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NEWS AND COMMENTS

The new edition of the UN Model Regulations for the Transport of Dangerous Goods in Russian has arrived in the library of "IDGCA" NP

26.03.2024

The Secretariat of the UN ECOSOC Committee of Experts on the Transport of Dangerous Goods and the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (hereinafter referred to as the Committee) sent to the International Dangerous Goods and Container Association ("IDGCA" NP) the Russian version of the 23rd revised edition of the UN Model Regulations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods (document ST/SG/AC.10/1/Rev.23). As is known, the Model Regulations are revised once every 2 years. First of all, this is due to the fact that new goods appear that are not covered by the lists of dangerous goods of previous editions of the regulations, new technologies for the transportation and handling of dangerous goods are being developed and implemented, and new problems of ensuring safety during the transportation and handling of dangerous goods are being revealed.

The amendments to the Model Regulations included in their 23rd revised edition, approved by the Committee at the 11th session on 9 December 2022, relate to the following: a) New UN numbers and provisions governing the transport of sodium ion batteries, extinguishing agent dispersal devices, disilane, gallium contained in the articles and trifluoromethyltetrazole sodium salt in acetone; b) Tightening the conditions for the transport of tetramethylammonium hydroxide, including the creation of a new UN number for concentrations of at least 25%; c) Changes to the provisions governing the transport of battery-powered vehicles, including the creation of three new UN numbers; d) Exemption for the carriage of prototypes and a limited number of industrial prototypes of cells or batteries; e) A new special provision regulating the increase in the permitted volume of carriage in limited quantities of certain compressed gases of Class 2.2 without additional hazard; f) More specific limit values for hot concentrated solutions of ammonium nitrate; g) Exemptions for nitrocellulose membrane filters used in rapid testing devices, for example, for pregnancy, COVID-19 infection or other infectious diseases; h) Clarification of pharmaceutical products (such as vaccines) in ready-to-use form; and i) A reasonable version of the requirements in the case of the use of recycled plastics in containers.

The Dangerous Goods Safety Advisers training course, which will be held from 8 to 12 April 2024, will feature a presentation of the new amendments included in the 23rd revised edition of the UN Model Regulations for the Transport of Dangerous Goods.

Dangerous Goods Safety Advisers are required by all companies involved in the transport and handling of dangerous goods

26.03.2024

During the period from March 18 to March 22, 2024, courses for training Dangerous Goods Safety Advisers were held at the International Staff Training Center (ISTC). The classes were conducted in a combined format (classroom classes combined with classes using a telecommunications platform). Final exams were held in the same format. Based on their personal applications graduates are presented for certification as advisers in the International Dangerous Goods and Containers Association (IDGCA). In the near future, they will be sent a new type of Dangerous Goods Safety Advisers certificates protected by a patent, and information about the advisers will be posted on the official website of the IDGCA.

Employees of the following companies completed the courses: Ust-Luga Container Terminal AO, Balteko Ltd., and Caspian Shipping Lines Ltd. The next Dangerous Goods Safety Advisers training course will be held from 8 to 12 April and will specifically address the latest changes to the UN Model Regulations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods.

The Safety Advisor on the Transport of Dangerous Goods training program is continually being improved

29.02.2024

Experts from the International Dangerous Goods and Containers Association conducted an in-depth analysis of the current international regulations relating to the transport of dangerous goods by road, inland waterway, rail and sea transport, as well as relevant national legislation and standards, and came to the conclusion that there are discrepancies and contradictions that may affect the quality of multimodal transport. This concerns, for example, the concepts of "classification code" and "classification number", marking in the form of orange plates and certain differences in the interpretation of a number of provisions in international and national rules.

Taking these circumstances into account, a specialized training program has been prepared for specialists who organize the transportation of dangerous goods by multimodal transport. This program is an addition to the existing Dangerous Goods Advisor training program and participants will be able to navigate the application of national and international regulations by completing the updated course.

Updated advisor training courses will be held in ISTC from 18 to 22 March.

Translation of international standards

19.02.2024

On behalf of the Federal Agency for Technical Regulation and Metrology (Rosstandart), experts from the IDGCA NP are completing the translation into Russian of more than 23 international standards developed and adopted within the framework of the activities of the technical committee of the International Organization for Standardization ISO/TC 220 "Cryogenic vessels", in the work of which the Association is directly involved. To carry out translation and editing of Russian-language texts of standards, IDGCA NP created a working group, which included experts specializing in the field of cryogenic technology, industrial safety, materials science and applied fields.

The activities of the working group do not replace the activities of the national technical committee for standardization "Oxygen and cryogenic equipment" (TC 114) and the activities of the working groups that are part of the technical committee ISO/TC 220, but allow the development of opinions on a particular standard and harmonization of national requirements with international ones.

Taking these circumstances into account, a specialized training program has been prepared for specialists who organize the transportation of dangerous goods by multimodal transport. This program is an addition to the existing Dangerous Goods Advisor training program and participants will be able to navigate the application of national and international regulations by completing the updated course.

Updated advisor training courses will be held in ISTC from 18 to 22 March.

REQUIREMENTS DEVELOPED BY THE INTERNATIONAL MARITIME ORGANIZATION TO ENSURE THE SAFE TRANSPORTATION OF CONTAINERS

12.02.2024

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has long worked to ensure the safe transport of containers, including developing container stowage guidelines, mandatory SOLAS requirements to provide verified gross mass of a container before it is loaded onto a ship, mandatory reporting of container loss (amendments to the SOLAS and MARPOL conventions will be adopted in 2024).

According to IMO information, the International Maritime Organization has developed and adopted a number of requirements to ensure the safe transportation of containers, and also developed special guidelines for packaging and securing cargo in containers. The IMO International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), in Chapter VI on the carriage of goods, includes requirements for the stowage and securing of cargo or cargo units (for example, containers). The International Convention for Safe Containers (CSC) establishes test procedures and relevant strength requirements for containers.

The International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code is a mandatory international code for carriage of packed dangerous goods by sea enhancing and harmonizing the safe transport of dangerous goods and preventing environmental pollution. The Code sets out in detail the requirements applicable to each individual substance, material or article, and covering packaging, containerization and stowage, with particular emphasis on the separation of incompatible substances.

IMO, together with the International Labor Organization (ILO) and the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), have developed a non-binding global code of practice for the handling and packaging of cargo transport units, which can be applied equally to both maritime and land transport.

The CTU Code is currently being revised by the three above-mentioned bodies in cooperation with the industry. In addition, IMO has also adopted the Code of Safe Stowage and Securing Practice (CSS Code).

In connection with the transport of CTUs, at the request of IMO, the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) has revised the relevant ISO standards (ISO 1161: Series 1 freight containers - Corner fittings - Specifications; and ISO 3874:2017: Series 1 freight containers - Handling and securing) to introduce the latest advances in container handling and securing equipment, taking into account the latest generation of container carriers with a design capacity of more than 18,000 TEU, as well as the design and strength characteristics of automatic twistlocks.

On July 1, 2016, requirements for verification the gross mass of a loaded container in accordance with the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) came into force. Knowing the exact gross mass of a loaded container is critical to ensure proper stowage and stacking, and to prevent stacks of containers from collapsing or being lost overboard. This is an important safety measure designed to protect lives and prevent injury and destruction of property.

SOLAS has always had a requirement to declare the gross mass of cargo and containers, but the so-called verified gross mass rule has added additional requirements for mass verification. This is necessary to ensure that the shipper's declared mass accurately reflects the total mass of the loaded container.

The basics of the safe transportation of dangerous goods in containers, international conventions CSC-72 and CTC-72, ISO standards for containers are studied at the International Staff Training Center (ISTC) by course participants in the "Safety Advisor on the Transport of Dangerous Goods" program.

The next courses under the program "Safety Advisor on the Transport of Dangerous Goods" are planned from March 18 to March 22, 2024.

The III Congress of Safety Advisors on the Transport of Dangerous Goods will take place on September 26, 2024.

New 10th revised Edition of the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS)

01.02.2024

The International Dangerous Goods and Containers Association received the 10threvised edition of the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS), sent by the UN Secretariat to IDGCA in Russian, for the library.

While the GHS is primarily intended for government and regional agencies, it also provides sufficient context and includes guidelines for industry personnel who will ultimately ensure compliance. The availability of information on chemical products, their associated hazards and how to protect people will provide the basis for the development of national programs for the safe handling of chemical products. The widespread implementation of good chemical management worldwide will better protect the world's people and the environment without limiting the benefits of chemical products.

Harmonization in this area will also have a positive impact on the facilitation of international trade by providing greater consistency in the national requirements for chemical hazard classification and information that must be met by enterprises involved in international trade.

The GHS is one of the most important documents that trainees study in the course of the International Training Centre's Dangerous Goods Safety Adviser program.The next Congress of Dangerous Goods Safety Advisers will be held on April 2, 2024.

On the location of storage facilities for certain dangerous goods in port areas

11.01.2024

In accordance with Federal Law No. 613-FZ dated 19.12.2023 "On Amendments to Certain Legislative Acts of the Russian Federation", subparagraph 2) of paragraph 15 of Article 65 of Federal Law No. 74-FZ dated 03.06.2006 "Water Code of the Russian Federation", which defines prohibitions on certain types of activities within the boundaries of water protection zones, is formulated as follows (change in italics):

2) placement of cemeteries, cattle burial grounds, disposal facilities for production and consumption waste, chemical, explosive, toxic, poisonous and toxic substances (except for specialized storage facilities for ammonia, methanol, ammonium nitrate and potassium nitrate on the territories of seaports, the list of which is approved by the Government of the Russian Federation, outside the boundaries of coastal protective areas), radioactive waste disposal sites, as well as contamination of the territory with pollutants whose maximum permissible concentrations of which in waters of water bodies of fishery significance have not been established.

In accordance with the definition of paragraph 11 of Article 65 of the Water Code of the Russian Federation, the width of the coastal protective area is established depending on the slope of the water body's shore and is thirty metres for a reverse or zero slope, forty metres for a slope of up to three degrees and fifty metres for a slope of three degrees or more.

Thus, based on the decision of the Government of the Russian Federation, specialized storage facilities for ammonia, methanol, ammonium nitrate and potassium nitrate may be located on the territory of a seaport at a distance of 50 metres or more from the shore. In order to make an informed decision, storage projects must undergo state environmental expertise.

This provision came into force on 30 December 2023. According to the IDGCA experts, the need to amend the Water Code of the Russian Federation is dictated by a significant increase in the volume of hazardous cargo transportation, including ammonium nitrate, through Russian seaports. As is known, many cargo flows have changed their directions, and many of them have left Baltic ports.

At the same time, changes in the Water Code will require changes in the existing regulatory framework governing the transshipment of dangerous goods in seaports. It should be noted that many documents included in this regulatory framework are outdated and do not comply with international regulations.

The International Dangerous Goods and Containers Association has repeatedly proposed a revision of the regulatory documents governing the carriage of dangerous goods by sea and river.

Important events in 2024

26.12.2023

Advisors' Meeting

On April 2, 2024, the III Congress of Dangerous Goods Transport Safety Advisors will be held in St. Petersburg.

The most important tool for improving the safety and quality of dangerous goods transport by various modes of transport is the presence of company officials responsible for the transport of dangerous goods. As a rule, these are employees who have get special training and experience and knowledge that meet the requirements for a dangerous goods transport safety advisor. Having an advisor is necessary not only in companies that transport dangerous goods, but also in those companies that prepare the goods for transport, store and handle them.

For more than 20 years, the International Dangerous Goods and Containers Association (IDGCA), which has the International Personnel Training Centre (ISTC), has been training and certifying such specialists with the title of advisor.

The Congress program will include exchange of opinions of the participants, analysis of international regulations and issues of harmonization of national requirements with international ones, review of current problems related to the transportation of dangerous goods and changes in logistics chains, speeches of advisors from different regions of the country.

Representatives of state supervisory authorities, whose activities are related to the transport and handling of dangerous goods will also be invited to the Congress, many of whom have also been trained at ISTC.

We invite you to take part in the important event.

International Conference

On June 4, 2024, the IInd International Conference dedicated to alternative fuels will be take place as part of the annual International Conference "Multimodal Transports of Dangerous Goods" under the motto "Fuels of the Future - the Path to Sustainable Development".

The first conference on this topic successfully held on May 30, 2023 in Peterhof, attracted the attention of managers of the largest Russian companies engaged in the production, transportation and shipment of such fuels as liquefied natural gas, hydrogen, ammonia, methanol and others. The industry has recently taken a step further in this area, especially in terms of developing new regulatory requirements for the design, construction of new plants and terminals, manufacturing of new types of equipment and creation of new logistics chains, taking into account today's geopolitical situation. In this regard, many of our partners supported the initiative to organize a similar conference in 2024 at the same venue in Peterhof.

We hope to see you among the participants of the forthcoming conference to discuss topical issues on this subject.

Methane as fuel for space rockets

13.12.2023

According to a number of media reports, the People's Republic of China successfully launched a Landspace rocket. The main feature of this rocket, which put into orbit three satellites, is that it uses liquid methane as rocket propellant, while the oxidizer is liquid oxygen. This is the third launch of the Zhuque-2 rocket, the first of which was unsuccessful, the second of which took place without a payload. Landspace plans to launch three Zhuque-2 rockets in 2024, six in 2025 and 12 in 2026. Undoubtedly, this is a great success for Chinese space science.

The Russian Federation is also working on the development of a rocket whose engines run on methane. The carrier being developed under one of the projects, named Amur-LNG, will be able to launch payloads weighing from 9.5 to 12 tons into near-Earth orbits. The first stage of the rocket will be reusable. The methane-powered rocket requires new engines, which are being developed by specialists from a number of organizations.

International Dangerous Goods and Containers Association held the XVIIth International Conference "Multimodal Transports of Dangerous Goods. Fuel of the Future.The Way to the Sustainable Development", where the issues of methane application as a fuel were discussed.

The participants of the conference noted the promising potential of this energy carrier. Discussion of methane application opportunities in various fields (space, transport, energy) on an equal footing with other promising fuels will be continued at the next conference "Fuel of the Future - the Way to the Sustainable Development" to be held on June 4, 2024.

Is vodka dangerous good?

08.12.2023

Many household products, which have everyday use, may pose a danger to humans and under certain specific conditions they are to be considered as dangerous cargoes, which should packaged and transported in compliance with international and national regulations for the carriage of dangerous goods by various means of transportation. At the same time, some international rules, such as those annexed to the Agreement on the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road (ADR), are applied as national regulations.

On New Year’ Eve, the volume of transportation of alcohol-containing products increases. Often such products are carried in containers on board sea and river vessels. Shippers and transportation companies, whose employees are not familiar with the rules of transportation of dangerous goods, have difficulties in determining whether an alcohol-containing product is a hazardous cargo or not. In this regard, in cases where the rules of transportation do not consider such a product as dangerous goods, it is presented for transportation as dangerous goods, and vice versa, in cases where an alcohol-containing product is defined by the regulations as dangerous good, it is presented for transportation and transported as non-dangerous.

In the lists of dangerous goods of the UN Model Regulations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods and the rules based on them, formulated in the International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code (IMDG Code), ADR and others alcohol-containing products are listed under UN number 3065: ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES containing more than 70% alcohol by volume, Hazard Class 3 (flammable liquids), Packing Group II (substances presenting medium danger) and ALCOHOLIC beverages containing more than 24% but not more than 70% alcohol by volume, Hazard Class 3 (flammable liquids), Packing Group III (substances presenting low danger). Special provision 146 applies to beverages assigned to packaging group II, special provisions 144, 145 and 247 apply to beverages assigned to packaging group III.

The special provision 144 provides: An aqueous solution containing not more than 24% alcohol by volume is not subject to these Regulations.

The special provision 145 specifies that other than for air transport, alcoholic beverages of packing group III, when carried in receptacles of 250 liters or less, are not subject to these Regulations. In the special provision 146 it is stated: Other than for air and sea transport, alcoholic beverages of packing group II, when carried in receptacles of 5 liters or less, are not subject to these Regulations. The special provision 247 applies to the transportation of alcoholic beverages as part of a manufacturing process.

Thus, if we talk about vodka containing 40% alcohol by volume and placed in ordinary consumer containers, then on the basis of Special Provision 145 it is not subject to the UN Model Regulations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods, unlike alcohol. However, this does not exclude the need for knowledge and experience in handling such a popular product and compliance with its packaging, storage and handling requirements. Although vodka is not classified as dangerous good in terms of international regulations, this product requires special attention in terms of its origin, cleanliness of packaging and use to ensure that it is not harmful to health.

UN ECOSOC experts on the transport of dangerous goods pay special attention to the fact that special training in the field of handling of dangerous goods should be provided not only to employees of specialized companies (shippers, carriers, transport and logistics companies), but also to representatives of those companies that deliver household products to consumers.

The International Staff Training Center conducts regular training for employees of such companies, including those working on e-commerce platforms. The training will significantly improve safety when delivering hazardous products to consumers.

07.12.2023

Mr. Arsenio Antonio Dominguez Velasco has been confirmed as the Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO). The IMO Assembly 1 unanimously approved (30 November) the decision of the IMO Council2 at its 129th session (C129) to appoint him to the role.

Dominguez Velasco will take up the office of Secretary-General on January 1, 2024, for an initial term of four years, ending on December 31, 2027. Arsenio Antonio Dominguez Velasco is the Organization's 10th elected Secretary-General.

He is currently Director of IMO's Marine Environment Protection Committee since January 2022, joined the IMO Secretariat in 2017 as Chief of Staff to the Secretary-General, Kitack Lim. In 2020 Arsenio Antonio Dominguez Velasco was appointed as Director of the IMO Administrative Division.

From his biography it is known that Mr. Dominguez Velasco graduated in 1988 with a Bachelor of Science degree from the Fermin Naudeu Institute in Panama before going on to study Naval Architecture at the University of Veracruz, Mexico, from where he graduated in 1995. Mr. Dominguez Velasco also holds an MBA from the University of Hull, and a Certificate of Higher Education in International Law and European Politics from Birkbeck University (UK). His maritime career began in 1996 as a port engineer at Armadores del Caribe in Panama, then becoming a Drydock Assistant Manager at Braswell Shipyard. Mr. Dominguez Velasco represented Panama in a variety of roles at the organization and was appointed as Panama Permanent Representative to IMO between 2014 and 2017.

Mr. Dominguez Velasco chaired IMO's Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC), and in 2015 he chaired the Technical Committee of the 25th session of the IMO Assembly. He has also chaired the Maritime Security – Piracy and Armed Robbery Working Group under the auspices of the IMO's Maritime Safety Committee.

Addressing the Assembly, where he was confirmed as the IMO Secretary-General Mr. Dominguez Velasco said:"You have my full commitment to build on the great work that has been done by my predecessors, taking what is already a significant and influential organization, to be an institution that will thrive in delivering its full agenda, from safety to decarbonization, from digitalization to the human element; an International Maritime Organization that not only looks towards the future, but does more in embracing change, diversity, inclusion and transparency; one that is dedicated to its people, from all the very professional staff that form the IMO Secretariat, to our seafarers worldwide and perhaps most importantly, a dedication to the younger generations, the ones we are obliged to hand over to, to hand over a planet that is a better place to live in."

Source: IMO

IDGCA congratulates Mr. Arsenio Antonio Dominguez Velasco on his confirmation as Secretary General of the International Maritime Organization and wishes him a success in his work in this post.

1. The IMO Assembly is the highest governing body of the Organization. It is composed of 40 leading maritime nations and meets every two years in ordinary session. The Assembly is responsible for approving the program of work, voting on the budget and determining the financial arrangements of the Organization. The Assembly also elects the Council.

2. The IMO Council is elected by the Assembly for a two-year term beginning after each ordinary session of the Assembly. The Council is the executive body of IMO and is responsible for overseeing the work of the Organization. Countries are divided into categories A (10 States having the greatest interest in the provision of international maritime transport), B (10 States having the greatest interest in international maritime trade) and C (20 States not elected under (a) or (b) above that have special interests in maritime transport or shipping and whose election to the Council would ensure representation of all major geographical regions of the world).

Composite materials are making their way

01.12.2023

Composite materials are being used more and more in the manufacture of equipment for the transport of dangerous goods. A new Chapter 6.9 has been added to the 22nd edition of the UN Model Regulations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods, which sets out the requirements for portable tanks made of composite materials. The latest session of the UN ECOSOC Sub-Committee of Experts on the Transport of Dangerous Goods, which concluded in Geneva on December 1, approved a new section of the Model Regulations, 6.9.3, dealing with service equipment for portable tanks made of composite materials and composite (metal-composite) materials.

New testing requirements for composite materials have also been developed and will be included in the UN Manual of Tests and Criteria. The initiator of proposals on this application of composite materials is the Russian Federation. From the side of the Russian Federation there was also a proposal to expand the range of dangerous goods that can be transported in portable tanks made of composite materials, in particular, we are talking about goods of the 2nd class of hazard (gases). There are both positive and negative reactions on the part of UN experts. It is clear that gases are usually transported either under high pressure or in a liquefied state, and the practice of using composite portable tanks for gases is very limited.

It is interesting to note that back in the late 90's the company Metallocomposite LLC, headed by the General Director Dmitry Grigoriev, developed a project of a tank container made of composite materials for transportation of propane-butane mixture with the maximum working pressure of 19 bar, manufactured a prototype and tested it. The design documentation was approved by the Russian Maritime Register of Shipping. The base for the material and the product itself was one of the institutes in Khotkovo under the technical guidance of professor Alexander Ermolenko.

Approximately at the same time on behalf of the Russian Federation the proposal was submitted to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) on development of the corresponding requirements and rules for their introduction into the International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code (IMDGC) for the purpose of provision of transportation of dangerous goods by sea in portable tanks made of composite materials. At the session of the IMO Sub-Committee on the Transport of Dangerous Goods and Containers the developers of the new type of composite tank container demonstrated their developments, which received general approval of this direction. Unfortunately, due to the difficult transition period in the Russian Federation, after testing of the tank-container sample, the work was stopped due to the lack of funds of the company Metallocomposite Ltd. Many years later these developments were continued and approved at the UN and IMO level.

Now the Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology has become the holder of this direction. The IDGCA experts believe that when developing the requirements for portable tanks made of composite materials for transporting gases, both pressurized and liquefied, the experience and practice of manufacturing a tank container made of composite materials of the 90s will be taken into account, including the results of tests of the world's first sample of such a container.

The IDGCA experts actively participate in the activity of all the working groups on development of requirements to composite materials and designs of products from them and, probably, will take part in development of new rules, as some of the experts of the Association participated in development of the first unique tank container in the 90s.

It is very unfortunate that the new owners of the rights to manufacture portable tanks from composite materials do not remember those people, designers and businessmen who in the 90s invested their funds, forces, experience and years of life in the creation of this equipment.

Another incident on the US railways

24.11.2023

According to a number of media reports, 16 wagons with molten sulphur derailed in the US state of Kentucky, with two wagons damaged, resulting in the release of the substance and subsequent fire.

According to the UN classification, MOLTEN SULPHUR has UN number 2448, Hazard class 4.1 - flammable solids, self-reactive substances, solid desensitized explosives and polymerizing substances.

The self-ignition temperature is 190ºC. During thermal destruction sulphur dioxide is emitted, which irritates respiratory organs and mucous membranes of eyes, causes bronchial spasm, at high concentrations suffocation, pulmonary oedema, lethal outcome are possible. According to the Globally Harmonized System of Classification of Hazards and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS) classification, this substance is flammable (GHS Class 2), skin irritating/irritating (GHS Class 2), causing serious eye injury/irritation (GHS Class 2, Division 2B), selective toxicity to target organs and/or systems with repeated or prolonged exposure (GHS Class 2).

If in relation to molten sulphur the hazardous properties of this substance are described quite specifically, the same cannot be said about sulphur in the solid state (UN number 1350, Hazard Division 4.1). It would seem that everything is obvious here: sulphur is a hazardous substance. But special provision 242 of the UN Model Regulations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods states the following: Sulphur is not subject to these Regulations when it has been formed to a specific shape (e.g. prills, granules, pellets, pastilles or flakes). Similar provisions are found in sectoral regulations governing the carriage of dangerous goods by different modes of transport. The International Code of Carriage of Bulk Cargoes by Sea also lists sulphur as "dangerous" and "non-dangerous".

After an in-depth analysis of the rules, IDGCA plans to send a proposal to the UN Sub-Committee of Experts.

Training Of The Loading Masters For Marine Oil Terminals

21.11.2023

In the period from November 27 till December 1, 2023 at the premises of ISTC training courses for experts working in marine oil loading terminals with professional qualifications in “Marine Oil Terminal Loading Master”.

Course program is based on «Safety Guidelines and Good Industry Practices for Oil Terminals» developed by UN with the purpose to improve the safety in oil terminals. The subjects on ensuring the safety in marine oil terminals, specified by national legislation, provisions of international conventions, codes, agreements and recommendations, risk assessment procedure in tank vessel – terminal interaction, safety requirements for carrying out handling mooring lines and cargo handling and other issues are included in the course program.

Similar training courses for experts working in marine LNG terminals with professional qualifications in “Marine LNG Terminal Loading Master” will take place in the period from January 22 till January 26, 2024.

The availability of qualified professionals is the guarantee for successful and safe terminal operation.

63RDSESSION OF UN SUB-COMMITTEE OF EXPERTS ON THE TRANSPORT OF DANGEROUS GOODS

17.11.2023

63rd session of ECOSOC Sub-Committee of Experts on the Transport of Dangerous Goods, plenary meeting, will be held in Geneva, Switzerland, from November 27 till December 6, while from December 6 till 8 a meeting of experts in GHS (Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals) will took place.

The International Dangerous Goods and Containers Association represented by the Director General Mikhail Ognev will take part in the work of UN Sub-Committee of Experts on the Transport of Dangerous Goods. The meeting will be conducted according to the program and official and informal documents submitted by countries and non-governmental organizations.

During the session meetings of working and informal groups will be held. In particular, meeting of informal working group on FRP service equipment is planned.

In course of the session lively discussion on subjects of carriage of certain dangerous goods (particularly hydrogen peroxide) in composite IBC containers.

In the preceding session Mikhail Ognev came up with the proposal to make amendments in the UN Model Regulations concerning manufacturing and use of IBC containers and service equipment, with which the composite IBC are fitted. Problems, related to handling and operation of IBC and service equipment, are also raised by a representative of Netherlands in the information document ? UN/SCETDG/63/INF.9.

Practice of carriage of dangerous goods in IBC containers gives evidence of frequent emergencies in the course of carriage of dangerous goods in given IBC type, which is used very widely in the world while transporting dangerous cargoes.

It is possible that in the session a question of training for experts and responsible persons, which prepare transport documents and cargo for dispatch.

The International Dangerous Goods and Containers Association, comprising the International Staff Training Centre, during already more than 20 years trains specialists in the sphere of carriage of dangerous goods at a high professional level and hands over practical skills of work with dangerous goods through the training and preparation of transport documents.

The last group of experts was successfully attested for the title of dangerous goods safety adviser on November 17.

Next training and attestation of dangerous goods safety advisers are scheduled in December this year.

ARCTIC: THE PRESENT AND THE FUTURE

09.11.2023

On December 7-8 in Saint-Petersburg XIII International Forum “Arctic: Present and Future” will be held.

Reclaiming of Northern Sea Route and Arctic was considerably predestined by production and processing of hydrocarbons. LNG terminals and oil terminals are actively built and developed in Arctic zone, without which it is impossible to service marine vessels, gas carriers, chemical carriers providing carriage of cargoes in the Arctic.

Construction and operation of marine terminals, floating, stationary and submersible, in the Arctic are involved with the great environment pollution risk for Arctic coastal waters. World statistics show that main emergencies and incidents happen in “ship-to-shore” interaction in the course of cargo handling operations.

One of key factors for reduction risk of potential accidents, besides fitting with up-to-date equipment and use of modern control systems, is the staff training.

At the invitation of the Forum Organizing Committee executives of International Dangerous Goods & Containers Association will take part in the event. A presentation is planned.

New LNG vessels

03.11.2023

XIInd Peterburg International Gas Forum (PMFG-2023) is held in Saint-Petersburg. This is one of key events for world gas industry. IDGCA head and experts take part in the forum work.

In Expoforum exhibition platforms, where PMFG-2023 take place, the wide range of options for gas industry is displayed, exhibitions, conferences, sessions are held, round-table discussions are led, agreements significant for Russian and foreign enterprises are signed.

The forum final totals will be carefully considered by IDGCA experts and we will inform you of the work results later, but for the present it is worth pointing out the information heard at the event that concerns advanced developments in the transport industry, which are based on the use of liquefied natural gas (LNG). In this respect the report of “Gazprom SPG Technologies Ltd” relating to plans for design and construction of bunkering barge and pushboat on LNG in the next future is of special interest.

With the consideration of current developments in LNG technologies, including trends in maritime transport the training programs for Loading masters and LNG Marine Terminal Operators were developed and successfully implemented in IDGCA in Association subsidiary – International Staff Training Centre. In the programs the most recent requirements of international conventions, regulations and standards applied in the sphere of LNG carriage and storage as well as carrying out cargo handling and bunkering operations as regards this advanced energy carrier, are taken into account. Graduates, passed training and examination, get internationally recognized certificates.

Maritime transports of dangerous goods in high-capacity containers

27.10.2023

Matters of prevention for emergency situations arising in the course of carriage of cargoes in containers in sea ships always were in the spotlight of International Maritime Organization (IMO). In IMO headquarters in London on October 23-26 the session of expert group for Formal Safety Assessment (FSA), which concerned range of problems of fire detection and fighting in cargo holds and cargo decks of container ships. During the session results of investigation under the name of "CARGOSAFE", which was carried out at the commission of European maritime Safety Agency (EMSA), were considered. The fire safety problem was examined in terms of risk assessment taking into account two aspects:

  • use of fire detection and response ship systems; and
  • implementation of safe carriage and handling of dangerous goods, including their declaring and segregation.

According to results of the work done, as expected by FSA experts a draft of amendments to Chapter II-2 of International Convention for Safety of Life at Sea SOLAS 74 and Fire Safety System Code (FSS) based on suggested options for risk assessment and other materials of "CARGOSAFE" investigation will be developed.

Analysing the emergency situations related to carriage of dangerous goods in containers the IDGCA experts came to the conclusion that a cause for fire often is improper processing of dangerous cargo for the carriage by sea and improper execution of transport documents and sometimes properties of dangerous good, which are unaccounted for during the transport.

International Dangerous Goods & Containers Association significantly contributed to solving the problem of ensuring the fire safety in the course of container carriages.

In co-operation with specialists of a number of leading engineering organizations IDGCA developed the concept and technology solutions for automatic fire extinguishing within cargo transport units. But regardless of development need in new equipment types for carriage of dangerous goods IDGCA supposes that the most effective way for prevention of emergency situations is proper training of specialists, therefore IDGCA draws particular attention to development and special training program of experts.

ISTC,which was 20 years this year, already trained more than 3000 dangerous goods' advisers in all corners of Russia

Interim safety guidelines for ships using hydrogen and ammonia as marine fuel

13.10.2023

Sub-Committee on Carriage of Cargoes and Containers of International Maritime Organization (IMO) in the session held on September 20-29 considered among other issues a draft of interim safety guidelines for ships using hydrogen and ammonia as marine fuel. Taking into account the necessity of exigent providing of administrations, ship-owners and industry in whole with guidelines of this sort the Sub-Committee took decision on convening of intersession working group in a period from September 9 to 13, 2024 (subject to adoption by Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) in the 108th session and approval by IMO Council) for finalization of guidelines.

If time permits, it will be proposed to the working group to continue the development of draft of interim guidelines for ships using low-flashpoint fuel.

The Sub-Committee also approved the draft of MSC Circular on Interim guidelines for using liquefied petroleum gas as fuel. The Sub-Committee decisions proved the importance of IDGCA work on search for solutions in the field of alternate fuels, including marine fuel, which were discussed at the XVIIth International conference «Multimodal Transports of Dangerous Goods. Fuel of the Future. Way to the Sustainable Development» held in May, 2023 («The Conference was organized at the high professional level»).

Next year IDGCA plans to conduct the new conference at the end of May - beginning of June, where the problems of transition to new fuel sorts will be raised again.

Plans for prevention and response to spill of oil and petroleum products

02.10.2023

For which objects Plans for prevention and response to spill of oil and petroleum products should be developed and approved?

In compliance with requirements of RF Government Decree of 31.12.2020 ? 2451 «On approval of Regulations for organization of measures for prevention and response of spill of oil and petroleum products in the territory of the Russian Federation, except for internal marine waters of the Russian Federation and territorial sea of the Russian Federation as well as on annulling of certain acts of Russian Federation Government Acts", for determination of objects, the operation of which is allowed in the presence of these Plans, the criteria are as follows: ?) maximum design volume of spill of oil and petroleum products for objects, situated (operated) in surface water sources (including their water protection zones) other than seas and their various parts, - 0.5 tons and more; b) maximum design volume of spill of oil and petroleum products for objects, placed in land part of Russian Federation territory - 3 tons and more.

While providing training for staff of oil terminals (heads, loading masters, loading operators and other personnel categories, working in the terminals) the International Staff Training Centre also offers services of development of Plans for prevention and response to spill of oil and petroleum products. Besides the development by itself the methodical support of procedure for approval of such plans is provided. The procedure is quite difficult and planning and carrying of comprehensive training exercises for demonstration of emergency preparedness of operating organization for measures of containment and cleanup of maximum design volume of spill of oil and petroleum products plays the most important role. Just according to results of these training exercises the commission for confirmation of emergency preparedness of operating organization for measures of containment and cleanup of maximum design volume of spill of oil and petroleum products, comprising representatives of federal executive authorities as well as public authorities of subjects of the Russian Federation and local self-government bodies, in territories of which an object of operating organization is situated and chairman of the commission is a representative of territorial authority of Ministry of the Russian Federation for Civil Defense, Emergencies and Elimination of Consequences of Natural Disasters in corresponding subject of the Russian Federation, make an appropriate judgment.

If you contact the ISTC or IDGCA, you will receive the necessary advice.

To the attention of oil companies

25.09.2023

In Saint-Petersburg at the address: 35A Marshala Govorova str., of. 440, from October 2 to October 6 in the International Staff Training Centre the training of heads of marine oil terminals will be held. Requirements specified by national legislation for safety ensuring in oil marine terminals, provisions of international conventions, codes, agreements and recommendations, risk assessment procedures for interaction between tank vessel and terminal, safety requirements for carrying of linehandling and cargo operations and other issues will be studied in the courses.

In the course of training the trainees will have the opportunity of visit to one of marine oil terminal. According to the training results the participants will obtain certificate of skill enhancement and international certificates issued by the International Dangerous Goods & Containers Association.

The training program may be interesting for chiefs of marine oil terminals as well as for heads of marine LNG terminals. Representatives of leading oil companies of Russia will take part in the training.

Teachers will hand over unique hands-on experience of safe work in marine oil and gas terminals to the trainees.

Explosion of tank car with perchloric acid in USA. What are the conclusions?

15.09.2023

According to a number of mass media in American state Nebraska a car with perchloric acid, followed in railroad train, was exploded.Perchloric acid (chemical formula HClO4) is used in some industry fields, including in production of rocket-engine propellant. This substance is characterized by high corrosivity, reactivity, is strong oxidizer and moreover it is incompatible with some substances because of its explosion risk when in contact.

In the Dangerous Goods List of the UN Model Regulations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods this substance depending on the concentration in the solution, is described two times:

  • PERCHLORIC ACID with more than 50%, but not more than 72% acid, by mass, UN Number 1873, Hazard subclass 5.1 (oxidizing substances), subsidiary hazard class 8 (corrosive substances), packing group I (substances presenting a very severe toxicity hazard). The special provision 60 of the UN Model Regulations states that if the concentration of this substance exceeds 72%, then its transport is prohibited except with special authorization granted by the competent authorities;
  • PERCHLORIC ACID with more than 50%, but not more than 72% acid, by mass, UN Number 1873, Hazard subclass 5.1 (oxidizing substances), subsidiary hazard class 8 (corrosive substances), packing group II (substances presenting a serious toxicity hazard). It appears that in the car, where the explosion took place, there was the acid with concentration exceeding 50%.

When analysing the accident we cannot fail to note that the union of railroad workers and employees of this country considers insufficient staff qualifications as one of primary reasons for accidents, which became frequent, in the course of cargo transportation by rail in USA.

In Russian railroads personnel training and certification, involved in the carriage of dangerous goods, are governed by a number of regulatory documents. The same cannot be said of maritime and inland water transport of Russia, since requirements to training of persons, responsible for carrying out of such activities for the purposes disappeared even from provisions concerning licensing of carriage of dangerous goods and handling operations.

ISTC holds on a regular basis the training of persons, responsible for work with dangerous goods. The training program includes the analysis of accidents with dangerous goods.

The 9th session of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Sub-Committee on Carriage of Cargoes and Containers (CCC) on September 20-29

12.09.2023

The 9th session of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Sub-Committee on Carriage of Cargoes and Containers (CCC), which deals with the carriage of packaged dangerous goods, solid bulk cargoes, bulk gas cargoes and containers, will meet in London on September 20-29.

The key issue for the IMO CCC Sub-Committee Session will be the problem of safe use of alternative fuel types by ships.The following questions will be considered:

  • interim guidelines for the safety of ships using hydrogen as fuel;
  • interim guidelines for the safety of ships using low flashpoint oil fuels. These guidelines are expected to be finalized by 2024;
  • interim guidelines for the safety of ships using ammonia;
  • Amendments to MSC.1 / Circ.1647 - Interim guidelines for the safety of ships using fuel cell power installations»;
  • MSC.1 / Circ.1621 – Interim guidelines for the safety of ships using methyl/ethyl alcohol as fuel. The development is expected to continue until late 2025 and they could enter into force by 2028;

Amendments to the IGC Code to include “Safety provisions for the safe use of LPG cargo as fuel”,

The new safety requirements are concerned with use of low flashpoint oil fuels, which will have significant costs for shipowners, in particular, for those who is forced to adapt the available ships for new fuel standards and types with low carbon content.

Acid spill in Kazakhstan

30.08.2023

According to the information of website zakon.kz on August 28 in the Ekubastuz-2 railway station leak of sulphuric acid from rail tank car was developed. The total weight of the cargo, carried in two rail tank cars, accounts for 78.3 tons. Local authorities took measures for containment of the accident and emergency treatment operations. In particular, bunding of spill site with sand and lime carbonate was made, two rail tank cars for transfer of the product to them were delivered.SULPHURIC ACID, containing more than 51% of acid, is dangerous good of Hazard class 8 (corrosive substances), UN 1830. In compliance with Regulations of carriage of dangerous goods by rail in CIS countries in case of carriage of the substance requires the protective distance “0-0-1” (leading digit – from lead locomotive, second-position digit – from bank locomotive, third-position digit – from cars with people). In cases of accidents with the substance the emergency card 801 shall be applied, according to which to neutralize the substance it is necessary to take the following actions:

  • to use sprayed water for vapor seal;
  • to pump off the substance from low? zones with due regard to safety measures;
  • to cut off the surface soil with contaminations, gather and remove for disposal;
  • cuts-off shall be covered with new soil layers;
  • to rinse with water for control purposes;
  • the spill site shall be insulated with sand, mechanical air foam, rinsed with water and do not let the substances enter surface water;
  • to fill up the spillages with powder, containing alkaline component (limestone, dolomite, sodium carbonate);
  • wash off with water from as far as possible;
  • surfaces of vehicle stock shall be rinsed with plenty of water along with detergent compositions.

Liquefied gas from Saint-Petersburg will go via the Northern Sea Route

26.08.2023

On August 14 the tank vessel “Velikiy Novgorod” fully loaded headed for towards the Northern Sea Route.

Offloading of liquefied natural gas (LNG) was made on the terminal LNG Facility KSPG Portovaya, which is located in Vyborg District of Leningrad Region on North-East coast of Gulf of Finland, in 60 km from Vyborg town and 7 km from the border with Finland. The terminal operator is “Gazprom SPG Portovaya” Ltd.

It is pleasant to note that among responsible employees of cargo complex “Gazprom SPG Portovaya” Ltd. loading masters work, which were trained in the International Staff Training Centre and obtained the international qualification Terminal Loading Master.

Training program for loading masters, working in the terminal of offloading of liquefied hydrogen gas was developed by the ISTC in cooperation with experts of International Dangerous Goods & Containers Association (NP “IDGCA”) and comprise the study of international conventions, regulations and standards as applicable to LNG terminals.

For the first time international ISO standards on cryogenics were studied, the translation of which was made by experts of IDGCA on the assignment of Russian Institute for Standardization. Next training courses for specialists on the program Terminal Loading Master will be held on October 2-6, 2023, in the ISTC.

Tragedy in Makhachkala

17.08.2023

On August 14, 2023, our country was floored by tragic report on explosion in Makhachkala. The explosion claimed the lives of 35 persons, 65 people remain in hospitals.

Serious violations were already detected in the gasoline station, a criminal case was opened under the article «Rendering of services falling short of safety requirements for consumers’ life or health that entailed death of two or more people through negligence».

According to information of newspaper “Kommersant” and initial findings of the investigation a fire took place in the service station building neighbouring to the fuel filling station, subsequently the fire spread to an adjacent premise, in which according to the preliminary information ammonium nitrate in bags was, whereafter an explosion occurred.

It is perplexing why ammonium nitrate was near the fuel filling station. If this is ammonium nitrate UN 1942, hazard class 5.1 – Oxidizing substances, the substance is classified as high consequence dangerous good – goods that may be used not only for intended purpose as a fertilizer, but also for terrorism purposes. Accidents, caused by handling of this substance without the knowledge, are numerous, including recent the largest disaster accidents the explosion in Beirut port August 4, 2020.

The training of responsible persons as well as any other experts, whose activity is immediately associated with carriage, storage, loading and unloading of dangerous goods, is essential measure for prevention of accidents and incidents.

In particular, it is oddly enough that in the new RF Government Decree ¹ 2111 of 30.11.2021 on licensing of cargo-handling operations in sea and river ports there not requirements to training of experts on dangerous goods, although all the international conventions, agreements and regulations require the training of all the persons, whose work is associated with dangerous goods.

Competent authorities, onto which Ministry of Transport shifts more and more responsibility and functions of control over conducting activities, associated with carriage of dangerous goods, can hardly ensure the safety without participants of transportation process, having sufficient knowledge and well qualified for work with dangerous goods.

The International Dangerous Goods & Containers Association expresses the deepest condolences to families of whose involved in this ghastly accident.

Negligent performance of duties, confluence of circumstances or diversion, what led to the explosion in a grain elevator?

09.08.2023

According to CNN Turk report and a number of news media of August 7, 2023, near Turkish seaport Derince in Kocaeli province an explosion took place. According the information of Anadolu agency the explosion occurred in the coastal area of the region around 14:40 in the grain elevator at the time of loading of ship with grain.

The Kocaeli Province Governor Seddar Yavuz declared that there are injured persons from the incident. Search and rescue teams were sent to the explosion site.

CNN Turk reported of five people injured. According to the latest figures there were not less than 13 casualties, one of them died in a hospital.

13 of 16 port grain elevators were damaged. Explosion shock wave did not touch the port container area.

Proximate houses received minor damages, added Mayor of Derince. Now services discharge the grain from all the elevators. Zeki Aygün noted that experts will check whether somebody could be at the moment of explosion inside the grain elevators.

Derince is situated in Turkish province Kocaeli at 95 km from Istanbul. The port is in the Gulf of Izmit in Marmara sea.

As Turkish news media say, the explosion was felt in nearbu town Gölcük.

There are several versions of the explosion causes.

Director General of Turkey Grains Board, that is the owner of the elevators, Ahmet Guldap announced that the reason of explosion was the detonation of grain dust in the elevator.

According to another version in the TASS report Turkish leadership do not rule out the possibility of diversion as the explosion cause.

Negligence in the work with grain is taken as one of potential reasons, though the grain in itself is not classified as dangerous good according to the UN Dangerous Goods List, except for seed cake and other special products, which are classified as dangerous goods in compliance with the UN Model Regulations.

In any case there are internal regulations, prescribing safe working procedures for elevators, there may be a violation of these procedures and it was the cause for explosion.

IMO intends to collect maritime personnel’s views on the application of the International Safety Management Code (ISM Code) on board ships

02.08.2023

The International Maritime Organization proposes staff of sea transport to fill in the online-questionnaire within the framework of comprehensive study on effective implementation of the International Safety Management Code (ISM Code).

The ISM Code is international standard for the safe management and operation of ships and for pollution prevention. It requires shipping companies to carefully consider their management structure and the responsibilities and authorities of those involved in the operation of their ships from the safety and environmental protection point of view. The ISM Code is mandatory since 1998.

IMO announced that those wishing to participate in this survey can do it until September, 30. The study findings will be submitted to the Maritime Safety Committee in the course of the 108th session, which will be held on May, 15-24, 2024.

Such a decision of the International Maritime Organization is absolutely correct, since the putting into practice of the Code in some organizations resulted not in improving the safety management on board ships at sea, but to development of numerous documented procedures, the compliance with the procedure required much time and distracted from carrying out practical measures for ensuring the safety on the part of the crew.

Moreover, the Code was additional instrument, the observance of which is supervised by classification societies through the Safety Management System certification. Some provisions of the Code are based on ISO 9000 standards, which have not direct relation to the safety management on board ships at sea. Assessment of effective implementation of ISM Code and the practical use by maritime personnel will promote its further reasoned implementation.

Ñlassification societies and inspection bodies render the services to shipping community for tidy remuneration and in that case additional requirements may arise on their part to the scope of documentation and operation of safety management system.

The Regulations concerning solely safety issues specify requirements to the management system and referred to standards, which have not direct relation to the safety aspects.

It may be hoped that after fundamental survey among maritime personnel, which directly implement the ISM Code in the practice, the additional arrangements for improving of the Code and its interpretation will be developed

Field Class

28.07.2023

In the period from July 17 to July 20, 2023, training courses at the base of “LUKOIL-Nizhegorodnefteorgsynthez” Ltd to improve the qualifications of employees of “LUKOIL-Nizhegorodnefteorgsynthez” on the topic: «Carriage of dangerous goods by rail” were held.

The course program was developed with due account for internal technical regulations of the company and legislation of the RF. Perfect organization of the courses enabled ISTC teachers to carry out fully the program and convey the necessary information to the maximum extent to trainees.

The ISTC activity received a high appraisal.

Lithium batteries can be source of fire and cause for loss of ship

27.07.2023

According to report of Dutch Broadcasting Foundation (NOS) (Netherlands) in cargo ship Fremantle Highway in the North Sea not far from Ameland the fire broke out. The ship transported 3000 cars from Germany to Egypt. One person was killed and some others were injured, the crew was evacuated, the ship is setting adrift, emergency response group is working. According to preliminary information the fire started from one of twenty five electric vehicles that were on board.

There are no information about exactly what kind of power sources (batteries) were used in this electric vehicle, but it is obvious that they can be classed as lithium batteries. Lithium batteries, including installed in transport equipment, are dangerous goods, and in the Dangerous Goods List of International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code (IMDG Code) there are 7 categories of such electric power sources:

  • UN 3090 LITHIUM METAL BATTERIES (including lithium alloy batteries);
  • UN 3091 LITHIUM METAL BATTERIES (including lithium alloy batteries);
  • UN 3480 LITHIUM ION BATTERIES (including lithium ion polymer batteries);
  • UN 3481 LITHIUM ION BATTERIES CONTAINED IN EQUIPMENT or LITHIUM ION BATTERIES PACKED WITH EQUIPMENT (including lithium ion polymer batteries);
  • WITH EQUIPMENT (including lithium ion polymer batteries) UN 3536 LITHIUM BATTERIES INSTALLED IN CARGO TRANSPORT UNIT.

IMDG Code establishes rules for sea carriage of every type of lithium batteries, including packing instructions and EmS (Emergency Response Procedures) F-A and S-I.

It is necessary to handle lithium batteries, including lithium ion and lithium metal batteries installed in certain equipment with due care.

The UN ECOSOC Sub-Committee on the Transport of Dangerous Goods keeps a strong focus on development and improvement of carriage rules for lithium batteries, testing methods and operation safety. At 62nd session of UN ECOSOC Sub-Committee on the Transport of Dangerous Goods, held in the period from July 3 to 7, 2023, the Sub-Committee expressed appreciation to the activity of Informal working group on classification of lithium batteries.

Non-Dangerous Sulphur Does Not Exist

26.07.2023

According to report of news agency “RZN.info. Ryazan” at the railway station in Sasovo (Ryazan Region) a combustion of sulphur in railway cars took place. As EMERCOM of Russia comments, the fire begun on July 26 at 7:25, the spread of fire was contained at 8:20 in the area of 80 sq. m, at 8.57 was extinguished. From nearest houses 119 persons were evacuated, there were no injuries.

The IDGCA experts note that sulphur is the special type of cargo, which may be classified as both dangerous and non-dangerous good. The point is that in compliance with the UN Model Regulations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods (further – the UN Model Regulations) sulphur has the number UN 1350, subsidiary risk 4.1 (flammable solids, self-reactive substances, solid desensitized explosives and polymerizing substances). Any persons who deals with sulphur not only at production site and in the transport, but also at home (for example, uses sulphur candles for eliminating of pests), do not have doubts in hazardous properties of the present substance. By the way, apart from the fact that sulphur burns with release of toxic gases, actively reacts with strong oxidizing substances, during carriage and handling it forms the dust, which is in the air has explosion risk. Nevertheless, in the Chapter 3.3 of the same UN Model Regulations the special provision 242 is provided, which states: Sulphur is not subject to these Regulations when it has been formed to a specific shape (e.g. prills, granules, pellets, pastilles or flakes).

The same provision can be found in rules for the carriage of dangerous goods by all the modes of transport, for which the UN Model Regulations are basic. There is also the same interpretation (sulphur can be «hazardous» and «nonhazardous») in the International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargoes Code (IMSBC Code).

The IDGCA experts believe that sulphur in all the cases and at all the stages of its life cycle is hazardous substance.

Training For ADN experts

25.07.2023

On August 7-10 in the International Staff Training Centre ADN Basic courses on the transport of dangerous goods by inland waterways in accordance with requirements of European Agreement Concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Inland Waterways (ADN) will be held.

The training is conducted by instructors with unique practical experience in working on ships and river vessels as captains and chief mechanics, as well as teachers with extensive experience in supervisory bodies and classification societies.

After the training the participants will have knowledge of ADN basic provisions, hazard classes of dangerous goods, the main properties, common types of hazards, posed by substances of various classes, escorting rules for dangerous goods, content and principal technical characteristics of equipment used in conducting loading and unloading operations with dangerous goods, forms and content of transportation documents for dangerous goods, prevention methods and procedures for emergency situations when working with dangerous goods, application rules for fire-fighting equipment and use of personal protective equipment, first aid to persons injured by incidents with dangerous goods.

On completion of the course the participants will get state-recognized documents of skill improvement and internationally recognized certificates of ADN expert.

Joint Meeting of Experts on the Regulations annexed to the European Agreement Concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Inland Waterways (ADN)

25.07.2023

On August, 21-25, 2023 in Geneva (Switzerland), in the Palais des Nations 42nd session of Working Party on the Transport of Dangerous Goods of ECOSOC Inland Transport Committee, Joint Meeting of Experts on the Regulations annexed to ADN will take place. In the provisional agenda the following questions are planned to consider:

  • Requests for recommendations on the use of hydrogen fuel cells for the propulsions of a number of vessels.
  • Training of ADN experts, statistics on examinations.
  • Matters related to classification societies.
  • Proposals for amendments to the Regulations annexed to ADN: (à) Transport of Carbon Dioxide (CO2), refrigerated, liquid (b) Correction of terminology (c) Checking and inspection of equipment – Hose assemblies (d) General information required in the transport document (e) ADN Checklist and other matters.

ADN Courses in the International Staff Training Centre

21.07.2023

On August 7-10 in the International Staff Training Centre ADN Basic courses on the transport of dangerous goods by inland waterways in accordance with requirements of the European Agreement Concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Inland Waterways (ADN) will be held.

Applications can be sent to the e-mail:istc@idgca.org

The UN model regulations is result of collective intelligence of experts from various countries

21.07.2023

On July 3-7, 2023, 62nd session of the UN Sub-Committee of Experts on the Transport of Dangerous Goods was held in Geneva (Switzerland).

In the course of session the following questions were discussed: testing of explosives, review of packaging and transport requirements of explosives, requirements to testing and transport of lithium and sodium-ion batteries, carriage of gases, global recognition of UN and non-United Nations pressure receptacles, consideration of miscellaneous proposals for amendments to the Model Regulations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods concerning marking and labeling, packagings, use of portable tanks, dangerous goods safety training, issues relating to the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS): testing of oxidizing substances.

Along with other proposals and documents results of work of informal working group on fibre reinforced plastics (FRP) service equipment for portable tanks, which was organized at the suggestion of the Russian Federation and supported by Sub-Committee experts, were considered. The informal working group worked between sessions through correspondence and communication in Zoom and continued the work during the session. The Head of the informal working group Ivan Sergeichev, RF representative, at the plenary session acquainted the participants with results of work as the draft of New Chapter 6.9.3 for introduction to the UN Model Regulations. Experts of the IDGCA, from Russia, Germany, France and Poland were actively involved in the activity of informal working group. In particular, Mikhail Ognev, Director General of the IDGCA, made a proposal concerning requirements to the quality ensuring system in designing, testing and manufacturing of service equipment of composite materials. In many parts of the UN Model Regulations requirements to quality system were not clearly defined and understanding of these requirements was problematic for manufacturers of products subject to UN Model Regulations, IMDG, ADR, AND relating to a carriage of dangerous goods.

Different interpretations of the term “quality system” often led to unfounded requests on the part of inspection bodies, which performed functions of confirmation of manufacturers’ compliance.

The IDGCA experts proposed the brief formulation, which defined the quality system and established the requirements. The IDGCA also prepared for the session official document ST/SG/AC.10/C.3/2023/29 and unofficial document UN/SCETDG/62/INF.38, that concerned requirements of the UN Model Regulations to intermediate bulk containers (IBC), intended for carriage of dangerous goods, including cargoes of 8 Hazard class. Intermediate bulk containers (IBC), so called cubes, are popular enough in the carriage of dangerous goods in multimodal transports in cargo transport units. IBC are composite (compound) containers, consisting of inner receptacle, made of rigid plastic and outer casing, enclosing the receptacle.

In the opinion of the IDGCA experts, lack of sufficient requirements in the UN Model Regulations to design and testing of service equipment as well as bottom discharge (and, as a consequence, a possibility of setting of valves in IBC that have improper quality) may lead to accidents.

The 62nd session of Sub-Committee of Experts on the Transport of Dangerous Goods is the first session after coronavirus pandemic. In addition to formal communication experts had a possibility to interact with each other in the informal meeting while having dinner in one of Geneva restaurants. The session was successful.

The next 63rd session of Sub-Committee of Experts on the Transport of Dangerous Goods will take place on November 27 – December 6, 2023.

New 23rd Revised Edition of the UN Model Regulations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods

19.07.2023

A new revised edition of the UN Model Regulations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods in English, addressed by the UN Secretariat to the IDGCA, came to the library of International Dangerous Goods & Containers Association.

In the preparation of different expert reports as well as in the course of training of experts IDGCA and ISTC always use exclusively updated documents. In such a case they have to refer to an edition in English, as a text in Russian sometimes differs from a text of principal language, which is working for experts of various countries.

The IDGCA thanked the UN Secretariat for sending of the UN Model Regulations to the Association.

Yet another victims of confined spaces

30.06.2023

According to the information of agency “Kazanreporter” in the territory of oil producing headquarter “Elkhovneft” of PAO “Tatneft” in Zainsk Region an explosion of oil tank in reconstruction occurred. In opinion of the IDGCA experts, explosion, which claimed lives of two people took place as a result of gross violations of rules of operations in enclosed spaces. The died company workers were engaged in cleaning of oil tank. A criminal investigation under article “Violation of safety rules in explosion hazardous production facilities” was open.

Regretfully, according to the statistics dozens of people lose their lives each year in enclosed spaces.

Most often persons working in confined spaces, which may include stationary and transport oil tanks, bilge premises, closed warehouses, closed cargo transport units such as freight containers etc., as well as heads and supervisors assigning their subordinates to these operations do have neither knowledge nor practical skills in this work. Not all, apparently, know, for example, that common wood material that is in closed space can pose a mortal danger, since as a result of biochemical processes proceeding in the material oxygen concentration in ambient air of working area falls reaching dangerous limit at 16% and below. By the way hazard arises in case of oxygen elevated concentration, that may cause fire breaking-out and rapid propagation.

International Maritime Organization (IMO) and United Nations (UN) are very focused on the safety problem of work in confined spaces and developed a set of codes and standards, including e.g., IMO Resolution A.1050(27) “Revised Recommendations for Entering Enclosed Spaces Aboard Ships”

SUMMER COURSES IN THE INTERNATIONAL STAFF TRAINING CENTRE

26.06.2023

In a period from July 10 to 14 in the ISTC the next training of experts on safety of the transport of dangerous goods is planned.

Training and qualification will be held in the following specialties (categories):

  • Dangerous Goods Inspector on Maritime and Inland Water Transport;
  • Dangerous Goods Safety Advisers;
  • IMDG Code Expert;
  • Specialist in the Field of Cargo-handling Operations Relating to Dangerous Goods on Maritime and Inland Transport.

Those wishing to receive the in-person or online training may submit the application.

IMO approves Interim LPG and LNG Guidelines

23.06.2023

The IMO has taken another step forward in building a regulatory framework for alternative fuels.

The 107th session of the Maritime Safety Committee (MSC 107, 31 May to 9 June) approved circular MSC.1/Circ.1666 containing Interim guidelines for the safety of ships using LPG as fuel.

These Interim Guidelines will provide an international standard similar to the IGF Code to form the basis for the design, construction and operation of ships using LPG as fuel.

IMO has previously developed and approved interim guidelines based on the IGF Code framework for methyl/ethyl alcohols (covering methanol), followed by interim guidelines fuel cell power installations. These guidelines were developed by the IMO’s Sub-Committee on Carriage of Cargoes and Containers (CCC), which is currently working on interim guidelines for hydrogen and ammonia.

MSC 107 also approved MSC.1/Circ1668 containing a Unified interpretation of bunkering manifold arrangements fitted on LNG bunkering ships in the ICG Code. The interpretation clarifies issues related to the risk of leakage and associated safety protection for LNG bunkering vessels, some of which have cargo transfer arrangements in addition to traditional cargo manifolds. (Information source: IMO news of 2023/06/13) Recently the IDGCA ran the conference on alternative fuel types, which was held with success in Peterhof.

Key reports will be published in the upcoming issue of journal “Dangerous Goods and Containers“.

Collision of two tankers in Lena river and fuel leakage to the water area

19.06.2023

According to TASS information on June 12 near Alekseevka settlement of Kirensk district in the Irkutsk Region there was a collision of TR-900 “Erofey Khabarov” tanker and TR-901 tanker carrying 832 tons of gasoline. In one of vessels a container with 138 tons of fuel was damaged. The leakage to Lena river water area took place.

Presumptively from 60 to 90 tons of gasoline could leak out to the water area. Status of emergency in the Kirensk district and high alert regime in Yakutia were imposed.

The Irkutsk Region Governor Igor Kobzev reported that the vessel was navigated by captain’s mate, since the captain was under influence of alcohol. The vessel escaped from the scene of collision and bolted the Irkutsk Region.

The tanker owner reported on this emergency only in an hour, that affected the development of the situation. It is supposed that the vessel could be out-of-repair.

Issues of the transport of dangerous goods by inland water transport are subject to the ADN Regulations, which, unfortunately, do not apply on a mandatory basis for inland vessels.

The International Staff Training Centre for several years provide its services of ADN expert training, however, they are not in demand in the Russian Federation while key trainees of the courses on ADN programmes are European sailors. It is worth noting that certificates issued by ISTC and IDGCA are accepted by European shipping companies.

Session of ECOSOS Sub-Committee of Experts on the Transport of Dangerous Goods (TDG Sub-Committee)

19.06.2023

On July, 3-7, 2023 in the Palais des Nations (Geneva, Switzerland) the 62nd Session of TDG Sub-Committee will be held.

There are the following issues on the session agenda:

  • Tests of explosives, review of parts I, II and III of the Manual of Tests and Criteria, review of packaging and transport requirements for explosives;
  • Tests of explosives, review of parts I, II and III of the Manual of Tests and Criteria, review of packaging and transport;
  • Classification, requirements to tests and transport of lithium and sodium-ion batteries, used in electric cars and solar energy;
  • Transport of gases, global recognition of UN and non-United Nations pressure receptacles;
  • Consideration of proposals for amendments to the Model Regulations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods concerning marking and labelling, packaging, use of portable tanks;
  • Global harmonization of transport of dangerous goods regulations with the Model Regulations;
  • Cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency;
  • Dangerous goods safety training;
  • Issues relating to the Globally Harmonized System: testing of oxidizing substances, simultaneous classification in physical hazards;
  • Unified interpretations of the Model Regulations;
  • United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development etc.

State-members of TDG Sub-Committee and non-governmental organizations, having a consultative status, submitted 30 official working documents for committee consideration. Among them is there the Russian Federation proposal regarding a service equipment for portable tanks and the IDGCA proposal for amendments to Chapter 4.1 of the Model Regulations concerning IBC requirements for the transport of dangerous goods of Hazard Class 8.

The official documents are submitted in two months before session and informal documents may be presented for consideration at any time including before starting or during the session. But the priority is given to the official documents. The IDGCA experts plans to become direct participants in the session work in Geneva.

ARCTIC: PAST, PRESENT, FUTURE

09.06.2023

Public Television of Russia (OTR) is preparing 15-17 Russian films addressed Arctic past, present and future and Northern Sea Route, which at present got a great incentive to its development from the state.

On June 7, 2023, in the office of International Dangerous Goods and Containers Association (further NP "IDGCA") ship captain of OAO "Murmansk Shipping Company" Vladimir Dmitrievsky was interviewed by OTR editors for one of documentals. He worked at the enterprise during 42 years from 1977, of them 30 years as part of the crew personnel (17 years captain of bulk carriers and tankers) and over the last years he held the different leading positions in the OAO "Murmansk Shipping Company" and the major part of his life was associated with Arctic. Vladimir Dmitrievsky was asked and highlighted the issues, which concerned Arctic in the past, how he sees it now and the future of Northern Sea Route as direct witness of Arctic development in 1970-80, then its desolation in 1990-2000 and strong accelerant in its progress in the recent years. He noted that the principal action in the development of Northern Sea Route today is an establishment of Direction of Northern Sea Route last year, which was headed by Deputy General Director of "Rosatom" (ex- First Deputy Minister of Transport of the Russian Federation) Vyacheslav Rooksha having a very profound knowledge of Arctic and, building a qualified team surely under his guidance, Russia will further be accrued by Arctic. It is worthy of note that Vyacheslav Rooksha was the First President of NP "IDGCA" from 2001 till 2004.

Questions, posed by the Chief of OTR Service of information broadcasting Svetlana Gubanova, were filled with extensive knowledge of Arctic problems and objectives. At present Vladimir Dmitrievsky work as teacher and expert in the NP "IDGCA".

Svetlana Gubanova also interviewed the NP "IDGCA" General Director Mikhail Ognev, which devoted many years of his life to Arctic too, working as chief engineer on ships of Northern Shipping Company, and has an intimate knowledge of the Far North and Antarctic conditions. From 1986 till 1987 Mikhail Ognev took part in the 32nd Soviet Antarctic Expedition and provide jointly with other crew members a failure-free operation of ÒPavel KorchaginÓ ship. The working environment of Arctic and Antarctic require special skills and knowledges from captains and chief engineers. Every mistake may cost lives of the crew and cause extensive damage to the nature. Mikhail Ognev in his interview brought into focus just that. He said that especially careful attitude to Arctic and Antarctic nature is necessary, since Arctic is not only an unique north route, reservoir of huge oil and gas reserves and other mineral resources, but also extraordinary forest and landscape resources.

In arctic rivers and seas unique fish species are found: sturgeon, Siberian white salmon, muksun, starlet, cisco and also abundant fauna. Therefore in spite of technical progress of industry development in Arctic all the arctic rich natural resources as national treasure should be preserved for posterity.

Ship captain Vladimir Dmitrievsky and chief engineer Mikhail Ognev share their great professional experience with course participants in the International Staff Training Centre and personnel.

The Conference was organized at the high professional level

02.06.2023

On May 30 in Peterhof the XVIIth International Conference “Multimodal Transports of Dangerous Goods. Fuel of the Future. Way to the Sustainable Development” took place. The Conference was held at the high level of organization – such an opinion was expressed by most of the participants, among them were such organizations and companies as GK “Rostec”, AO “Uralcryomash”, PAO “Geliymash”, OOO “Arkticheskaya Perevalka”, PAO “Novatek”, FGUP “Krylov State Research Centre”, “RusChemAlliance” LLC, OOO “Gazprom-neft Shipping”, OOO “EuroChem Terminal Ust-Luga, AO “New Technologies in Transportation”, OOO “H2 Invest”, OOO “Fenix” (Port Bronka), ZAO “TK “Chempack”, OAO “Lukoil-NN”, Federal State Budgetary Institution “Russian Standardization Institute” and many more.

In spite of the subjects “Fuel of the Future. Way to a Sustainable Development” the stable communication between manufacturers, scientific institutions, regulatory authorities, road, maritime, river, rail and air transport carriers was built that give an opportunity to produce the common safety and quality concept in carrying out multimodal transports of dangerous goods – just the concept, which is usually discussed at all the conferences organized by the Non-Commercial Partnership “IDGCA”. In the course of debate and discussion of reports topical current problems involving most often the insufficient regulatory support of transports of dangerous goods, authorization of competent bodies and determination of status of regulations released by them came up.

A great discussion was given up to issues of harmonization of international standards with national ones and also manufacture of modern equipment for storage and transportation of new ecologically clean fuel types (LNG, hydrogen, ammonia, methanol).

The conference participants were pleasantly impressed by favourable environment, beautiful hotel situated on the bank of Olga’s Pond, opening speech of Head of Peterhof Municipal Administration and evening informal social gathering and everything that took place this day.

Forthcoming event, which the IDGCA plans to organize, will be IIIrd Meeting of Dangerous Goods Safety Advisers that will be held this October.

From July, 2023 the International Dangerous Goods & Containers Association will renew an issue of journal

19.05.2023

DANGEROUS GOODS & CONTAINERS

Over the years from 2001 the International Dangerous Goods & Containers Association put out the bilingual journal.

The journal developed the international reputation, it was well known in International Maritime Organization, UN Sub-Committee on the Transport of Dangerous Goods, international institutions and also had a lot of subscribers among Russian companies and organizations.

Because of financial difficulties in the pandemia period the issue of journal was suspended and the decision was taken to renew it in July. In the first half of the year it is planned to issue two numbers and in 2024 it is scheduled to put out six issues every two months.

The journal retains its own exclusivity, bilingualism and design. From June, 1, 2023, the subscription for the journal will be started. It is planned to report on the conference in the july issue and publish the most interesting papers.

The work of the Sub-Committee of Experts on the Transport of Dangerous Goods, industry committees, International Maritime Organization (IMO), International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and other organizations will be regularly highlighted. There are plans to write some columns on prevention of emergency situations, columns where opinions of scientists, experts, representatives of regulatory authorities and business.

We invite all our partners, students, which took training courses in our training centre, to support the issue of the journal and enter a subscription to it.

Interesting discussions are expected at the Conference in Peterhof

Conference in Peterhof is expected to be interesting and advantageous for all the participants, which will gather toghether in the "New Peterhof" hotel close to the magnificent Olga's Pond.

For the first time in the frame of International Conference " Multimodal Transports of Dangerous Goods" not only carriage of dangerous goods will be considered, but also problems and outlook for use of new ecologically clean types of fuel such as liquefied natural gas, hydrogen, methanol, ammonia.

Although plants for LNG, hydrogen, ammonia and methanol production were already built, LNG terminals were put into operation, issues of logistics, safety, manufacture of new equipment continue to be acute on the agenda.

The purpose of the Conference is to provide a background for both attending a lecture and mutual communication, exchange of views, provide the basis for signing contracts and agreements. Participation in the online mode is expected at the Conference too and those who can't be present at the hall for some reasons, will have an opportunity to address speakers and conference participants using the virtual platform.

A number of leading Russian companies confirmed their attendance at the conference, among them State Corporation "Rostec", Eurochem Group AG, PAO "Cryogenmash", AO "Uralcryomash", Port "Bronka", OOO «Lukoil-Nizhegorodnefteorgsynthez», OOO "Portovaya-LNG Gazprom", and also representatives of Rostechnadzor, Rostransnadzor, Federal Agency on Technical Regulation and Metrology and other.

Representatives of more than 100 Russian large organizations and enterprises were invited for participation in the Conference.

The event program provides for busy schedule as well as refreshment and excursion.

The Conference organizer is International Staff Training Centre.

Applications for participation in the Conference can be sent to e-mail addresses - istc@idgca.org, info@idgca.org.

Contact telephone numbers : +7(911) 928-95-75, +7(905) 222-51-38, +7(905) 222-51-28, +7(812) 740-20-19.

Meeting of the Technical Committee for standardization "Oxygen and Cryogenic Equipment" (TC 114) of the Federal Agency on Technical Regulating and Metrology

03.05.2023

On April 27, 2023 the IDGCA experts took part in the TC 114 meeting. According to the order of the day reports on the activities of the TC 114 and proposals for change in its structure and composition were considered.

Oleg Bogachek, Head of the TC 114 working group "Metal-composite vessels and cylinders", came up with a suggestion on the TC structure change. Its suggestion concerned a forming the Sub-Committee SC 01 "Metal-composite vessels and cylinders" in the TC 114 on the basis of present working group.

The purpose of its creation is to make the strategy in the standardization sphere for the next 5 years, development of procedures and regulations in assigned activity field, and also organization and performance of works within the frame of national, interstate (regional) and international standardization in the field in accordance with the law.

This proposal as well as suggestions on the TC 114 composition change due to the incorporation of two new members and expulsion of four organizations which were disbanded and/or ceased their activities, was passed unanimously.

Therefore, in the near future the order on the TC 114 "Oxygen and Cryogenic Equipment forming will be amended accordingly.

Ammonia requires serious approach to ensuring the transport safety

03.05.2023

According to a report released on the website 47 News, on May 2, 2023 on the federal road A-180 “Narva” in Kingisepp district an ammonia leakage from a tank vehicle took place. 79th fire and salvage unit team mitigated the consequences. Although the leakage according to the information source was of “droplet“ nature, this event is a near-miss of more serious incident. It will be remembered that ammonia is toxic and at the same time corrosive substance, we wrote about it on our website http://www.idgca.ru/ in the section “News and comments” on April 24, 2023.

The information that IDGCA experts had is insufficient for carrying out of the incident cause analysis. In compliance with European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road (ADR) which applied as national regulations in the Russian Federation anhydrous ammonia shall be transported as regards tank vehicles in hermetically closed tank for liquefied or dissolved gases with bottom openings for filling or discharge with three shut-off devices with minimum test pressure 26 bar (for tanks with thermal insulation) or 29 bar (for tanks without thermal insulation). For that special-purpose “AT vehicle”, intended for the carriage of dangerous goods in fixed tanks or demountable tanks with a capacity exceeding 1 m3. or in tank-containers, portable tanks or multiple element gas containers (MEGCs) with an individual capacity exceeding 3 m3. Also the ADR regulations specify the requirements concerning conformity assessment procedures, inspections and tests and other. It stands to reason that in the presence of three independent shut-off devices in good working order in tank design a substance leakage even if “droplet” would be hardly probable.

At the forthcoming XVIIth International Conference «Multimodal Transports of Dangerous Goods. Fuel of the Future. Way to Sustainable Development” which will be held on May 30, 2023, in Peterhof the emphasis will be upon issues related to ensuring the safety of transport of dangerous goods, in particular, anhydrous ammonia. Participants of the conference will get answers to the questions arising in the course of transports and storage of dangerous substances.

PREPARING FOR THE XVII INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE
«Multimodal Transports of Dangerous Goods.
Fuel of the Future. Way to Sustainable Development”

24.04.2023

On 30 May 2023 the XVII International Conference addressed to development of new technologies in the sphere of production and transportation of ecological fuel types will be held in Peterhof. The conference organizers provide a full information about properties of fuel new types, including dangerous in terms of their storage and carriage.

Hydrogen

Hydrogen is widely regarded as one of promising fuel types and already now means of transport with hydrogen engines are not rare. However, during development of technical solutions in the field of hydrogen energy it must be kept in mind the high specificity of hydrogen.

There are two modifications of hydrogen - as orthohydrogen and parahydrogen. In an orthohydrogen molecule the nuclear spins (intrinsic moments of impulse) are like-directed (parallel) and in parahydrogen oppositely directed (antiparallel). In real conditions liquid hydrogen undergoes a spontaneous ortho-para conversion during its storage and transport. The ortho-para conversion carries slowly enough without catalyst and as in such a case heat release occurs, which is close in value to vaporization heat, then it is reasonable to make the catalytic conversion else at the stage of production of liquid hydrogen.Liquid hydrogen under atmospheric pressure has the boiling temperature -252,87 ?C and very low density 0,07 ò/ì, whereby the use of hydrogen in liquid is problematic.

Hydrogen may both serve as fuel in engines and be used for generation of electric power in fuel cells (chemical electric power sources), which is consumed by motors of electric vehicles. According to UN classification hydrogen is a dangerous good, hazard sub-class 2.1.(flammable gases).

Hydrogen can be stored as refrigerated liquefied gas (UN 1966),in compressed condition (UN 1049) and also in metal-hydride-based storage systems (UN 3468). Liquid hydrogen shall be transported in closed and open-ended cryogenic vessels and also in portable tanks. Requirements to cryogenic vessels are specified in the instruction P203 of the UN Model Regulations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods (further UN Model Regulations) to portable tanks - in the instruction T75 with its special provisions TP5 (requirements concerning degree of filling) and TP34 (requirements to special aspects of testing for portable tanks not for rail transport).

Compressed hydrogen should be transported in compliance with requirements of instruction P200 of the UN Model Regulations, which specifies that this dangerous good should be transported in tubes, cylinders, pressure drums, cylinder bundles and also multiple-element gas containers.

Hydrogen in metal-hydride-based storage systems shall be transported in accordance with provisions of the instruction P205 and also with due account for special provisions 321 and 356 of the UN Model Regulations.


Methane

Natural gas is rated among the most prospective energy carriers in transport, its major component (97-99%) is methane (chemical formula CH4). It can be used as fuel, but, besides that, technologies of fuel oil synthesis from it are applied, which is similar in their properties to common automobile fuels. As promising alternate fuels derived from natural gas are considered methylic alcohol (methanol), ethyl alcohol (ethanol) and dimethyl ether.

By their properties mentioned alcohol fuels are suitable both for use in positive ignition engines and for their application in compression ignition engines.

According to UN classification methane is a dangerous good, hazard sub-class 2.1. (flammable gases). Methane can be stored as refrigerated liquefied gas (UN 1972) and also in compressed condition (UN 1971).

Liquid methane shall be transported in compliance with requirements of the same instructions as liquid hydrogen (P203 and T75).

Compressed methane shall be transported in accordance with requirements of the instruction P200 of the UN Model Regulations as compressed hydrogen.

Methanol

Methanol (chemical formula CH3OH) is prospective alcohol fuel too, its industrial production has been mastered in many countries. But cost of methanol production in comparison with common engine fuels is much higher. Alcohol fuels have a number of significant drawbacks, among them it should be noted their toxicity (particularly with regard to methanol), corrosiveness and aggressivity to aluminium alloys, rubbers and other construction materials.

According to UN classification methanol is a dangerous good, hazard class 3 (flammable liquids), its assigned number is UN 1230.

Methanol in accordance with requirements of the UN Model Regulations shall be transported in packaging (instruction P001), IBC (instruction IBC02) and also portable tanks (instruction T7 with special provision TP2).

Ammonia

Along with the above-mentioned there are technical proposals and developments on use of anhydrous ammonia NH3 in engines of vehicles, in particular, its mixture - 95% of ammonia and 5% of hydrogen.

Such a fuel burns out with generation of water vapours and harmful nitrogen oxides (NOX), which are detoxified using the catalytic converter. This idea is quite popular although ammonia is toxic and enters into active reactions with other substances. Nevertheless it is more simple to store and transport it than hydrogen and its cost is considerably lower.

Anhydrous ammonia in compliance with the UN Model Regulations has main hazard sub-class 2.3 (toxic gases) and additional hazard class 8 (corrosive substances).

Ammonia according to requirements of the UN Model Regulations shall be transported in packagings (instruction P200) and in portable tanks (instruction P50).

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The First International Conference "Fuel of the Future. The path to sustainable development" Fuel of the future 2023. May 30, 2023, Novy Peterhof Hotel

15.03.2023

Sustainable development and combating climate change are interlinked. Both goals are vital for human well-being. A more sustainable global economy built on new technologies will contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions causing climate change. This concept has been proclaimed by the UN, and many countries, including Russia, are striving for it.

One of the solutions to these global problems is the transition to new fuels, and especially in all forms of transport.

LNG, hydrogen, ammonia, and methanol are the most promising types of fuel.

The problem of transition to new types of fuel is not only to improve the technology of production, but also to create new safe types of equipment for their storage and transportation.

It is clear that all these fuels are hazardous cargoes. To ensure safety of their transportation new International Safety Standards are being developed and applied in the construction of ships as well as other types of transport and transport equipment.

Maritime and river transport has advanced considerably in this direction, and it is no coincidence that the International Maritime Organization has long been a leader in this field. How to make sense of it all, which directions in the use of new types of fuel are the most promising, and how soon will that be realized?

We will discuss all this at the forthcoming conference which will take place on May 30, 2023 in Peterhof.

We invite representatives of companies producing different types of fuels, experts from scientific organizations, representatives of business and administrations to the conference.

The operator of the conference is the International Staff Training Center.

March 8 
Dear women! Today, on this wonderful spring day March 8, we sincerely congratulate you on INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY.
Peace, beauty and success rest on your shoulders. Wish you happiness and good health.

High risk cargo: new requirements

06.03.2023

In accordance with paragraph 1.4.3.1 of the UN Model Regulations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods (ST/SG/AC.10/Rev.22, UN, New York and Geneva, 2021), high-risk cargoes are cargoes that can be used not according to purpose, but for terrorist purposes and therefore lead to serious consequences, such as numerous loss of life, massive destruction or, especially for Class 7 cargo, massive social and economic disruption. Similar definitions are contained in the rules for the carriage of dangerous goods by various modes of transport (IMDG Code, ADR, ADN, RID, Annex 2 to SMGS).

On February 28, 2023, Federal Law N 53-?? dated February 28, 2023 "On Amending the Federal Law "On Transport Security" and Recognizing Certain Provisions of Legislative Acts of the Russian Federation As Invalidated" came into force. This legislative act, without repealing the effect of the Federal Law ? 99-?? dated May 04, 2011 "On Licensing Certain Types of Activities" and the provisions on licensing for inland waterway and rail transport adopted as part of its implementation, clarifies the procedure for submitting high-risk cargo for transportation. According to this document the requirements to obtain special permits for transportation of high risk cargoes by railway and inland water transport as well as for transshipment of high risk cargoes in river ports are canceled. At the same time, the document provides that high-risk cargoes are allowed to be transported by railway and inland water transport vehicles if there is a notification in the form of an electronic document (message) sent to the Federal Service for Supervision in the Sphere of Transport or its territorial body using a Unified State Information System of Transport Security, and this requirement comes into force on February 29, 2024.

The list of high-risk cargo was approved by Decree of the Government of the Russian Federation ? 341 dated March 10, 2022 (entered into force on March 1, 2023 and is valid until March 1, 2029).

Federal Law ? 53-?? of February 28, 2023 also clarifies the procedure of implementation of measures of protection against acts of unlawful interference provided for by certificates of transport security of road transport vehicles used for transportation of dangerous goods and plans of transport security of transport infrastructure facilities used for loading, unloading and storage of high-risk cargo, as well as dangerous goods, transportation of which requires a special permit, issued in accordance with the procedure provided for in paragraph 13 of Article 11 11 of the Federal Law ? 257-?? dated November 8, 2007 "On Motor Roads and Road Activities in the Russian Federation and Amendment of Certain Legislative Acts of the Russian Federation".

Specificity of transportation of paraformaldehyde (dangerous goods)

22.02.2023

On March 1, 2023, the All-Russian intersectoral practical conference "Paraformaldehyde - 2023" will be held.

Each dangerous goods listed in the UN Model Regulations has its own characteristics and specifics of packaging and transportation, and also requires careful study before it is shipped and used.

The organizing committee of the conference invited the management team of IDGCA NP to participate and give a lecture.

The participants will be presented with a report on the activities of IDGCA NP and the participation of the Association in improving the Regulations for the Transportation of Dangerous Goods.

The report will demonstrate special conditions and hazards when working with paraformaldehyde.

Training of dangerous goods inspectors

22.02.2023

The ISTC is one of the few educational institutions that trains inspectors, both in the category of civil servants and departmental ones, who are entrusted with the functions of controlling the transport of dangerous goods.

For more than 15 years, the ISTC has repeatedly trained and assessed employees of Rostransnadzor, customs authorities, port control inspectors and inspectors of large Russian and foreign companies.

The practice of training and retraining has shown the need for regular advanced training of the inspectors, and this is understandable, since international rules and guidelines are reissued every 2 years and new requirements are introduced into them, and sometimes new chapters.

The ISTC, with the methodological assistance of IDGCA NP, updates the training programs, which makes it possible to bring the latest requirements to our students.

At the end of March, the next training of inspectors under the 40-hour program is planned.

Those who wish to study can send an application.

Risk analysis for the transport of dangerous goods

21.02.2023

In many areas of activity related to the operation of hazardous industrial facilities, as well as the transport of dangerous goods, a risk-based approach is increasingly being used, although there are no mandatory requirements for its application in international and national legislation. Despite the tightening of the requirements of both international and national legislation in the field of transportation and handling of dangerous goods, major accidents and catastrophes with dangerous goods continue to occur, claiming human lives and causing enormous material and environmental damage. Such incidents include the explosion of ammonium nitrate in the seaport of Beirut on August 4, 2020, the fire in the port of Iskenderun in southern Turkey on February 6, 2023, the fire at the container terminal in Bangladesh on June 5, 2022, as well as the recent incident in the US state of Ohio, the consequences of which has not yet been evaluated, despite the unprecedented measures taken.

Causes of accidents and disasters can be different. As a rule, they occur due to the improper technical condition of vehicles and transport equipment, violations of the rules for placing and securing cargo, etc. And, as the accident in Ohio showed, the fact of insufficient attention to the condition of main and access railway tracks can lead to large-scale negative consequences. Let's take a closer look at this incident.

As it became known from a number of mass media reports, in the evening of February 3 Norfolk Southern freight train with more than a hundred cars crashed in the town of East Palestine. Several tanks contained vinyl chloride, a substance used in the production of polyvinyl chloride, a plastic widely used in various fields of engineering and construction. On February 5, local authorities decided to drain the chemical and then destroy it by incineration. Before the start of the operation, people living less than 1 mile from the crash site were evacuated. As a result of the combustion of vinyl chloride, phosgene (recall that this is a chemical warfare agent) and hydrogen chloride were thrown into the air.

What is vinyl chloride? Its chemical formula is CH2=CHCl. According to UN classification VINYL CHLORIDE, STABILIZED is a dangerous substance, has UN number 1086, hazard class 2.1 - flammable gases. The boiling point of the substance is minus 13°C, the melting point is minus 154°C. Flash point is minus 78°C, self-ignition temperature is 472°C. Explosive limits in air 3.6-33 vol. %. It is highly soluble in chloroform, dichloroethane, ethanol, ether, acetone, hydrocarbons, oil and slightly in water.

Safety rules for the transportation of vinyl chloride, as well as the procedure for emergency situations with this substance, are given in a number of regulatory documents. In particular, emergency card ? 205 (Emergency cards for dangerous goods transported by railways of the CIS, the Republic of Latvia, the Republic of Lithuania, the Republic of Estonia, approved by the SZHT CIS, protocol dated May 30, 2008 ? 48, as amended on November 22, 2021) prescribes in case of an incident, take the car to a safe place, isolate the danger zone within a radius of at least 200 m, correct the indicated distance based on the results of chemical reconnaissance, evacuate outsiders, and also take a number of other measures. To dissipate (isolate) the gas, use sprayed water, cover the spill site with air-mechanical foam, an inert material. The chemical reconnaissance and work managers should use portable breathing equipment (within 20 minutes). Emergency crews should use insulating gas masks and overalls. In case of fire, use flame retardant suits complete with self-rescuers. But we can see that the actions of the liquidators in Ohio were somewhat different.

The reasons that led to the large-scale incident, as already noted, are still being investigated, but quite revealing was a statement by the US Railroad Workers United of America, which was published immediately after the crash: "The hallmarks of modern railroading include drastic cuts in both service and operational staff, poor customer service, deferred maintenance of rolling stock and infrastructure, long hours and chronic fatigue, limited on-the-job training, and high employee turnover." This, according to the union, could be the result of a kind of "optimization".

The incident in Ohio is an example of the fact that the poor condition of transport, in this case railway, infrastructure and, most importantly, the low professional level of personnel working with dangerous goods, lead to large-scale tragic consequences. It should be noted that the Customs Union has the Technical Regulations "On the Safety of Railway Rolling Stock" (TR CU 001/2011), "On the Safety of High-Speed Rail Transport" (TR CU 002/2011) and "On the Safety of Railway Transport Infrastructure" (TR CU 003/2011), approved by the decision of the Commission of the Customs Union dated July 15, 2011 ? 710 (as amended dated October 30, 2018). Appropriate requirements are imposed on the technical characteristics of the superstructure of the railway track, on which trains with dangerous goods follow, and, in particular, on railroad rails. The training and certification of railway transport personnel is regulated by Order ? 41 of the Ministry of Transport of the Russian Federation dated February 18, 2021 "On Approval of the Procedure and Terms for Certification of Railroad Workers and Employees Responsible for Loading, Placing, Securing Cargoes in Cars, Containers and Unloading Cargoes, as well as the Procedure of Establishment of Professional Licensing Boards", registered with the Ministry of Justice of the Russian Federation on May 28, 2021, registration ? 63679.

The International Staff Training Center, a subsidiary of the International Dangerous Goods and Containers Association, trains Russian and foreign trainees on various training programs in the field of transportation of dangerous goods. During the training, accident cases are analyzed in detail and practical recommendations are given on the application of the provisions of existing international risk management standards in the field of transport of dangerous goods. In addition, the Center implements a specialized week-long course on risk management at hazardous industrial facilities and during the transportation of dangerous goods.

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WE TRAIN PROFESSIONALS

24.01.2023

Qualitative advanced training of the management and engineering staff of the enterprise, whose activities are related to the operation of hazardous production facilities and the transportation of dangerous goods, is not an easy task for any educational institution. The task becomes even more challenging when students have decades of experience working at the most complex facilities, and their knowledge is at a high professional level. That is why our center carefully prepares for any courses and tries to give students something new that increases their level of professional knowledge.

The relaxation in the pandemic requirements allowed the training center to conduct classes directly on the rooms of the center, which, of course, made it possible for direct communication between teachers and trainees, although it is fair to say that distance learning using modern technologies also gives trainees who are thousands of miles away from St. Petersburg a wide opportunity to listen to lectures, participate in program discussions, and take exams.

From January 16 to January 20, the first classes in the new 2023 were held in St. Petersburg. Two large companies, Sakhalin Energy LTD and EuroChem Terminal Ust-Luga LTD, sent their specialists to the International Staff Training Center (ISTC) to improve their skills in handling dangerous goods and receive the title of dangerous goods advisor, which is awarded to trainees who have successfully passed exams and passed certification at the International Dangerous Goods and Containers Association. Moreover, specialists from EuroChem Terminal Ust-Luga, LTD were trained online, while specialists from Sakhalin Energy, LTD were trained directly at the training center.

Thanks to communication with representatives of such companies, ISTC teachers receive new information, which will be used in the future in organizing the next courses. The next training of Dangerous Goods Safety Advisors is scheduled from 13 to 17 February 2023.

Revised IATA Industry Standards 2023

20.01.2023

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has announced the completion of its annual revision of its industry guidelines for cargo transportation, ground handling and operations, which has resulted in updates to many core industry standards. These changes reflect the industry's commitment to further improving safety, introducing more modern technologies, and improving the quality of passenger service and cargo handling. First of all, this concerns the

With over 1.25 million shipments of dangerous goods transported by air each year, it is important that the rules and regulations that ensure the safe transport of such substances and items are reviewed to reflect changes in safety and operation. Lithium batteries have received particular attention here as consumer demand for electronic devices such as tablet PCs and small personal mobile devices continues to grow.

In addition, changes have been made to the Standard Procedures for Preloading Advanced Cargo Information (PLACI), the Landing Guide for Passengers with Reduced Mobility, pet travel procedures, and the Recommendations for the Design and Operation of Systems for Preventing Collisions with Ground Support Equipment.

The first national standard in the field of countering terrorism

20.01.2023

By order of the Federal Agency for Technical Regulation and Metrology, a new national standard GOST R 70620-2022 "Anti-terrorist security. Terms and Definitions"" was approved. The standard recommends the main definitions in the field of anti-terrorist activities, which is very important for the general understanding and use of terminology in order to ensure a uniform interpretation of the established requirements. The document became the first Russian standard in the field of antiterrorist security.

The relevance of developing a national standard in the field of ensuring the anti-terrorist protection of facilities (territories) is associated with the changes made to the legislation of the Russian Federation on countering terrorism since 2013 up to the present.

New transport and logistics center

20.01.2023

As part of the "Formation of a network of transport and logistics centers" project, by the end of 2024, it is planned to commission the Primorsky transport and logistics center, which will be built near the Vozdvizhensky railway station near the town of Ussuriisk in Primorsky Krai. The Primorsky Center will be located near the main port infrastructure of the region and border checkpoints. A preliminary analysis showed that, taking into account the presence of a cargo base in the region, the terminal's workload is guaranteed. It is expected that the terminal will provide services for the transshipment, storage and accumulation of containerized cargo coming from the ports of Primorsky Krai, which will ensure the growth of Russia's trade turnover with the countries of the Asia-Pacific region.

According to available statistics, dangerous goods account for about 20% of the total volume of goods transported in containers. In this regard, companies that are responsible for the transport of goods by several modes of transport and prepare goods for shipment need to pay special attention to the training of personnel whose activities are related to dangerous goods. Cargo can be transported both in conventional high-capacity containers and in specialized ones, including tank containers.

Center (ISTC) takes into account the specifics of training specialists for multimodal operators. At the same time, the International Dangerous Goods and Containers Association recommends that shippers, carriers and consignees have specialists who have been trained under the "Dangerous Goods Safety Advisor" program and undergo certification at the International Dangerous Goods and Containers Association. The presence of Advisors in the company can reduce the risk of dangerous goods incidents and will facilitate the efficient transport of dangerous goods.

A new mandatory safety code

18.01.2023

Maritime Safety Committee (MSC 106) adopted mandatory International Code of Safety for Ships Carrying Industrial Personnel (IP Code).

A new mandatory safety code for ships carrying industrial personnel - aimed at ensuring the safety of people transported to work on offshore facilities including windfarms - has been adopted by IMO's Maritime Safety Committee (MSC 106), which met from 2 to 11 November 2022.

The new Chapter XV of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) and the associated new International Code of Safety for Ships Carrying Industrial Personnel (IP Code) were developed by the IMO Sub-Committee on Ship Design and Construction (SDC 8).

The aim is to provide minimum safety standards for ships that carry industrial personnel, as well as for the personnel themselves, and address specific risks of maritime operations within the offshore and energy sectors, such as personnel transfer operations. Such personnel may be engaged in the construction, maintenance, decommissioning, operation or servicing of offshore facilities, such as windfarms, as well as offshore oil and gas installations, aquaculture, ocean mining or similar activities.

The amendments and Code are expected to enter into force on 1 July 2024.

The International Dangerous Goods and Containers Association and the International Staff Training Centre will adjust their training programs to reflect the content of the new IMO instruments.

Session of the ADN Safety Committee

18.01.2023

The forty-first session of the Joint Meeting of Experts on the Regulations annexed to the European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Inland Waterways (ADN) (ADN Safety Committee) will take place from 23 to 27 January 2023 at the Palais des Nations (Geneva). The following items are on the provisional agenda for the session:

  • Election of officers
  • Matters arising from the work of United Nations bodies or other organizations
  • Application of the European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Inland Waterways (ADN)
  • Proposals for amendments to the Regulations annexed to ADN
  • Reports of informal working groups
  • Program of work and schedule of meetings
  • Other issues and approval of the report

In considering the application of ADN, the status of ADN, special permits, derogations and equivalents, the interpretation of the Regulations annexed to ADN, the training of experts, and issues relating to classification societies will be discussed.

Experts of "IDGCA" NP plan to take part in the session.


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