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The "International Maritime Dangerous Goods Regulations" (IMDG Code) is a set of mandatory rules established by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to implement the 1974 International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) and the 1973 International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, as amended by the 1978 Protocol. These regulations play a critical role in ensuring the safe transport of dangerous goods and preventing marine pollution.
In May 2010, the 87th session of the IMO’s Maritime Safety Committee approved 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 undergo major revisions but included several minor updates across different chapters. Notably, it introduced detailed regulations for aerosol packaging, revised classification requirements for dangerous goods, updated the list of hazardous materials, added new warning signs, and modified marking standards for packaging containers.
This article outlines the key changes related to aerosol can packaging under the IMDG Code.
**Design and Manufacturing**
1. Aerosol cans and their enclosures must be designed and constructed to withstand all conditions of normal transport, including fatigue.
2. In addition to UN-certified cans, some aerosol cans may be used within specific countries or regions if they meet the regulatory requirements. Approval from the relevant national authority is also required.
3. The minimum thickness of the cans must comply with technical design standards.
4. Soldered cans must only use weldable metals.
5. Each aerosol can in an assembled package must be securely fixed to prevent movement that could cause stress concentrations.
6. Measures must be taken to prevent electrical damage caused by contact between different metals.
**Material Requirements**
1. Materials in direct contact with the aerosol contents must not react with the product or pose any danger during transport.
2. Cans and their closures must be made using materials suitable for pressure vessel transportation, resistant to fragmentation and stress corrosion.
**Auxiliary Devices**
1. Valves and other pressure-bearing components must be able to withstand at least 1.5 times the test pressure of the can.
2. Valves and protective caps must be secured to prevent accidental opening during transport.
3. All valves must have a pressure release function to prevent overpressure, with vents directed away from the can itself.
**Approval of Aerosol Containers**
1. Compliance must be evaluated by the competent authority, and cans must be tested and approved by authorized inspection agencies.
2. A quality assurance system must be in place to ensure compliance with safety standards.
**Inspection and Testing Before Production**
1. During and after production, cans must be inspected and tested according to applicable standards, including material testing, wall thickness verification, and hydraulic tests.
2. A sufficient number of samples must be tested, with non-destructive methods used for welded parts.
**Manufacturer Requirements**
1. Manufacturers must have the technical capability and resources to produce compliant cans, including supervision of the entire process and performance of necessary tests.
2. Testing of manufacturers must be conducted by independent inspection agencies approved by the relevant authority.
**Aerosol Can Testing**
Each filled aerosol can must undergo a hot water tank test or an approved alternative method. The hot water tank test involves maintaining a temperature of 55°C (or lower if heat-sensitive contents are present), ensuring no leaks or deformation occur. Alternative methods, such as helium leak detection or statistical sampling, can be used if they meet equivalent safety standards.
**Special Conditions**
If sterilization is required, the cans may be exempt from the hot water tank test, provided they meet specific safety criteria, such as containing non-flammable substances or pharmaceutical ingredients. These cans must still pass rigorous leak and pressure tests.
By following these updated guidelines, the transportation of aerosol products becomes safer and more environmentally responsible, aligning with global maritime safety and environmental protection standards.
*Contributed by Yang Wenliang*