One of the major parts in enhancing safety during transport is segregating mutually incompatible goods from each other.

One of the major parts in enhancing safety during transport is segregating mutually incompatible goods from each other.

“Segregation is the process of separating two or more substances or articles which are considered mutually incompatible when their packing or stowage together may result in undue hazards in case of leakage or spillage, or any other accident.”

IMDG Code chapter 7.2

IMDG Code Chapter 7.2 contains general segregation provisions

IMDG Code segregation provisions has

1. Segregation Table
2. Segregation Groups
3. Special segregation provisions and exemptions
4. Segregation of goods of class 1
5. Segregation Codes in column 16b of dangerous goods list.

Other than segregation between explosives, segregation between dangerous goods, after considering segregation codes in column 16b, general segregation provisions, segregation as applicable by dangerous goods declaration (see 5.4.1.5.11 of IMDG Code) and segregation table; the conclusion will be one of more of the below segregation terms, highest being “4”.

1. “away from”
2. “separated from”
3. “separated by a complete compartment or hold from”
4. “separated longitudinally by an intervening complete compartment or hold from”

Or no segregation rules applicable.

Once we get the conclusion. 1, 2, 3 or 4 from chapter 7.2, general segregation provisions, then apply this to different transport operations such as packing goods into same container, or loading container, vehicles carrying dangerous goods or packages on board different types of ships

1. Within same container (chapter 7.3)

Only “1 away from” may be loaded in the same container provided such loading is approved by competent authority.

2. Container to container on container ships (chapter 7.4)

Different provisions are there for vertical, athwartships and fore and aft depending on segregation rule 1, 2, 3 or 4 , open or closed container and container ships with closed cargo holds and hatchless container ships

3. Ro-Ro ships (chapter 7.5)

4. General cargo ships (chapter 7.6)

Includes Segregation of dangerous goods stowed in the conventional way & Segregation between bulk materials possessing chemical hazards and dangerous goods in packaged form.

5. Barge carrying ships (chapter 7.7)

“Away from” and “separated from” require no segregation between shipborne barges. “Separated by a complete compartment or hold from” & Separated longitudinally by an intervening complete compartment or hold from” have applicable segregation rules on board barge carrying ships.