For the transport of dangerous goods containments are needed that provide the required safety.
In principle, the categories of containments depend on the composition and amount of dangerous goods to be transported.
Categories of containments
It is easy to see that strict requirements are necessary for containments transporting radioactive material, especially spent fuel elements from nuclear power plants ("CASTORs") or small amounts with high activity ("special form radioactive materials").
- dangerous goods packagings, capacity < 450 litres and/or net weight < 400 kg
- intermediate bulk containers (IBC), maximum capacity 3 m³
- large packagings, an outer packaging which contains articles or inner packagings with a net mass of 400 kg or capacity of 450 litres but a volume less than 3 m³
Transportable Pressure Equipment - Pressure Receptacles and Fuel Gas Storage Systems are the next group of containments and have their own special safety requirements for gases.
And last but not least, dangerous goods are transported in tanks, tank-containers, bulk-containers or mobile explosives manufacturing units (MEMUs).
Special requirements for the materials
All materials and closures must be compatible with, and resistant to, the dangerous goods to be transported in them.
The compatibility (valuation of material) must be tested and evaluated with regard to, among other things,
- the corrosion behaviour of metals
- the chemical compatibility of polymer materials with liquid goods filled inside.
The BAM List is a helpful tool for the evaluation of material compatibility.
It servs as a basis for substance-related prototype approvals by BAM of tank containers and portable tanks designed for the carriage of dangerous goods. In addition, the list is used as a data source for the approval of tank vehicles and rail tank wagons, and also serves as a reference for the material used in other types of containments carrying dangerous goods.
Transport of dangerous goods
The worldwide transport uses the modes of "road", "railway", "air" and "waterways". Each mode has its own special mechanical strain, such as vibration (train, lorry) or roll (ships).
Securing of load is an important precautionary measure to avoid damage or destruction of cargo.
The proper marking and labelling of the packagings are also important for all parties involved, so that one can see from the outside what kind of danger is "lurking" in a packaging.
On the right you will find a properly marked and labelled packaging.
Networks of experience
The BAM considers contact with manufacturers and users of dangerous goods packagings as very important. It is our aim to inform you about changes in rules and standards and to discuss with you difficulties occurring when putting these rules into practice.
The following groups regularly meet to exchange experience in the fields of:
Dangerous goods packagings
- Network Testing Bodies
- Network Packagings
- Network Monitoring Bodies (INQÜ)
- Network Inspection Bodies
Transportable pressure devices
- CNG/H2-Round Table
- Platform TPED
Additional working groups can be found under Networks in the Service Menue.