Refrigerating Machines in IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations and Applicable Exemptions

Introduction

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR) is a set of guidelines that govern the safe transport of dangerous goods by air. It is essential to comply with these regulations to ensure the safety of everyone involved in the transportation process, including shippers, freight forwarders, and aircraft operators. One area of focus within the IATA DGR are exemptions from the regulations to make transporting dangerous goods less restrictive under certain conditions.

Air Conditioner (Refrigerating Machine) Exempt Under IATA SP A26

Overview of Refrigerating Machines

Refrigerating machines are devices that are used to cool or freeze products or substances. They are commonly used in industries such as food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, and chemicals. There are various types of refrigerating machines, including air-cooled, water-cooled, and evaporative condenser systems. Dangerous goods that can be found in refrigerating machines include refrigerants such as ammonia, flammable gases, as well as various non-flammable gases.

Classification of Refrigerating Machines

UN3358, Refrigerating machines containing flammable, non-toxic, liquefied gas, class 2.1 Forbidden from air transport however Special Provision A103 may be applicable.

UN2857 Refrigerating machines containing non-flammable, non-toxic, liquefied gas or ammonia solutions (UN 2672), class 2.2

Acceptable for passenger and cargo aircraft see packing instruction 211 however Special Provision A26 may be applicable.

Refrigerating Machines Declared as Dangerous Goods

For fully regulated refrigerating machines a dangerous goods declaration, packaging, marks and labels are required as outlined in the applicable IATA packing instructions. The air waybill must also provide the required statement as described in IATA Air Waybill 8.2 of the DGR.

IATA Special Provisions Exemptions for Refrigerating Machines

A26 (119) Refrigerating machines include air conditioning units and machines or other appliances which have been designed for the specific purpose of keeping food or other items at low temperature in an internal compartment. Refrigerating machines and refrigerating machine components are considered not subject to these Regulations if containing less than 12 kg of a gas in Division 2.2 or if containing less than 12 L ammonia solution (UN 2672).

A103 Flammable liquefied gases must be contained within refrigerating machine components. These components must be designed and tested to at least three times the working pressure of the machinery. The refrigerating machines must be designed and constructed to contain the liquefied gas and preclude the risk of bursting or cracking of the pressure retaining components during normal conditions of transport. Refrigerating machines and refrigerating machine components are considered not subject to these Regulations if containing less than 100 g of flammable, non-toxic, liquefied gas.

Conclusion

In conclusion, complying with the IATA DGR when shipping dangerous goods by air is essential to ensure the safety of everyone involved in the transportation process. Exemptions for refrigerating machines can be applied if applicable IATA DGR special provisions are met. With these exemptions some types of refrigerating machines can be transported as general cargo onboard aircraft.