7.3.1 General provisions

7.3.1.1   Goods may not be carried in bulk in bulk containers, containers or wagons unless:

(a) either a special provision, identified by the code "BK" or a reference to a specific paragraph, explicitly authorizing this mode of carriage is indicated in column (10) of Table A of Chapter 3.2 and the relevant conditions of 7.3.2 are satisfied in addition to those of this section; or

(b) a special provision, identified by the code "VC" or a reference to a specific paragraph, explicitly authorizing this mode of carriage is indicated in column (17) of Table A of Chapter 3.2 and the conditions of this special provision, together with any additional provision identified by the code "AP", as laid down in 7.3.3 are satisfied in addition to those of this section.

Nevertheless, empty packagings, uncleaned, may be carried in bulk if this mode of carriage is not explicitly prohibited by other provisions of RID.

Unless otherwise provided in the special provisions in 7.3.3, the receptacle requirements for packages shall apply to small containers intended for the carriage of substances in bulk.

NOTE: For carriage in tanks, see Chapters 4.2 and 4.3.

7.3.1.2   Substances which may become liquid at temperatures likely to be encountered during carriage, are not permitted for carriage in bulk.

7.3.1.3   Bulk containers, containers or bodies of wagons shall be siftproof and shall be so closed that none of the contents can escape under normal conditions of carriage including the effect of vibration, or by changes of temperature, humidity or pressure.

7.3.1.4   Substances shall be loaded and evenly distributed in a manner that minimises movement that could result in damage to the bulk container, container or wagon or leakage of the dangerous goods.

7.3.1.5   Where venting devices are fitted they shall be kept clear and operable.

7.3.1.6   Substances shall not react dangerously with the material of the bulk container, container, wagon, gaskets, equipment including lids and tarpaulins and with protective coatings which are in contact with the contents or significantly weaken them. Bulk containers, containers or wagons shall be so constructed or adapted that the goods cannot penetrate between wooden floor coverings or come into contact with those parts of the bulk container, container or wagon that may be affected by the materials or residues thereof.

7.3.1.7   Before being filled and handed over for carriage, each bulk container, container or wagon shall be inspected and cleaned to ensure that it does not contain any residue on the interior or exterior of the bulk container, container or wagon that could:

- cause a dangerous reaction with the substance intended for carriage;

- detrimentally affect the structural integrity of the bulk container, container or wagon; or

- affect the dangerous goods retention capabilities of the bulk container, container or wagon.

7.3.1.8   During carriage, no dangerous residues shall adhere to the outer surfaces of bulk containers, containers or of the bodies of wagons.

7.3.1.9   If several closure systems are fitted in series, the system which is located nearest to the substance to be carried shall be closed first before filling.

7.3.1.10  Empty bulk containers, containers or wagons which have carried a dangerous solid substance in bulk shall be treated in the same manner as is required by RID for a filled bulk container, container or wagon, unless adequate measures have been taken to nullify any hazard.

7.3.1.11  If bulk containers, containers or wagons are used for the carriage in bulk of goods liable to cause a dust explosion, or evolve flammable vapours (e.g. for certain wastes) measures shall be taken to exclude sources of ignition and prevent dangerous electrostatic discharge during carriage, filling or discharge of the substance.

7.3.1.12  Substances, for example wastes, which may react dangerously with one another and substances of different classes and goods not subject to RID, which are liable to react dangerously with one another shall not be mixed together in the same bulk container, container or wagon. Dangerous reactions are:

(a) combustion and/or evolution of considerable heat;

(b) emission of flammable and/or toxic gases;

(c) formation of corrosive liquids; or

(d) formation of unstable substances.

7.3.1.13  Before a bulk container, container or wagon is filled it shall be visually examined to ensure it is structurally serviceable, its interior walls, ceiling and floors are free from protrusions or damage and that any inner liners or substance retaining equipment are free from rips, tears or any damage that would compromise its cargo retention capabilities. Structurally serviceable, where relevant to the means of transport concerned, means the bulk container, container or wagon does not have major defects in its structural components, such as top and bottom side rails, top and bottom end rails, door sill and header, floor cross members, corner posts, and corner fittings of a bulk container or container. Major defects, where relevant to the means of transport concerned, include:

(a) Bends, cracks or breaks in the structural or supporting members, or any damage to service or operational equipment that affect the integrity of the bulk container, container or of the body of the wagon;

(b) Any distortion of the overall configuration or any damage to lifting attachments or handling equipment interface features great enough to prevent proper alignment of handling equipment, mounting and securing on a chassis or wagon or vehicle, or insertion into ships' cells; and, where applicable

(c) Door hinges, door seals and hardware that are seized, twisted, broken, missing, or otherwise inoperative.


7.3.2     Provisions for the carriage in bulk when the provisions of 7.3.1.1 (a) are applied

7.3.2.1   In addition to the general provisions of section 7.3.1, the provisions of this section are applicable. The codes "BK1" and "BK2" in column (10) of Table A of Chapter 3.2 have the following meanings:

...

7.3.2.2   The bulk container used shall conform to the requirements of Chapter 6.11.

...

7.3.2.10  Use of flexible bulk containers

NOTE: Flexible bulk containers marked in accordance with 6.11.5.5 but which were approved in a country which is not an RID Contracting State may nevertheless be used for carriage under RID.

7.3.2.10.1  Before a flexible bulk container is filled it shall be visually examined to ensure it is structurally serviceable, its textile slings, load-bearing structure straps, body fabric, lock device parts including metal and textile parts are free from protrusions or damage and that inner liners are free from rips, tears or any damage.

7.3.2.10.2  For flexible bulk containers, the period of use permitted for the carriage of dangerous goods shall be two years from the date of manufacture of the flexible bulk container.

7.3.2.10.3  A venting device shall be fitted if a dangerous accumulation of gases may develop within the flexible bulk container. The vent shall be so designed that the penetration of foreign substances or ingress of water is prevented under normal conditions of carriage.

7.3.2.10.4  Flexible bulk containers shall be filled in such a way that when loaded the ratio of height to width does not exceed 1.1. The maximum gross mass of the flexible bulk containers shall not exceed 14 tonnes.

...

7.3.3     Provisions for carriage in bulk when the provisions of 7.3.1.1 (b) are applied

7.3.3.1   In addition to the general provisions of section 7.3.1, the provisions of this section are applicable, when they are shown under an entry in column (17) of Table A of Chapter 3.2. Sheeted or closed wagons or sheeted or closed containers used under this section need not be in conformity with the requirements of Chapter 6.11.

NOTE: Where a VC 1 code is shown in column (17) of Table A of Chapter 3.2, a BK 1 bulk container may therefore also be used for land transport provided the additional provisions in 7.3.3.2 are fulfilled. Where a VC 2 code is shown in column (17) of Table A of Chapter 3.2, a BK 2 bulk container may therefore also be used for land transport provided the additional provisions in 7.3.3.2 are fulfilled.

...