Documentation and Acceptance Procedures
What this domain covers
This domain covers the Shipper's Declaration for Dangerous Goods, the Air Waybill, and the acceptance checklist an operator uses before a shipment is loaded.
Concepts to master
- Shipper's Declaration. Must be completed accurately: shipper and consignee, PSN, class/division, UN number, packing group, quantity and type of packing, packing instruction, and the signed certification. The declaration must be signed by an authorized person.
- Air Waybill. Must indicate the nature and quantity of dangerous goods and reference the associated declaration where required. Traps include a mismatch between the AWB and the declaration.
- Acceptance checklist. The operator verifies documentation, packaging, marking, and labelling against the entry. Any discrepancy means the shipment is not accepted until corrected.
- Quantity and compatibility checks. Confirm the quantity does not exceed the limit for the aircraft type and that incompatible goods are not packed together.
- Retention and language requirements. Documentation must be retained per the regulations and completed in the required language.
Traps and a rule of thumb
Traps include accepting a declaration with an incorrect PSN, missing packing group, or unsigned certification; confusing the declaration with the AWB; and overlooking that the checklist is a mandatory verification step, not a formality. Rule of thumb: if any item on the declaration cannot be matched to the entry and the package, stop acceptance.
Worked example: A declaration lists a flammable liquid but omits the packing group. Because the packing group determines the applicable packing instruction and quantity limit, the declaration is incomplete and the shipment should be held pending correction.
Handling, Loading, Storage, and Emergency Response
What this domain covers
This domain covers what happens after acceptance: loading restrictions, segregation, storage, inspection, and emergency response information.
Concepts to master
- Loading restrictions. Certain dangerous goods are forbidden or restricted on passenger aircraft; cargo aircraft loading has its own rules. Cargo Aircraft Only (CAO) labels and limits must be respected.
- Segregation. Incompatible packages must be separated according to the segregation rules; some goods must not be loaded adjacent to others or near certain areas.
- Securing and orientation. Packages must be secured against movement and oriented as marked (e.g., orientation arrows).
- Storage and inspection. Stored dangerous goods must be protected, and packages inspected for damage or leakage before loading.
- Emergency response. Operators must provide information for flight crew and ground staff, including the emergency response guidance for the specific goods carried. Damaged or leaking packages require appropriate action and reporting.
Traps and a rule of thumb
Traps include loading a CAO-only package on a passenger aircraft, ignoring segregation requirements, and failing to act on a damaged package. Questions may test who is responsible for providing emergency information (the operator) versus who supplies the goods data (the shipper). Rule of thumb: when a package is damaged, do not load it; isolate it and follow the emergency response procedures.
Worked example: A package marked Cargo Aircraft Only is presented for a passenger flight. Because the CAO restriction is absolute for that aircraft type, it must be offloaded and re-routed, not simply relabelled.