Use of Bulk Containers

In most cases, a given dangerous good may only be transported in a bulk container if a bulk container code is provided for it. Substances that can become liquid at temperatures likely to be encountered during transport cannot be shipped in bulk containers. It is also important to ensure that the substance in the bulk container will not react dangerously with the material of the container or any of its fittings, and only "structurally serviceable" containers may carry dangerous goods. Additional provisions applicable to bulk goods of specific classes are listed in 4.2.3. In the final two sections, the Code notes that, with one exception, sheeted bulk containers are not to be used for sea transport and flexible bulk containers are only allowed in the holds of general cargo ships. They are not to be transported in cargo transport units such as a road transport tank, railway tank, multimodal freight container, portable tank, or MEGC.

To learn more about IMDG visit our International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code Online Training web page.