Dangerous Goods
Dangerous Goods are substances or items that pose potential hazards to health, safety, property, or the environment when they are transported, handled, stored or used. They can be explosive, flammable, toxic, corrosive, or have other dangerous properties.
Due to the potential risks associated with dangerous goods, their transportation and handling are regulated by various international, national and local authorities. Special precautions, including labelling, packaging and transportation requirements, are in place to minimise the risks and ensure the safety of people, property and the environment.
Identifying Dangerous Goods
To ensure compliance with safety regulations, it is essential to be able to identify Dangerous Goods.
Labels and markings
Dangerous goods are typically labelled with specific hazard symbols, warnings and other markings to indicate their nature and potential risks. Some common hazard symbols include flame, skull and crossbones, gas cylinder, corrosive and explosion symbols. These labels provide visual cues to easily identify potentially hazardous materials.
Safety Data Sheets (SDS)
An SDS provides detailed information about a substance, including its properties, hazards and recommended safety precautions. Suppliers and manufacturers must provide SDS for hazardous materials. Reviewing the SDS helps understand the potential risks associated with the substance and the appropriate safety measures to be taken during handling and transport.
Commonly undeclared Dangerous Goods
While dangerous goods should be declared before transportation, certain items are frequently overlooked or mistakenly considered safe.
Commonly undeclared dangerous goods include:
- Aerosol cans: Aerosol cans, commonly used for spray paints, deodorants and insect repellents, contain pressurised flammable propellants. If not handled properly, they can explode or cause fires.
- Flammable liquids: Items such as lighter fluid, alcohol-based solvents and cleaning agents may be classified as flammable liquids. These substances can easily ignite if exposed to heat or an open flame.
- Lithium batteries: Lithium batteries power a wide range of devices, from laptops and cameras to smartphones and flashlights. Although convenient, they can overheat and catch fire if damaged or improperly handled.
- Nail polish and nail polish remover: These common toiletries often contain flammable solvents, making them hazardous if not properly stored and handled.
- Perfumes and cologne: Many fragrances contain flammable components, and their high alcohol content makes them potentially dangerous.
- Non-rechargeable batteries: Some non-rechargeable batteries contain hazardous chemicals like mercury, cadmium, lead, or lithium.
- Chemicals in tool kits: Many tool kits include chemicals such as glues, lubricants and sealants which can be hazardous materials.
- Paints and thinners: Paints and paint thinners often contain flammable solvents.
- Fire extinguishers: While essential for safety, fire extinguishers themselves can be hazardous due to their pressurised contents.
It is essential to be aware of these potential hazards when preparing shipments and ensure that all dangerous goods are declared and handled appropriately. If you are unsure whether something you are sending is a dangerous good, please contact us for assistance. By working together to identify, declare and handle dangerous goods responsibly, we can ensure the safety and success of our expeditions.
Pre-delivery requirements for Dangerous Goods
Before delivering Dangerous Goods to the AAD, the following requirements must be met:
Advance notification
Notify Supply Chain Operations at least 24 hours before the planned delivery, particularly for bulk products, so a qualified member of the Dangerous Goods team can be available to receive your consignment.
Email all relevant details to DangerousGoods@aad.gov.au, including:
- Delivery information
- Consignment details
- Product specifics
- Safety Data Sheets (SDS)
Consignment
Dangerous Goods must be declared when consigned in the AAD’s electronic consignment system, eCon, and must be consigned separately from non‑dangerous cargo.
This ensures appropriate handling, reduces the risk of accidents or contamination, and helps minimise the amount of cargo that needs to be stored in the limited Dangerous Goods stowage areas on our vessel.
Safety Data Sheets
SDS must be attached to your eCon consignments.
If you are using the external version of the eCon system via AAO, you will not have access to the attachment function. In this case, please email your SDS documents to sds@aad.gov.au and ensure you reference the relevant consignment number(s) so the documentation can be linked correctly in the system.
Proper packaging
Consignors must ensure dangerous goods are in good condition and are adequately packaged to prevent leaks, spills, or interactions with other cargo.
After delivery to Supply Chain Operations, a qualified staff member will review packaging, marking, and labelling to confirm compliance with DG transport regulations. Repacking will occur if required.
Clear marking
Each package containing dangerous goods must be clearly marked with the appropriate hazard labels and relevant handling instructions.
While DG packaging and labelling will be checked by the team, cargo must be readily identifiable as dangerous goods before this assessment. Dangerous goods hazard labels are available from the Kingston warehouse.
By following these requirements, expeditioners and consignors help maintain safe and efficient Antarctic operations.
For questions or further assistance, contact Supply Chain Operations at DangerousGoods@aad.gov.au.