Did you know that shipping dangerous goods make up 4% of EU Freight transport?
All staff who work with dangerous goods must be properly trained and certified. Depending on the type of dangerous good being shipped, different certificates may be required. In this guide, we’ll explain what kinds of dangerous goods certificates general cargo handlers need.
Dangerous goods are classified into nine categories, each with its own set of risks and hazards. The type of dangerous goods certificate required will depend on the category of dangerous goods being shipped.
Category 1: Explosives
These are materials that are capable of causing an explosion or fire. Examples include fireworks, ammunition, and flammable liquids such as petrol and paint Thinners. You will need to ship category 1 dangerous goods with a Certificate of Competency for Explosives (CCE).
Category 2: Gases
These are materials that are either flammable, toxic or asphyxiating. Examples include propane, oxygen tanks, and carbon dioxide canisters. Category 2 dangerous goods must be shipped with a Certificate of Competency for Gases (CCG).
Category 3: Flammable Liquids
These are liquids that are easily set on fire. Examples include petrol, diesel, and paint thinners. Category 3 dangerous goods must be shipped with a Certificate of Competency for Flammable Liquids (CCFL).
Category 4: Flammable Solids
These are solids that are easily set on fire. Examples include matchsticks, magnesium, and some types of wood. You will need to ship category 4 dangerous goods with a Certificate of Competency for Flammable Solids.
Category 5: Oxidizing Substances
These are materials that readily react with other materials, potentially causing a fire or explosion. Examples include bleach, nitric acid, and some types of disinfectants. You will need to ship category 5 dangerous goods with a Certificate of Competency for Oxidizing Substances.
Category 6: Toxic Substances
These are materials that are poisonous if inhaled, ingested, or absorbed through the skin. Examples include arsenic, cyanide, and pesticides. You will need to ship category 6 dangerous goods with a Certificate of Competency for Toxic Substances.
Category 7: Radioactive Materials
These are materials that emit radiation. Examples include uranium, plutonium, and some medical isotopes. You will need to ship category 7 dangerous goods must with a Certificate of Competency for Radioactive Materials.
Category 8: Corrosives
These are materials that can corrode or damage other materials. Examples include battery acid, lye, and some types of cleaning agents. You will need to ship Category 8 dangerous goods with a Certificate of Competency for Corrosives.
Category 9: Miscellaneous Dangerous Goods
These are materials that don’t fit into any of the other categories but still pose a risk. Examples include dry ice, asbestos, and some types of infectious substances. You will need to ship Category 9 dangerous goods must with a Certificate of Competency for Miscellaneous Dangerous Goods.
To get the certification you need, you’ll need to pass IATA DGR cargo acceptance training (dangerous goods training).
Get Your Dangerous Goods Certificate Now
So, what dangerous goods certificate do general cargo handlers need? The answer is a bit complicated. Depending on the country you are in and the type of cargo you are handling, you may need different certificates. In some cases, you will only need a basic safety training certification.
If you are working with dangerous goods, you will need a more comprehensive dangerous goods handler certificate. No matter which route you take, it is important to have some form of training and certification for handling dangerous goods.
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