New rule for 'explosive' containers takes effect

IF YOU are moving ammonium nitrate, sodium chlorate or potassium chlorate, take note that the Department of the Chief Inspector of Explosives has introduced a new ruling. This is related to the handling of hazardous/explosive containers. According to information released to FTW by Debbie Nortje of Hellmann Worldwide Logistics, all IMCO class 1 and class 5.1 cargo which contain the listed products are to be kept outside the boundaries of the container terminals. "Transhipment of any of these commodities will be handled in the same manner as an import or export," she said. "Containers must be documented to the explosive siding, and must remain there until required for loading on to the on-carrying vessel." If you are moving import containers there's no concern about additional railage charges on the route your container will follow from discharge to the explosives siding and then by rail to the final destination. But, if a container is being transhipped, it will have to be moved from the ship to the explosives siding and returned to the terminal for loading on to the on-carrier. For this, you will have to fork out railage charges of R822 for a 6-metre (20-foot) and R1 313 for a 12-m (40-ft) container. This was put into effect on July 15.