When hazardous materials and substances are transported from place to place by air, sea or road, it is crucial they are packed correctly. If they are not, serious accidents occur. One material that is commonly used for packaging purpose is vermiculite.
A recent event in Suva drew attention to the importance of dangerous goods packaging. The London-based International Maritime Organisation (IMO) was involved in a workshop staged to assist Pacific Island member governments to meet their obligations concerning the safe transportation of bulk cargoes and dangerous goods by sea, the Solomon Times Online reports.
Commenting on the rising significance of protective packaging, the IMO’s Alfredo ParroquÃn-Ohlson said: “As the world becomes increasingly industrialised and the industry itself becomes ever more complex, the transport by sea of dangerous cargoes will continue to rise and the lists of products classified as ‘dangerous’ will grow, too.
“It is essential, if shipping within the global world trade is to improve its safety record, that these cargoes are handled, transported and stored with the greatest possible care.”
Mr ParroquÃn-Ohlson went on to state that accidents caused because dangerous goods packaging and handling are not good enough can be highly costly not only in terms of the loss of life and damage to the environment and property, but also because they tarnish the image of the shipping industry.
The workshop focussed on raising awareness of the IMO-developed International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code and the International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargoes Code.
As long as companies are careful concerning where they source their dangerous goods packaging from and make sure they get solutions that meet all their needs, they can avoid unnecessary risks.
For example, exfoliated vermiculite can easily be poured around irregular shaped objects and it provides a cushion against shock during handling and transportation. In addition, it is highly absorbent, meaning it is perfect in the event of liquid leaks.