Important New Regulations For Radioactive Dangerous Goods: IMDG Amendment 37-14

Shippers and ocean carriers of radioactive goods should be aware of the new International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code changes implemented in the 2014 edition. Those involved in the shipment and transport of Class 7 goods must be aware of updates to 2009 regulations mandated under IAEA Regulations for the Safe Transport of Radioactive Material – 2012 Edition (IAEA Safety Standards Series SSR-6.) These 2012 edition regulations supercede the 2009 edition regulations.

Changes and updates to the Dangerous Goods List (DGL)

The format for the Dangerous Goods List (DGL) column has been changed and split in two: 16(a) and 16(b). These two columns replace column 16, formerly titled, Stowage and Segregation. Previously, this column held descriptive text. Going forward, codes will be used and are defined in Chapter 7.

Column 16(a) shall be titled Stowage and Handling and 16(b), Segregation. Codes for stowage will be listed under "SW" in section 7.1.5, for handling under "H" in section 7.1.6 and for segregation under "SG" in section 7.2.8.

Chapter 7.2 contains important and stringent new segregation and stowage requirements for water-reactive materials, such as Class 4.3 materials.

The Dangerous Goods List (DGL) itself has many updates:

• The PSN has been changed to "SAFETY DEVICES" from “AIR BAG MODULES, AIR BAG INFLATORS or SEAT-BELT PRETENSIONERS” for UN 3268.

• Documents for shipments of asbestos should now read, "ASBESTOS, AMPHIBOLE" and “ASBESTOS, CHRYSOTILE” and be shipped as: UN 2212 and UN 2590, respectively.

• The entry “CAPACITORS” has been divided into two entries, “CAPACITOR, ELECTRIC DOUBLE LAYER” (UN 3499) and “CAPACITOR, ASYMMETRIC” (UN 3508.)

• The entry, “PACKAGING DISCARDED, EMPTY, UNCLEANED” (UN 3509) has been added, but may not be used for sea transport.

• Entries from UN 3510 to UN 3526 have changed: these are reserved for terminology for various absorbed gases that the shippers and carriers encounter.

New and Revised Special Provisions

• SP 367 through 376, excluding 374, 375

• SP 968 through 970

• SP 376 through 377 (Damaged or defective lithium batteries or those recycled or disposed of.)

• SP 961 and 962 (Vehicles or Internal Combustion Engines; see also SP 970)