

These are the receptacles and any other components or materials necessary for the receptacle to perform a containment function. They will have been type tested under conditions, will be certified as such and will be marked with a code that identifies the type and maximum mass of goods they can be used to transport.

3.9 Consignor

A person which consigns dangerous goods as per ADR 1.4.2.1 Persons consigning radioactive material must undertake Class 7 training and follow local consignment procedures.

3.10 Packer

A person which packs dangerous goods into packages as per ADR 1.4.3.2

3.11 Loader

A person which loads dangerous goods onto conveyances as per ADR 1.4.3.1

4 Responsibilities

4.1 Staff, tenants, facility users, visitors or consignors wishing to dispatch materials shall:

• For dispatch through site logistics or directly:
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• 4.1.1 Where Dangerous Goods are being transported offsite by road, air, sea or rail via site logistics teams, complete a Dangerous Goods Dispatch pro forma, see Appendices 1 and 3. Including: the consignee name and address, a description of each item and its value, declaration that the substances are “Dangerous Goods” as determined by the SDS classification data. Where radioactive materials are dispatched, Class 7 trainined DGSA approved procedures must be followed.
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• 4.1.2 Seek the advice of the DGSA where no SDS classification data is available to complete the Dangerous Goods Dispatch pro forma. For assistance with the classification of radioactive materials seek advice from an RS dispatcher, Class 7 consignor, Class 7 DGSA or an RPA.
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• 4.1.3 Where radioactive material is transported, ensure that appropriately rated packages are used, that valid certificates of approval (CoA) are in place and are followed. Ensure that class 7 trained DGSA approved procedures are followed. Ensure that carriers used are appropriately licensed. Ensure that a radiation risk assessment and contingency plans/emergency plans are in place and coordinate with the carrier’s arrangements. Seek advice from a class 7 trained DGSA, RS dispatcher or consignor for packaging advice and RPA for advice on radiation risk assessments and emergency ​planning
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• 4.1.4 Package the substances for safe transport to site logistics team, for example, sealed bottles for liquids, sealed containers for powders etc, and take it with the Dangerous Goods Dispatch pro forma detailing whether the materials are "Dangerous Goods", a copy of the SDS and any other supporting safety information to site logistics. See Appendix 5. Where materials are radioactive the advice of the RS Dispatcher, UN Class 7 DGSA and RPA must be sought.
  
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• 4.1.5 ​Retain a copy of the dispatch pro forma and all associated dispatch documentation. Where materials are radioactive the advice of the RS Dispatcher, UN Class 7 DGSA and RPA must be sought.​
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• For dispatch by hand - small quantities of some Dangerous Goods may be carried by hand, this is particularly relevant to facility users who bring samples to STFC sites for investigation and to STFC scientists who travel with samples to other sites.
  
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• Since the 1^st January 2021 when the UK left the EU goods to the EU and the Rest of the World (RoW) require full customs documentation or an ATA Carnet to move between borders. Both the methods require additional time allocation at the port to complete customs procedures at both UK and destination border, this also needs to be replicated for the return journey. For more information please contact your local Logistics team for further details.
  
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• 4.1.6 Where the goods are to be transported by hand, package the substances appropriately following the guidelines detailed in Appendices 4 and 5, ensuring that the UN number and Proper Shipping Name are recorded on the outer packaging, see Appendix 3.
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• 4.1.7 Radioactive materials must not be transported by hand.
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• 4.1.8 Seek advice from DGSA if you think a substance can be transported by hand due to its small quantity but help is needed to classify it.
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• 4.1.9 Where transporting dangerous goods by hand by air check in advance with the airline to ensure that the specific airline's procedures for packaging, labelling and documentation are addressed. These can be more stringent than regulatory requirements. Facility users in particular should ensure they are allowed to hand carry on their inward ​and outward journeys before their visit. Country controls may also apply to the goods being carried you will need to check with the destination country if there are any additional documents or procedures to provide. Also check if there are controls for the countries you might stop over at or fly over each country has different exceptions to the rules noted in the IATA books.
  
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• For intra-site movement:
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• 4.1.10 When arranging the movement of Dangerous Goods on STFC sites apply the same general principles given in 4.1.4​ above.

4.2 Line Managers:

• 4.2.1 Ensure that their group members are aware of: the need to transport Dangerous Goods/Hazardous substances according to the controls defined in this code; the DGSA; and as appropriate RPA and RS Dispatcher. See STFC SHE Directory (link opens in a new window).
  4.2.1 Ensure that their group members are aware of: the need to transport Dangerous Goods/Hazardous substances according to the controls defined in this code; the DGSA; and as appropriate RPA and RS Dispatcher.

4.3 Consignors shall:

• 4.3.1 Consider hidden dangerous goods when shipping. Hidden dangerous goods can be lithium batteries, deodorants/WD40, glues/adhesives, coolants, power banks etc. Seek advice from DGSA, RS Dispatcher or local shipping team.​

4.4 Radiation Protection Advisers (RPAs) shall:

• 4.4.1 Ensure that relevant DGSA, RS Dispatchers and logistics staff are aware of the need to transport radioactive substances in the manner defined in this code and provide advice with regard to such dispatches.
  
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• 4.4.2 Appoint an RS Dispatcher for the site they advise informing logistics of their name and entering it into the STFC SHE Dire​ctory (link opens in a new window), which will generate an appointment in writing, ensuring that they have received appropriate training (see Appendix 6​) and that their appointment is recorded in the STFC SHE Directory.
  4.4.2 Appoint an RS Dispatcher for the site they advise informing logistics of their name and entering it into the STFC SHE Directory, which will generate an appointment in writing, ​ensuring that they have received appropriate training (see Appendix 6) and that their appointment is recorded in the STFC SHE Directory.
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• 4.4.3 Advise on contingency/emergency plans and radiation risk assessments required for transporting radioactive materials.
  

4.5 Radioactive Substance (RS) Dispatchers shall:

• 4.5.1 Undertake initial training in classifying Dangerous Goods, specifically UN Class 7 goods, and afterwards attend regular update sessions, see Appendix 6​.​
  
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• 4.5.2 Check and advise on all Dangerous Goods Dispatch pro formas relating to radioactive substances, reclassifying materials as appropriate, and provide advice on packaging.
  
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• 4.5.3 Seek further advice from the DGSA or RPA when they are unsure about classifying a particular radioactive material or when the hazards arising from transporting radioactive materials are high.
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• 4.5.4 Identify any high consequence Dangerous Goods and consult the DGSA and RPA regarding appropriate secure storage for radioactive substances.

4.6 Logistics Personnel shall:

• 4.6.1 Prior to dispatch check the paperwork and packaging of all items brought to them as Dangerous Goods or Hazardous Substances, see Appendix 5, repackaging items in UN packaging if appropriate.
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• 4.6.2 STFC do not produce TREM cards. Logistics personnel will work with the agent or Delivery Company and they will issue TREM cards as they are more aware of the vehicles content..
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• 4.6.3 Arrange appropriate shipment of the item.
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• 4.6.4 Retain copies of the Dangerous Goods Dispatch pro forma showing the UN number, Class, Packing Group, Proper Shipping Name (PSN) and quantity of all the items they dispatch for a period of seven years from dispatch.
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• 4.6.5 Upon receipt of Dangerous Goods, log their arrival, store them safely and securely in an appropriate lockable cabinet/cage and inform the intended addressee.
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• At RAL the consignee will be automatically sent a notification email from the TrackInside booking System telling them the goods have arrived and to collect from the lockable cupboards and RAM Cabinet in the designated area of R56.
  

4.7 Dangerous Goods Safety Advise​r (DGSA) shall:

• 4.7.1Undertake initial DGSA training and periodic re-training. Copies of certificates need to be kept safe by the individual and must produce evidence of training when requested​.
  
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• 4.7.2 Advise on safety and security for Dangerous Goods movements where the potential consequences are high in the event of a transport related incident.
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• 4.7.3 The Shipping Manager will be responsible for overseeing all relevant training for Logistics/Shipping personnel ensuring all staff are trained and receive refresher training for all modes of transport and timescales. Logistics Staff will all receive Dangerous Goods Awareness Training. Updates to the IATA, ADR, and IMDG regulations will be continuously updated throughout the life of the books through the supplier.​
  
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• On an annual basis, provide information on updates to Dangerous Goods transport legislation and training requirements to RS Dispatchers, management and logistics personnel. Initiate an update of this code as appropriate.
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• 4.7.4 Carry out regular safety compliance audits of Logistics, RS Dispatchers and the Dangerous Goods carriers used by their site ensuring that actions arising form the audit are completed in a timely manner.
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• 4.7.5 Collate annually all records from site RS Dispatchers and logistics and use the information to produce an annual compliance report for the STFC Health and Safety Management Committee​.
  
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• 4.7.6 Document and report the findings of compliance audits to Site safety committees annually​.

4.8 Director Responsible for SHE shall:

• 4.8.1 Appoint at least one suitably qualified and experienced DGSA for each STFC site, see A​ppendix 6, outlining the area of site they are to cover, their responsibilities and ensuring that their appointment is recorded in the STFC SHE Directory (link opens in a new window), which will generate an appointment in writing.
  4.8.1 Appoint in writing at least one suitably qualified and experienced DGSA for each STFC site, see Appendix 6, outlining the area of site they are to cover, their responsibilities and ensuring that their appointment is recordedin the STFC SHE Directory, which will generate an appointment in writing.​