Criteria for Loading the Following Dangerous Goods
Note: You must refer to the Operator’s Dangerous Goods Manual and/or specific Dangerous Goods documentation for any unique standard operating procedures (SOPs) that may apply.
Magnetised Material
Magnetised materials must not be loaded in such a position that they will have an effect on the direct-reading magnetic compasses, or on the master compass detector units. Multiple packages may produce a cumulative effect. The current IATA DGR and Operators Dangerous Goods Manual must be refered to, in determining the separation distances.
Carbon Dioxide, solid (Dry Ice)
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Dry ice can safely be loaded onto an aircraft as long as the following are taken into consideration:
Carbon dioxide, solid (Dry Ice) should be separated from animals and loaded in a separate compartment whenever possible. If it is not possible to load animals in a separate compartment from Carbon dioxide, solid (Dry Ice), then the animals should be loaded in a higher position in reference to Dry Ice to ensure they have enough oxygen for breathing.
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Cryogenic Liguids
Liquefied refrigerated gases in open and closed cryogenic receptacles can be carried if the operator arranges everything based on the aircraft type, other temperature-sensitive cargo, and whether animals are carried on board the same flight.
Ground staff must be informed that cryogenic liquids are being loaded or are on board. Appropriate precations should be taken to vent any gas build-up before personnel enter the cargo compartment.
Packages containing liquefied, refrigerated gases must be handled carefully. They must be kept upright at all times to avoid spills, which may result in cold burn injuries.
Expandable Polymeric Beads and Plastics Moulding Compound
There is a 100 kg limitation of polymeric beads (or granules) or plastic molding compound, in inaccessible compartments (Reference Packaging Instruction 957).
Live Animals
Live animals should not be loaded in close proximity to cryogenic liquid or dry ice (Carbon dioxide, solid).
Animals should be stowed above packages containing dry ice, as the vapours emitted by carbon dioxide, solid (dry ice) are heavier than air, and concentrate on the lower level of the hold.
Where carbon dioxide, solid (dry ice) is used as a refrigerant for live animals (eg bees), all other requirements for transport of carbon dioxide, solid (dry ice) must be met.
For radioactive packages, animals should be stowed a minimum of 0.5 meter away. If the time of the journey is longer than 24 hours, a distance of 1 meter must be maintained.
Wheelchairs and other Mobility Aids with Batteries
Back in Module Three we discussed Table 2.3.A and the limitations imposed on the transport of dangerous goods by passengers and crew. There were a few references to wheelchairs and mobility devices and how they should be prepared for transport, depending on the type of battery installed and how it is fitted in the wheelchair /mobility device itself.
It is most important to always refer to the Operators Dangerous Goods Manual / documentation for specific instruction on how to load the wheelchair or mobility device correctly! The IATA Guidance on the Transport of Mobility Aids also provides further guidance on the end-to-end processes for carriage of mobility aids.
However, to summarise the main points that need to be considered for wheelchairs and mobility devices when loading on an aircraft:
1) The Approval of the Operator is always required for all electric wheelchairs/mobility devices, no matter what type of battery it uses. It is always recommended that the passenger make advance arrangements to ensure carriage.
2) The passenger can only transport the wheelchair/mobility device if it is for their personal use because of a disability or due to their health, age or a temporary mobility problem.
3) A wheelchair/mobility device can be loaded with the battery attached ONLY if it can be loaded, stowed, secured and removed in an upright position. The device must be prepared for transport in a way that ensures it cannot be unintentionally switched on. The Operator must secure any battery-powered mobility device containing installed batteries by use of straps, tie-downs or other restraint devices. In addition, the wheelchair/mobility device plus the batteries, electrical cabling and controls must be protected from damage including by the movement of baggage, mail or cargo.
4) All batteries must be secured within the wheelchair/mobility device in a strong protective case to ensure short circuits can never occur. Again, the wheelchair/mobility device plus the batteries, electrical cabling and controls must be protected from damage including by the movement of baggage, mail or cargo.
5) If a battery has to be removed from the wheelchair/mobility device because it does not meet any of the criteria above, then it must transported in a specially manufactured "Battery Box" and labelled with the Wheelchair Battery Label shown below. The electrical circuits must be isolated following the manufacturer's instructions. Removed and protected batteries MUST be carried in the cabin of the aircraft only.
6) If the wheelchair is a collapsible in nature and contains a lithium battery, then the battery must be removed and protected from short-circuiting by insulating the terminals. This can be done by taping the terminals or putting the battery in a protective case. Removed and protected lithium batteries MUST be carried in the cabin of the aircraft only.
7) The pilot-in-command MUST be informed of the location of the wheelchair/mobility aid with an installed batteries, removed batteries and spare batteries by including it on the Special Load Notification to Captain (NOTOC) . If the battery has been removed and protected from short-circuiting as described above, then it MUST also be included on the NOTOC.
8) To assist with the handling of wheelchairs and mobility aids with batteries, a Battery-powered Wheelchair and Mobility Aid handling label must be attached (see example below). The left side of the label (Part A) remains attached to the device. Where a wheelchair or mobility device has had the battery removed, the right side of the label (Part B) is attached to the battery.
| Part A Part B |
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IN SUMMARY:
Although there is a lot of information regarding battery-powered wheelchairs and mobility devices, by following the above instructions and referring to the Operator's manual regarding wheelchairs and other battery-powered mobility aids, you will be ensuring that there is never a possibiity of an incident occuring due to the device's batteries.
