Dangerous goods specialist warns of compliance imperative

KEVIN MAYHEW DANGEROUS GOODS packaging is a specific internationally regulated element of logistics that requires strict adherence to guidelines that determine how the nine classes of dangerous goods can be packed for freight. These requirements are contained in manuals accompanying any dangerous cargo and they must be strictly adhered to when documenting, marking, labelling and packing dangerous goods, according to managing director of Air Sea Packaging, Fanie Short. Short pioneered UN-compliant packaging for dangerous goods classes in Africa 13 years ago from his Pomona premises in Kempton Park. “Airfreight agents are aware of the restrictions and what is necessary for the various classes of dangerous goods and what falls into each class. Even a motor vehicle to be transported as part of a family’s household effects is classified as dangerous cargo being of a combustible or other hazardous nature, so it is essential that people in the logistics chain are aware of their responsibilities,” he explained.