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Setting the standards leads to safety

Some items may endanger the safety of an aircraft or persons on board, and these dangerous materials can either be forbidden or restricted for air transport.  IATA leads industry efforts to ensure the safe transport of dangerous goods by air.  We provide a great variety of technical knowledge, products, services and training solutions, tailored to satisfy industry needs.

The development of standards for documentation, handling and training, as well as the promotion and use, contributed to achieving a very high degree of safety in the transport of dangerous goods by air.

The DGB reviews and determines standards and procedures necessary for the safe carriage of dangerous goods by air, and promotes the worldwide recognition, adoption of and adherence to those standards and procedures.

Objectives

  • Participating in the development of recommendations for amendments to the ICAO Technical Instructions Document and ensuring their implementation into the Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR)
  • To develop and approve documentary requirements and procedures for the handling and processing of dangerous goods
  • Providing for a forum allowing member airlines to exchange and develop information specific to the transport of dangerous goods contained in company material (COMAT)
  • Implementing a strategy for effective dangerous goods training standards worldwide for operators, ground handling agents (GHA) and freight forwarders
  • Promoting an open dialogue with civil aviation authorities and the shipping industry throughout the world to ensure safe and compliant operations
  • Developing checklists and other tools to be used in establishing "proof of compliance" checks for dangerous goods safety standards

Meetings

The DGB meets twice a year, normally in March and September prior to the ICAO Working Group or Panel Meetings.

Membership

The DGB consists of 12 Board members, elected by the Cargo Services Conference (CSC), each being an expert in the dangerous goods field and serving on the Board for a period of four years. IATA member airlines and other associations, such as IFALPA and aircraft manufacturers may send observers to the DGB meetings, subject to prior approval of the Secretary and Chairman.

The current DGB Chairman is Mr. Alex McCulloch (UPS).

Sub-group

Publications and Resources

The Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR) is available in English, Chinese, French, German, Russian and Spanish. A Japanese edition is produced under license by JACIS.

Contact

Secretary
David Brennan
Assistant Director, Cargo Safety & Standards, IATA

The Dangerous Goods Training Working Group (DGTWG) reviews, amends and updates all matters pertaining to dangerous goods training, and focuses on training standards harmonization across the industry.

Objectives

The primary objectives of the DGTWG include:

  • Developing dangerous goods training standards to support member airlines in maintaining the highest safety standards
  • Developing and reviewing the IATA Dangerous Goods Training Program to ensure that the program is current and fully aligned to the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR)
  • Maintaining the content of the IATA Guidelines for Instructors of Dangerous Goods Courses and other training aids to assist instructors in the development and implementation of professional training standards
  • Reviewing and updating qualification standards for instructors conducting dangerous goods training
  • Exploring, evaluating, and promoting the use of new training technologies

Meetings

The DGTWG meets twice a year, usually in May and October after the IATA DGB Meetings.

Membership

The DGTWG consists of 12 members nominated by the Cargo Services Conference (CSC) and other groups representing the members, such as IATA Ground Handling Council (IGHC), Airport Services Association (ASA) and other Industry Trade Associations, and appointed by the Dangerous Goods Board (DGB), each being an expert in the dangerous goods training area. IATA member airlines and other associations, such as FIATA may send observers to the DGTWG meetings, subject to the prior approval of the Secretary and Chairman. 

The current DGTWG Chairman is Jesper Lange (Cargolux).

Contact

Secretary
Candy Chan
Manager, Dangerous Goods Training Standards, IATA

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Dangerous Goods Regulations

IATA works closely with local governments and ICAO in the development of regulations. This way, we ensure that the rules and guidelines on dangerous goods transport are effective and operational practical.

The IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR) manual is the global reference for shipping dangerous goods by air and the only standard recognized by airlines.

 

2022 UPDATES: IATA Manuals include all necessary information about new regulations taking effect as of January 1, 2022 and how they impact the shipment and handling of air cargo. Learn more

Training

The 63rd edition of the Dangerous Goods Regulations includes the provisions on competency-based training and assessment (CBTA) as agreed by the ICAO Dangerous Goods Panel in DGP/27 (September 2019). There is a two-year transition period and therefore, the training provisions from the 61st edition may continue to be used until 31 December 2022.

Appendix I.1.5 as shown in the 61st edition has been adopted in Subsection 1.5 and Subsection 1.5 from the 61st edition has been moved to Attachment A of Appendix H.

The guidance material on the development and implementation of competency-based training and assessment can be found in Appendix H. This material is the practical guide for the industry players to develop their training framework in accordance with the new provisions and will continue to be enhanced by the Dangerous Goods Training Working Group (DGTWG) based on the feedback from training providers and member airlines.

For inquiries and feedback on competency-based training and assessment, please contact the Dangerous Goods Support Line.

Dangerous Goods Community

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More Dangerous Goods Documentation