Section 9 - Handling

This section covers the operator's responsibilities regarding the acceptance, handling, and loading of dangerous goods. These regulations do not require an operator to transport any particular dangerous good, and an operator may impose special requirements.

All operators are required to implement a Safety Management System (SMS) that covers the carriage of dangerous goods.

DGR Subsection 9.1 - Acceptance

An operator must only accept dangerous goods packages or overpacks he or she can identify the person who performed the acceptance check and if the packages or overpacks meet one of the following criteria:

• They are accompanied by two copies of the Shipper's Declaration of Dangerous Goods.
• The information applicable to the consignment is provided in electronic form.
• They are accompanied, where permitted, by alternative documentation.

Before accepting any dangerous goods package or overpack that is first accepted for carriage by air, the operator must verify specific information using the acceptance checklist, which includes, but is not limited to, the following:

• The documentation provided complies with the requirements of Section 8.
• The quantity of dangerous goods stated on the Shipper's Declaration is within the acceptable limits per package.
• The marking of packages, overpacks, or freight containers is clearly visible and in accordance with the Shipper's Declaration.

Acceptance checklists are provided in the back of the DGR for non-radioactive shipments, radioactive shipments, and dry ice shipments. The acceptance checklist must identify the person who performed the acceptance check. Take time to review the information on these checklists.

In addition, specific acceptance criteria are described in the following subsections:

• 9.1.4 - Acceptance of Freight Containers and Unit Load Devices
• 9.1.5 - Acceptance of Infectious Substances
• 9.1.6 - Special Responsibilities in Accepting Self-Reactive Substances of Division 4.1 and Organic Peroxides of Division 5.2

To learn more about IATA DGR visit our IATA DGR Refresher Online Training web page.