"Container transport has become the most convenient and efficient mode of transport today, at the same time, we have seen a steady stream of maritime accidents caused by misdeclaration and omission of dangerous goods.
Various shipping companies have shown a high amount of liquidated damages and called for industry self-discipline, with only one purpose: to ensure the shipping safety of ships and cargoes, and to protect the interests of customers.
However, it is not enough to rely only on the deterrence of penalties and review after the incident. In all aspects of cargo production, warehousing, booking, crating and delivery, it is necessary for practitioners (including customers and agents) to have a clear understanding of SOLARS and IMDG CODE regulations and a clear understanding of the characteristics of the cargo to be transported.
Now, we will introduce "MSDS" and make a series of explanations on "Battery" which is the most important item in the checking name.
How to understand the characteristics of the goods?
By checking the MSDS data of the goods, we can understand the characteristics of the goods and minimise the danger index, which is known as Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS), internationally known as Chemical Safety Information Card (CSIC), used by chemical manufacturers and importers to clarify the physical and chemical properties of the chemicals (e.g., PH value, flash point, flammability, reactivity, etc.) and their effects on the health of users (e.g., causative agent). It is a file used by chemical manufacturers and importers to clarify the physical and chemical properties (e.g. PH value, flash point, flammability, reactivity, etc.) of chemicals as well as the possible hazards to the user's health (e.g. carcinogenicity, teratogenicity, etc.).
Generally, the goods that need to check the MSDS are batteries, chemicals, etc. Besides identifying the dangerous goods and non-dangerous goods, MSDS can also identify and confirm the special loading of some special goods.
The following basic elements are generally required when reviewing MSDS.
The validity period of MSDS is 3 years from the Issue Date.
Each of the 16 basic items should be filled in, except for [Other Information].
100% of the ingredients in the second or third column of the MSDS should be complete.
If there is UN No., CLASS in the 14th column, it is classified as dangerous goods.
The name of the production unit of MSDS is the same as the name of the production unit of the certificate of cargo transport conditions. If not, the relationship between the two should be explained.
For everyone to understand the battery products
1. Non-hazardous batteries that do not require MSDS check:
Alkaline battery
Zinc-manganese battery (Zn-Mn battery)
Carbon-Zinc battery
General Dry Battery
These batteries can be regarded as non-dangerous goods and do not need to be declared as dangerous goods and sent for examination.
Besides the above non-hazardous batteries, what are the more common batteries that need to be checked with MSDS and Cargo Transportation Condition Identification Certificate to determine the suitable batteries for loading?
2. Non-hazardous batteries that need to provide MSDS check:
(1) Lithium batteries: need to provide MSDS and comply with the IMDG Code Special Provisions SP188 before they can be accepted as general merchandise.
(2) Lead storage batteries: need to provide MSDS and comply with the IMDG Code Special Provisions SP238 before they can be accepted as general merchandise.
(3) Nickel-metal hydride batteries: MSDS and photos of the package should be provided to confirm whether they can be accepted as general merchandise. Please specify the shipping form when applying.
After the above introduction, I believe you have a deeper understanding of MSDS and batteries. The safety characteristics of the goods have an important indication for the ship transport, only the correct arrangement of loading containers can ensure the safety of the goods to be shipped.
