Chemicals, including Hazardous and Toxic Materials (Bahan Berbahaya dan Beracun/B3), must be transported using special methods and handling to ensure they arrive safely and in good condition.
Since they can be explosive, corrosive, or flammable, the procedures and regulations for transporting dangerous goods security must always be followed by all parties involved. So, how do you transport B3 safely? Here is the full info.
What Are Hazardous and Toxic Materials?
Hazardous and toxic materials are substances whose properties, concentration, or amounts can harm, damage, or pollute the environment, health, and survival, either directly or indirectly. That's why they must be handled in accordance with proper procedures during distribution.
In general, hazardous and toxic materials are divided into three types, namely hazardous chemicals, toxic and hazardous waste, and flammable materials.
Hazardous chemicals include substances that can cause chemical reactions, corrosion, and poisoning. Then, toxic and hazardous waste covers the by-products of industrial processes or other activities that contain toxic substances. Finally, flammable materials are substances that can catch fire when exposed to heat or flames, such as gasoline and ethanol.
According to the United Nations (UN) recommendations, Hazardous and Toxic Materials, or dangerous goods, are classified into nine classes: explosives, gases, flammable liquids, flammable solids, oxidizing substances, toxic and infectious materials, radioactive materials, corrosive materials, and other hazardous materials.
Examples of hazardous materials include lithium batteries, pharmaceutical raw materials containing hazardous substances, fuels, compressed gases, acids, solvents, adhesives, paints, and infectious substances.
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Why Do Hazardous and Toxic Materials Need to Be Handled Specially?
Hazardous and Toxic Materials (B3) can pose risks during distribution if not managed in accordance with applicable procedures. Some risks include poisoning, explosions, fires, and environmental contamination.
This has led national and international laws to issue regulations for the transportation of toxic waste and other hazardous materials. Parties that fail to meet these regulations could face fines, endanger workers, experience delays in entering terminals or ports, and develop a bad reputation.
Chemical Material Logistics Process
The logistics process for chemicals or B3 is quite complex and must be adapted to the products being shipped. In general, here is how it is done:
1. B3 Storage
Chemical substances or B3 must be stored in clean, safe places and separated by classification. For example, corrosive products should be stored in anti-rust tanks, and flammable chemicals should be kept away from fire sources.
Everyone handling B3 should also have the Safety Data Sheet (SDS), which contains guidelines for handling B3 products.
2. B3 Packaging
B3 must be specially packaged and meet standards. Packaging should also include labels written in a language that can be understood, clearly readable even from a distance, and not easily damaged. Here is the information that usually appears on the label:
- Hazard codes and symbols according to B3 classification.
- Information, including the substance name, serial number, and hazard class, in accordance with IMDG or other standards.
- Instructions for emergencies, first aid, and emergency contacts.
- Manufacturer or sender information, including company name, contact, and address.
3. B3 Delivery
B3 must be delivered quickly and using appropriate vehicles, such as a tanker ship or refrigerated truck. The route used should also be efficient and safe.
Then you need to complete the shipping documents so that customs and administrative processes at the terminal or port proceed smoothly without delays.
Next, make sure the crew, captain, and truck drivers are experienced, responsible, and trained. For sure, the distribution process must follow the applicable procedures and regulations. Before departure, the condition of the product, equipment, and documents must also be carefully checked.
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Dangerous Goods Security Transportation Regulations
In Indonesia, there are several regulations issued to manage hazardous materials and toxic waste, such as Government Regulation No. 74 of 2001 on Hazardous and Toxic Material Management, Government Regulation No. 101 of 2014 on Hazardous and Toxic Material Waste Management, as well as Minister of Transportation Regulation No. 16 of 2021 on Procedures for Handling and Transporting Hazardous Goods at Ports.
In the international logistics sector, several dangerous goods security transportation regulations must be followed, including:
- International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code (IMDG): Guidelines for the transport of B3 by sea, officially issued by the International Maritime Organization (IMO). IMDG regulates labeling, packaging, classification, documentation, and the placement of B3 on ships to ensure safety.
- ADN: A European agreement that regulates the transport of hazardous materials on inland waters. This regulation prevents pollution from accidents, facilitates trade, and supports a high level of safety.
- Accord Dangereux Routier (ADR): An international agreement that regulates the transport of hazardous materials on European roads. This regulation includes the classification of hazardous materials, safety procedures, and packaging according to product classification.
- International Organization for Standardization (ISO): ISO has a set of standards for the transport of hazardous materials, such as ISO 14001 for environmental management and ISO 45001 for Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Policy.
Industrial Chemical Transportation Solutions by Sea and Land
Chemicals are among the Hazardous and Toxic Materials (B3) that must be handled with special care during transportation to ensure they remain intact and arrive safely at their destination.
Regarding marine and land chemical logistics, PT Chandra Daya Investasi Tbk (CDI), through its subsidiary, provides trusted services for industries looking to ship B3.
In sea logistics, PT Chandra Shipping International (CSI) operates 10+ chemical and LPG carriers, with the potential to expand its fleet over time.
Then, for land logistics, CDI, together with PT SCG Barito Logistics (SBL), PT Chandra Cold Chain (CCC), and PT Chandra Warehouse Cilegon (CWC), provides inter-island services, sea transport, export-import, warehouse management, and customs handling.
We operate over 200 trucks as needed, modern cold storage facilities with a capacity of over 700 pallet positions, and a warehouse in the Cilegon area with a land area of more than 51,000 m².
So, don’t hesitate to entrust your company’s chemical and LPG transportation needs to CDI, #YourGrowthPartner!
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