How to safely transport dangerous cargo

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The transport of dangerous cargo requires special care and preparation to ensure safety. In addition to the dangers posed to drivers and pedestrians, the spillage of hazardous loads into the environment can cause major environmental impacts and have serious consequences for human life and the environment.

Due to the risks involved, companies that transport dangerous cargo must take preventive measures to ensure safety, such as carrying out the necessary training, issuing mandatory documents and complying with the legislation.

Understand what dangerous loads are

A cargo capable of causing damage to the road, vehicles, or even the environment and people’s health, is classified as dangerous cargo. According to the National Department of Transport Infrastructure (DNIT), products of a hazardous nature are all those of chemical, biological or radiological origin that are harmful to the environment, the population, and their property.

Because they are explosive, flammable, oxidizing, poisonous, infectious, radioactive, corrosive, or polluting, these substances pose risks to workers and the environment in general. These products are classified according to their nature and the types of damage they can cause to both humans and the environment:

  • explosives: substances that produce large amounts of gases and heat, such as nitroglycerin and gunpowder;
  • flammable liquids: products that generate a combustion reaction when exposed to high temperatures, such as gasoline, alcohol and diesel oil;
  • gases: substances that are easily dispersed in the air and often have no odor or color, such as cooking gas, chlorine, and ammonia;
  • flammable solids: materials that become flammable in contact with flames or with the occurrence of friction, such as sulfur;
  • toxic and infectious substances: chemicals capable of causing serious damage to health, such as pesticides;
  • oxidizing substances and organic peroxides: materials that can release oxygen and, therefore, are capable of generating fires caused by hydrogen peroxide (known as hydrogen peroxide);
  • radioactive material: used in the industrial area and the hospital sector, these substances present great risks, since the energy released is invisible and, for their detection, specialized devices are needed. Only the shielding of the container ensures that the radioactivity does not spread;
  • corrosive substances: in its solid or liquid state, this material can cause burns when in contact with the skin. For example, sulfuric acid and sodium hydroxide (caustic soda);
  • miscellaneous hazardous substances and articles: this category covers products that do not fit into other classes, such as lithium batteries.

How to identify dangerous cargo

Vehicles carrying dangerous loads must have symbols and signs affixed to visible places, to draw the attention of other drivers and help prevent accidents.

The safety panel is characterized by an orange square that describes the risk number and the UN code.

The risk label, on the other hand, consists of a diamond in red color informing the risk symbol and the risk class/subclass.

See the risks involved in transporting dangerous cargo

When carried out properly, the transport of dangerous cargo poses minimal risks to the population and the environment. However, there is always a risk of accidents that can damage the containers and cause the leakage of substances.

When transporting flammable substances, there is a risk of explosions and fires, which pose great dangers, especially on a busy highway. If the content is not flammable, the most frequent danger is the intoxication of people, whether through inhalation, ingestion, or skin absorption.

These materials also pose a threat to the environment, as they can cause contamination of the soil, crops, and bodies of water. Generally, tipping trucks are the main reason for the occurrence of this type of accident, bringing serious consequences for the environment.

What training should the driver have?

The legislation is very strict with the qualification and qualification of the driver who trades with dangerous cargo, called Dangerous Goods Transport (TPP). The course is mandatory and offered by institutions such as the Social Service for Transport (SEST) and the National Service for Apprenticeship in Transport (SENAT) in their state units.

From theoretical and practical classes, the truck driver will have all the necessary support to learn about the characteristics of some chemical elements, how to reconcile handling and cargo security, preventive actions, and also how to proceed in case of accidents or leaks.

Also, he will learn the legislation in force and applicable to this type of displacement, vehicle safety, and good practices in the process of transporting dangerous products.

See the mandatory documents for the transport of dangerous goods

Transporting dangerous cargo without proper training and documentation is an environmental crime, in accordance with Article 56 of Law 9605/98.

When planning the movement of products of a dangerous nature, the following documents must be checked and provided:

Driver documentation:

  • National driver’s license (CNH);
  • ID (RG);
  • transport of dangerous goods course completion certificate (TPP).

Vehicle documentation:

  • Vehicle Registration and Licensing certificate (CRLV);
  • mandatory insurance;
  • Motor Vehicle Ownership Tax (IPVA);
  • National Registry of Motor Vehicles (Renavan);
  • Certificate of Inspection for the Transport of Dangerous Goods in Bulk (CIPP).

Cargo documentation:

  • operating license for interstate travel;
  • operating license or federal police registration certificate;
  • Transport requisition (RT);
  • tax document;
  • emergency form;
  • transport envelope;
  • traffic guide;
  • declaration by the dispatcher of radioactive material;
  • cargo and road vehicle monitoring form.

Know the necessary precautions in the transport of dangerous cargo

The first barrier between toxic materials and the external environment is the packaging. Each category of packaging requires a different type of protection. Make sure the packages are in perfect condition before leaving with your truck.

Radioactive materials, for example, require complete insulation and specific clothing for handling. Fuels, on the other hand, are transported in tanks that keep liquid temperatures stable to prevent combustion. And the gases must be kept compressed in their gaseous state, to avoid accidental release.

Dangerous goods in liquid form must be transported in trailers specific for this type of cargo, respecting the maximum volume, weight, and other variables of the load that affect the truck’s driving, as is the case of liquids that can move and destabilize the vehicle.

To reduce the risks of exposure, Article 15 of Resolution 3665/2011 establishes that vehicles carrying these substances cannot travel through regions with a high population density, close to water reservoirs, environmentally protected or that contain forest and ecological reserves.

Besides, there are municipal and state laws that restrict the circulation of these products. For control purposes, the product dispatcher is responsible for informing the inspection agencies, which are the routes adopted for road transport.

When the complete itinerary for the displacement of the cargo is defined, the transport company must check with the traffic agencies of each locality if there are restrictions or rules determined for the sections that will be covered.

As we have seen, truckers who transport dangerous goods must obey the legislation, carry out the necessary training, issue mandatory documents, and take preventive measures to ensure safety. In addition, it is essential to be extremely cautious and attentive at the wheel and never do risky maneuvers or drive tired.