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The "International Maritime Dangerous Goods Regulations" (IMDG Code) is a set of international standards established by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to ensure the safe transport of dangerous goods by sea. These regulations are based on the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) 1974, as amended, and the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL), as amended by the 1978 Protocol. The IMDG Code outlines mandatory rules that are essential in preventing accidents and environmental damage during the transportation of hazardous materials.
In May 2010, the IMO's Maritime Safety Committee adopted the 35th amendment to the IMDG Code. This amendment was voluntarily implemented on January 1, 2011, and became mandatory on January 1, 2012. Compared to the 2008 edition, the 2011 version did not introduce major changes but included several minor updates across different sections. Notably, it introduced more detailed requirements for the packaging of aerosol cans, revised the classification criteria for dangerous goods, updated the list of hazardous substances, added new warning symbols, and modified marking requirements for containers.
This article provides an overview of the updated regulations regarding aerosol can packaging under the IMDG Code.
**Design and Manufacturing**
1. Aerosol cans and their enclosures must be designed and manufactured to withstand all normal transport conditions, including fatigue.
2. In addition to UN-certified aerosol cans, some may be used within certain countries or regions if they meet the required safety standards. Approval from the relevant national authority is also acceptable.
3. The minimum thickness of the can must meet the technical design specifications.
4. Soldered aerosol cans must use only weldable metals.
5. Each aerosol can in a package must be securely fixed to prevent movement and potential stress concentrations.
6. Measures must be taken to prevent corrosion caused by contact between different metals.
**Material Requirements**
1. The materials used in the construction of aerosol cans and their closures must be compatible with the contents and resistant to chemical reactions or degradation.
2. Materials must be selected according to pressure vessel standards and must be resistant to cracking or stress corrosion.
**Auxiliary Devices**
1. Valves and other pressure-sensitive components must be able to withstand at least 1.5 times the test pressure of the aerosol can.
2. Valves must be designed to prevent leakage during transport, and protective caps must be secured to avoid accidental opening.
3. All valves must have a pressure release mechanism that allows safe venting of gas into the atmosphere without causing damage to the can itself.
**Approval of Aerosol Can Containers**
1. Aerosol cans must be inspected, tested, and approved by authorized agencies before production. Technical documentation must include design, manufacturing, and testing details.
2. A quality assurance system must be in place and comply with the requirements of the competent authority.
**Inspection and Testing Before Factory Entry**
1. During and after production, aerosol cans must undergo various tests, including material testing, wall thickness verification, internal and external inspections, valve installation checks, and hydraulic or gas pressure tests.
2. Non-destructive testing methods such as radiography or ultrasonics must be used for welded parts.
**Manufacturer Requirements**
1. Manufacturers must have the necessary technical capabilities and resources to produce aerosol cans, including supervision of the entire production process, welding, sealing, and testing.
2. Testing of manufacturers must be conducted by independent inspection agencies approved by the relevant authorities.
3. Inspection agencies must be independent, capable of conducting tests, and able to issue approvals.
**Aerosol Can Testing**
Each filled aerosol can must undergo a hot water tank test or an alternative method approved by the competent authority.
1. **Hot Water Tank Test**
- The test temperature and duration must ensure the internal pressure reaches 55°C (or 50°C if applicable). If the contents are heat-sensitive, a lower temperature may be used.
- The can must not leak or deform.
2. **Alternative Methods**
- Approved alternatives must provide equivalent safety. A quality management system must be in place to ensure all defective cans are discarded.
3. **Special Conditions**
- For sterilized aerosol cans, the hot water test may be waived if alternative safety measures are in place. These include non-flammable gases, pharmaceutical substances, and specific testing procedures like helium detection.
This comprehensive set of regulations ensures that aerosol cans are safely packaged, transported, and used, minimizing risks to both people and the environment. The continuous updates to the IMDG Code reflect the evolving nature of global shipping and the need for strict compliance with safety standards.
*Contributed by Yang Wenliang*