Handling dangerous goods: every step matters, none is routine

Handling dangerous goods in air transport is not something that can be improvised, nor does it allow shortcuts. It is a meticulous process, structured into well-defined steps, where every detail — from the condition of a package to the route taken through a warehouse — exists to mitigate a specific risk. One error can mean the difference between a contained incident and an in-flight fire.

The six phases of safe handling

Each phase builds on the previous one. A failure at any stage — from incorrect labelling to inadequate segregation — can compromise the entire chain. Understanding who is responsible at each stage is equally critical.

Phase 1 — Training: the first line of defence

The handling of dangerous goods is the exclusive domain of trained, certified personnel following international standards such as the IATA DGR. Training is not a calendar formality — it is the foundation that enables an operator to understand risks, read labels, verify documentation, and apply safe handling procedures.

• Always verify that documentation matches the physical cargo — discrepancies are an immediate red flag
• Never accept visibly damaged, deformed, or leaking packages
• Never accept incomplete documentation, incorrect shipping names, or unsigned declarations

Phase 2 — Physical handling: the packaging is the barrier

• No drops or impacts: any impact can create an invisible fracture point that may fail during the flight
• No excessive heat: many substances are temperature-sensitive — they can pressurise, degrade, or ignite
• Correct equipment: pallet trucks, forklifts, lifting devices — operated by trained personnel
• Check before every move: visually inspect the package even if checked previously

Phase 3 — Segregation: the golden rule that cannot be bent

Certain dangerous goods, if brought into contact, react with catastrophic results. IATA segregation tables define exactly which combinations are forbidden. This is why correct hazard labelling is essential — it allows handlers to identify incompatible goods at a glance.

Phase 4 — Temporary storage: controlled in every dimension

• Designated, clearly signposted areas with visible hazard labels for all entering personnel
• Temperature and ventilation control to maintain stability and disperse vapours
• Restricted access: authorised, trained personnel only — no exceptions

Phase 5 — Internal movement: the safety bubble must not burst

A 50-metre move inside a warehouse can be just as dangerous as a long journey if not carried out with rigour. Routes must be pre-defined — avoiding tight corners, uneven floors, and high-traffic areas.

Phase 6 — Emergency response: the three immediate steps

1. Isolate the area immediately: contain the hazard, prevent it from spreading
2. Notify all parties: alert internal safety officers, fire brigade, environmental services, and the airline
3. Respond with correct PPE: the required equipment varies significantly by hazard class

Emergency preparedness demands specific plans for each incident type, spill kits available at strategic locations, and regular training through realistic drills. Learn more about CBTA training for dangerous goods.