Hazardous Cargo Handling Course

Lesson 1 • International Hazard Classification System

Covers the nine UN hazard classes, their subdivisions, and compatibility groups. Provides the classification framework applied throughout the entire course.

Lesson 2 • Risk Assessment Fundamentals

Introduces likelihood-consequence risk matrices applied to hazardous cargo scenarios. Builds the analytical mindset required for all subsequent operational chapters.

Lesson 3 • Safety Data Sheets and Labels

Teaches reading SDS sections, decoding GHS pictograms, signal words and statements, then using that data to choose safe handling, segregation and storage for each cargo.

Lesson 4 • Physical and Chemical Properties

Examines flammability, reactivity, toxicity, and corrosivity as measurable properties. Links property data to hazard class assignment and risk prediction.

Lesson 1 • Global Transport Regulatory Bodies

Identifies the international organisations that produce hazardous cargo regulations across all transport modes. Establishes authority hierarchy used in compliance decisions.

Lesson 2 • Competency and Certification Standards

Outlines training, recurrency, and certification requirements for personnel handling dangerous goods. Establishes the professional obligations learners must meet post-course.

Lesson 3 • Modal Regulatory Differences

Compares how air, sea, road, and rail regulations diverge for the same substance. Learners learn to select the correct ruleset for each transport mode.

Lesson 4 • Documentation Requirements

Details mandatory shipping documents, declarations, and certificates for hazardous cargo. Connects accurate documentation to legal compliance and incident prevention.

Lesson 1 • Labeling Standards and Placement

Specifies hazard label dimensions, colours, placement rules, and priority when multiple labels apply. Ensures learners can produce and verify compliant label sets.

Lesson 2 • Inner and Outer Packaging Systems

Explains combination packaging, single packaging, and intermediate bulk containers. Learners match substance properties to appropriate packaging system configurations.

Lesson 3 • Placarding Vehicles and Containers

Extends labelling knowledge to transport units, covering placard types, placement, and removal. Bridges package-level compliance to vehicle and container-level requirements.

Lesson 4 • Packaging Types and Performance Standards

Covers UN-specification packaging types, performance test requirements, and approval marks. Establishes the baseline for all packaging selection decisions.

Lesson 1 • Stowage Positions and Codes

Covers IMDG stowage codes for sea transport and equivalent provisions for other modes. Links stowage position to temperature, ventilation, and access requirements.

Lesson 2 • Passenger and Cargo Aircraft Stowage

Applies stowage principles specifically to passenger and cargo aircraft configurations. Addresses unique air transport constraints including pressurisation and accessibility.

Lesson 3 • Segregation Categories and Distances

Defines the four segregation categories and required separation distances for each. Learners apply categories to cargo lists to determine compliant arrangements.

Lesson 4 • Incompatibility and Reaction Hazards

Identifies chemical incompatibilities that produce fire, explosion, or toxic gas when substances contact each other. Provides the chemical rationale behind segregation rules.

Lesson 1 • Respiratory Protection Selection

Covers APF ratings, cartridge selection by contaminant, and SCBA use for IDLH atmospheres. Learners match respiratory hazards to correct respirator type.

Lesson 2 • Hierarchy of Controls

Establishes elimination, substitution, engineering, administrative, and PPE controls in priority order. Frames PPE as the last line of defence, not the primary safeguard.

Lesson 3 • Heat Stress and Physiological Limits

Addresses heat stress risks inherent in wearing encapsulating PPE during cargo operations. Learners implement work-rest cycles and monitoring protocols.

Lesson 4 • PPE Inspection and Maintenance

Details pre-use inspection criteria, storage conditions, and service life limits for PPE. Prevents equipment failure during actual hazardous cargo operations.

Lesson 1 • Manual Handling Techniques

Covers ergonomic lifting, carrying, and positioning of hazardous packages to prevent injury and damage. Connects improper handling to packaging failure and release events.

Lesson 2 • Bulk Transfer Operations

Covers pumping, gravity transfer, and pneumatic transfer of bulk liquids and gases. Addresses bonding, grounding, and flow rate controls to prevent static ignition.

Lesson 3 • Pre-Operation Safety Checks

Establishes systematic pre-operation inspection routines for equipment, area, and cargo condition. Integrates permit-to-work systems into hazardous cargo handling workflows.

Lesson 4 • Mechanical Handling Equipment

Identifies forklifts, pallet jacks, cranes, and conveyors used in hazardous cargo operations. Learners select equipment based on package type, weight, and hazard class.

Lesson 1 • Spill Containment and Control

Details containment techniques including berming, absorbents, plugging, and neutralisation. Learners select containment methods matched to the specific hazard class involved.

Lesson 2 • Post-Incident Reporting and Recovery

Covers incident documentation, regulatory notification timelines, and site recovery procedures. Connects thorough reporting to regulatory compliance and future prevention.

Lesson 3 • Incident Recognition and Classification

Teaches how to identify a hazardous cargo incident, assess severity, and classify response level. Rapid accurate classification determines all subsequent response actions.

Lesson 4 • Initial Response Actions

Covers the first-on-scene actions: approach, isolation, notification, and denial of entry. Prevents escalation and protects responders before specialised teams arrive.

Lesson 1 • Infectious Substances and Biological Agents

Covers Category A and B infectious substances, triple packaging, and cold chain requirements. Addresses unique documentation and notification requirements for biological shipments.

Lesson 2 • Cryogenic and Liquefied Gas Handling

Addresses the unique hazards of cryogenic liquids including asphyxiation, embrittlement, and pressure buildup. Learners apply specialised PPE and venting procedures.

Lesson 3 • Explosives: Classes 1.1 through 1.6

Covers explosive division classifications, compatibility groups, and mass explosion risk. Learners apply the strictest handling, storage, and transport controls in the course.

Lesson 4 • Radioactive Materials Transport

Addresses activity limits, transport index, criticality safety index, and package types A, B, and C. Learners calculate transport index and apply segregation from persons and cargo.