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IMDG Dangerous Goods Awareness study materials
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IMDG Dangerous Goods Awareness practice questions

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Question 1IMDG Code framework, scope and application

Which two international instruments provide the legal and technical foundation on which the IMDG Code is built?

  1. The Basel Convention and the Montreal Protocol
  2. SOLAS and MARPOL Correct answer.
  3. SOLAS and the Chicago Convention
  4. MARPOL and the Basel Convention

Explanation

The IMDG Code exists to give effect to mandatory requirements of the SOLAS Convention (safety of life at sea) and the MARPOL Convention (prevention of pollution from ships). SOLAS makes carriage of dangerous goods in packaged form subject to the Code, while MARPOL Annex III covers marine pollutants. Other conventions govern different matters and do not form the Code's dual legal basis.

Question 2IMDG Code framework, scope and application

The IMDG Code is published as a set of volumes. Which volume contains the Packing Instructions and the provisions for consignment procedures such as marking, labelling and documentation?

  1. Volume 1 Correct answer.
  2. Volume 3
  3. The Supplement
  4. Volume 2

Explanation

Volume 1 contains the packing and tank provisions in Part 4 and the consignment procedures in Part 5, including marking, labelling and documentation. Volume 2 contains the Dangerous Goods List, special provisions, exceptions and index. The Supplement contains supporting material such as the EMS Guide and MFAG.

Question 3IMDG Code framework, scope and application

In the IMDG Code, what does the term "dangerous goods" cover in relation to the classes listed in Part 2?

  1. Substances, materials and articles meeting the criteria of any of the nine classes or divisions Correct answer.
  2. Only goods that are explosive or flammable
  3. Only goods listed by name in the dangerous goods list
  4. Only substances that are toxic to humans

Explanation

Dangerous goods are substances, materials and articles covered by the classes and divisions defined in Part 2 of the Code, whether or not they appear by name in the dangerous goods list. Goods not specifically named are assigned to generic or not-otherwise-specified entries. The scope is therefore defined by classification criteria, not by toxicity or flammability alone.

Question 4IMDG Code framework, scope and application

A consignment is offered for sea transport in packaged form. Under the IMDG Code framework, which statement best describes the Code's application?

  1. It applies only to goods declared by the shipper as hazardous
  2. It applies only to goods carried in freight containers on ocean-going vessels
  3. It applies only when the ship's flag State has issued a specific certificate
  4. It applies to all ships to which SOLAS applies carrying dangerous goods in packaged form, with limited exceptions Correct answer.

Explanation

The Code gives effect to SOLAS chapter VII, so it applies to ships to which SOLAS applies when dangerous goods in packaged form are carried. A small number of exceptions and special cases exist, for example limited quantities and certain shipboard materials. Application does not depend on the shipper's declaration or on a separate flag State certificate.

Question 5IMDG Code framework, scope and application

What is the role of the dangerous goods list in Volume 2, Part 3 of the IMDG Code?

  1. It provides the emergency response procedures for each substance
  2. It sets the freight rates for carrying each hazardous substance
  3. It records the ships authorised to carry each class of dangerous goods
  4. It lists named substances with their UN number, class, packing group and associated provisions Correct answer.

Explanation

The dangerous goods list is the central reference that assigns each named substance its UN number, proper shipping name, class or division, subsidiary risks, packing group and the specific provisions that apply. It directs the user to packing instructions, stowage and segregation requirements and emergency schedules. It does not set commercial rates or authorise individual ships.

Question 6IMDG Code framework, scope and application

Which body is responsible for developing, maintaining and updating the IMDG Code?

  1. The International Maritime Organization Correct answer.
  2. The International Civil Aviation Organization
  3. The World Customs Organization
  4. The International Labour Organization

Explanation

The International Maritime Organization develops and amends the IMDG Code through its Maritime Safety Committee, with input from the Sub-Committee on Carriage of Cargoes and Containers. Amendments are adopted and then enter into force on a set timetable. The other organisations deal with labour standards, customs classification and civil aviation respectively.

Question 7IMDG Code framework, scope and application

How are amendments to the IMDG Code normally brought into force?

  1. Immediately upon publication by the IMO Secretariat
  2. By unanimous vote of all flag States at a conference
  3. Through adoption by the Maritime Safety Committee with a defined entry-into-force date, often with a transition period Correct answer.
  4. Only after each national parliament passes identical legislation

Explanation

Amendments are adopted by the IMO Maritime Safety Committee and enter into force on a specified date under the tacit acceptance procedure, commonly with a transition period during which the previous edition may still be used. This gives industry time to update documentation and training. Unanimous flag State voting and identical national legislation are not the mechanism.

Question 8IMDG Code framework, scope and application

A shipper asks whether the IMDG Code covers the transport of dangerous goods by road to the port. Which answer is correct?

  1. No, because dangerous goods may not be transported by road
  2. Yes, the IMDG Code governs all inland legs of an international journey
  3. Yes, but only where the road vehicle is carried on the same ship
  4. No, the IMDG Code governs the maritime leg; inland transport is governed by other modal regulations Correct answer.

Explanation

The IMDG Code applies to the sea transport leg of a journey. Land transport to and from the port falls under regional or national road and rail regulations, such as ADR or RID in Europe. Consignors must therefore consider both regimes when planning a multimodal movement. Dangerous goods are routinely carried by road under those separate rules.

Question 9IMDG Code framework, scope and application

Which publication in the IMDG Code set provides the Medical First Aid Guide for use in accidents involving dangerous goods?

  1. The dangerous goods list
  2. The Supplement Correct answer.
  3. Volume 1, Part 2
  4. Volume 2, Part 7

Explanation

The Medical First Aid Guide (MFAG) is published in the Supplement to the IMDG Code, together with the EmS Guide and other supporting material. It gives first-aid advice keyed to the substance involved. Volume 2 Part 7 covers transport operations such as stowage and segregation, not medical treatment.

Question 10IMDG Code framework, scope and application

What is the purpose of the EmS Guide in the IMDG Code framework?

  1. It lists emergency contact numbers for each flag State administration
  2. It sets the requirements for emergency towing arrangements
  3. It provides emergency response procedures for fires and spills involving dangerous goods Correct answer.
  4. It schedules maintenance of emergency generators on board

Explanation

The EmS Guide provides standardised emergency schedules for fire and spill incidents involving dangerous goods, referenced by the EmS code shown in the dangerous goods list. It tells the crew what response measures to take for the specific substance. It is not concerned with generator maintenance, contact directories or towing equipment.

Question 11IMDG Code framework, scope and application

A substance is not specifically named in the dangerous goods list but meets the criteria for Class 3. How does the Code framework handle it?

  1. It is carried under the entry for the nearest chemically similar named substance
  2. It may be carried without restriction because it is not listed
  3. It must be classified and assigned to an appropriate generic or N.O.S. entry Correct answer.
  4. It is automatically treated as a marine pollutant

Explanation

Goods meeting the classification criteria of a class are dangerous goods even when not named in the list. The consignor classifies them and assigns the appropriate generic or not-otherwise-specified entry, selecting the proper shipping name that most accurately describes the goods. Unlisted status does not create an exemption, and entries are not chosen by chemical resemblance alone.

Question 12IMDG Code framework, scope and application

Which statement correctly describes the relationship between the IMDG Code and national implementing legislation?

  1. The Code has effect through national law, which may add requirements that shippers must also follow Correct answer.
  2. The Code applies only where no national law exists
  3. The Code replaces national law entirely once a State ratifies SOLAS
  4. National law may not deviate in any way from the Code's text

Explanation

The IMDG Code operates through the SOLAS framework and is given effect by national legislation in each State. Countries may impose additional or stricter national requirements, for example on port entry or local reporting. Shippers and carriers must therefore comply with both the Code and applicable national rules. The Code does not displace national law.

Question 13IMDG Code framework, scope and application

In the IMDG Code, what is meant by the term "competent authority"?

  1. The national body designated to administer specific functions under the Code Correct answer.
  2. The classification society issuing the ship's certificates
  3. The master of the ship carrying the goods
  4. The freight forwarder arranging the booking

Explanation

A competent authority is the national administration or body designated by a State to perform particular functions under the Code, such as approvals, exemptions and certificates. Its identity varies by country and it acts within the scope assigned to it. Masters, classification societies and forwarders have operational roles but are not competent authorities in this sense.

Question 14IMDG Code framework, scope and application

Which part of the IMDG Code sets out the training and instruction requirements for shore-side personnel involved in dangerous goods?

  1. Part 5, Chapter 5.4
  2. Part 1, Chapter 1.3 Correct answer.
  3. Part 4, Chapter 4.1
  4. Part 7, Chapter 7.1

Explanation

Chapter 1.3 of Volume 1 sets out the training requirements, including the need for documented and verifiable training for shore-side personnel whose duties involve dangerous goods. Part 4 covers packing, Part 5 consignment procedures such as documentation, and Part 7 transport operations. Training obligations therefore sit in the general provisions of Part 1.

Question 15IMDG Code framework, scope and application

A company's dangerous goods documentation clerk has never received formal training. Under the Code framework, what is the correct position?

  1. Training is required only for the ship's officers
  2. Training is required for shore-side personnel whose duties involve dangerous goods and must be documented Correct answer.
  3. Training is optional provided the clerk uses the latest edition of the Code
  4. Training is required only for personnel who physically handle packages

Explanation

Chapter 1.3 requires that shore-side personnel whose duties involve dangerous goods receive training commensurate with their responsibilities, and that the training be documented and verifiable. The obligation covers functions such as classification, documentation and packing, not only physical handling. Simply having the Code available does not satisfy the requirement.

Question 16IMDG Code framework, scope and application

What does the term "packaged form" mean in the context of the IMDG Code's scope?

  1. Dangerous goods enclosed in packaging, including intermediate bulk containers and large packagings, as defined in the Code Correct answer.
  2. Only goods carried in passenger luggage
  3. Only goods packed in fibreboard boxes
  4. Any goods carried in a tank on a road vehicle

Explanation

Packaged form refers to dangerous goods enclosed in packaging as defined in the Code, which includes intermediate bulk containers, large packagings and other packaging types beyond simple boxes. The term distinguishes packaged goods from bulk carriage in the ship's tanks or holds. It is not limited to one material or to passenger baggage.

Question 17IMDG Code framework, scope and application

Which of the following best describes the structure of the IMDG Code's main volumes?

  1. A collection of national regulations grouped by country
  2. A list of substances with no general provisions
  3. A single narrative text without numbered parts
  4. Seven numbered parts distributed across two volumes, plus a Supplement Correct answer.

Explanation

The Code is organised into seven parts spread across two volumes, supported by the Supplement. Part 1 covers general provisions, Part 2 classification, Part 3 the dangerous goods list, Parts 4 to 6 packing, consignment and packaging construction, and Part 7 transport operations. This structure lets users move from general rules to substance-specific requirements.

Question 18IMDG Code framework, scope and application

A port State wishes to apply a requirement stricter than the IMDG Code for dangerous goods entering its ports. Is this consistent with the Code framework?

  1. No, the Code prohibits any additional national requirement
  2. Only for goods in Class 1 and Class 7
  3. Yes, States may impose additional requirements through national law, which operators must respect Correct answer.
  4. Only if the IMO Secretary-General grants written approval

Explanation

The Code establishes minimum international requirements, but States may adopt additional or stricter national measures through their own legislation, for example on port entry or local notification. Operators must comply with those national rules in addition to the Code. The IMO does not issue individual approvals for such national measures.

Question 19IMDG Code framework, scope and application

What is the function of special provisions in the dangerous goods list?

  1. They describe the ship's route restrictions
  2. They set the freight surcharge for high-risk cargo
  3. They replace the classification criteria for the substance
  4. They add or modify requirements applicable to a specific substance or entry Correct answer.

Explanation

Special provisions are numbered requirements that apply to particular substances or entries, supplementing or modifying the general rules, for example on packaging, stowage or carriage conditions. They do not replace classification criteria, which are set in Part 2. They are technical provisions, not commercial or routing instructions.

Question 20IMDG Code framework, scope and application

Which statement about the IMDG Code's coverage of radioactive material is correct?

  1. Radioactive material is excluded from the Code entirely
  2. Class 7 provisions are included in the Code, with Volume 1 containing the relevant general provisions Correct answer.
  3. Class 7 material is covered only when carried in passenger ships
  4. Radioactive material is covered only by the Supplement

Explanation

Class 7 radioactive material is within the Code's scope, and the relevant general provisions appear in Volume 1. The Code sets requirements for classification, packaging, marking and documentation of radioactive material by sea. It is not excluded, and its coverage is not confined to the Supplement or to passenger ships.

Question 21IMDG Code framework, scope and application

What does the term "consignor" mean in the IMDG Code?

  1. The terminal operator who loads the container
  2. The ship's agent at the port of loading
  3. The person or organisation that prepares the consignment for carriage and is responsible for its declaration Correct answer.
  4. The insurer covering the cargo

Explanation

The consignor is the party that prepares the dangerous goods consignment and is responsible for classification, packing, marking, labelling and the transport document. These duties underpin the safe carriage of the goods. Agents, terminal operators and insurers have other roles and do not bear the consignor's obligations.

Question 22IMDG Code framework, scope and application

A new edition of the IMDG Code has been adopted with an entry-into-force date, and a transition period is allowed. What does this mean for a shipper during the transition?

  1. The previous edition may generally continue to be used until the transition period ends Correct answer.
  2. Both editions are prohibited until the transition ends
  3. Only the new edition may be used from the date of adoption
  4. The shipper may choose any historical edition indefinitely

Explanation

During a transition period, the previous edition may generally continue to be used alongside the new one until the transition ends. This allows companies to update documentation, training and systems. Use of any historical edition indefinitely is not permitted, and the new edition is not mandatory from the adoption date itself.

Question 23IMDG Code framework, scope and application

Which of the following is outside the scope of the IMDG Code?

  1. Provisions for the safe stowage and segregation of dangerous goods
  2. The classification criteria for corrosive substances
  3. Packaged dangerous goods carried on a SOLAS ship
  4. The design and construction of the ship's propulsion machinery Correct answer.

Explanation

The Code addresses the carriage of dangerous goods in packaged form, including classification, packing, stowage, segregation and documentation. The design and construction of the ship's propulsion machinery falls under SOLAS chapter II-1 and related instruments, not the IMDG Code. Classification criteria and stowage rules are core Code content.

Question 24IMDG Code framework, scope and application

What is the status of the IMDG Code under the SOLAS Convention?

  1. It is mandatory for Contracting Governments to SOLAS, subject to the Code's own provisions Correct answer.
  2. It is binding only for goods in Class 1
  3. It is binding only on ships flying the flag of the State that published it
  4. It is a recommendation with no binding force

Explanation

Under SOLAS chapter VII, the IMDG Code is mandatory for Contracting Governments, and Parties must give effect to its provisions. It is not merely a recommendation, and its application is not limited to one flag or one class. The Code's own provisions define its scope and any exceptions.

Question 25Classification of dangerous goods

Under the IMDG Code, into how many classes are dangerous goods divided for transport purposes?

  1. 7
  2. 13
  3. 9 Correct answer.
  4. 11

Explanation

The IMDG Code groups dangerous goods into nine classes according to the predominant hazard they present during transport. Classes 1 to 9 cover explosives through to miscellaneous dangerous substances, with some classes further divided into divisions.

Question 26Classification of dangerous goods

A substance is assigned to Class 1 under the IMDG Code. What type of hazard does this class represent?

  1. Explosives Correct answer.
  2. Toxic substances
  3. Flammable liquids
  4. Corrosives

Explanation

Class 1 covers explosives and articles containing explosives, and is subdivided into divisions 1.1 to 1.6 reflecting the type and scale of explosion hazard. Flammable liquids are Class 3, toxic substances Class 6.1 and corrosives Class 8.

Question 27Classification of dangerous goods

Which class in the IMDG Code covers flammable liquids such as paints, solvents and alcohols?

  1. Class 3 Correct answer.
  2. Class 4
  3. Class 5
  4. Class 2

Explanation

Class 3 is reserved for flammable liquids, defined largely by flash point and initial boiling point criteria. Class 2 covers gases, Class 4 flammable solids and Class 5 oxidising substances and organic peroxides.

Question 28Classification of dangerous goods

A consignment is described as a Class 2.1 gas. What hazard does the 2.1 division indicate?

  1. Non-flammable, non-toxic gas
  2. Oxidising gas
  3. Toxic gas
  4. Flammable gas Correct answer.

Explanation

Within Class 2, division 2.1 is assigned to flammable gases, while 2.2 covers non-flammable non-toxic gases and 2.3 covers toxic gases. Oxidising gases are captured as a subsidiary risk rather than a separate division.

Question 29Classification of dangerous goods

Which class contains substances that are dangerous when wet, meaning they emit flammable gases on contact with water?

  1. Class 4.3 Correct answer.
  2. Class 4.2
  3. Class 4.1
  4. Class 5.1

Explanation

Class 4.3 is specifically for substances which, in contact with water, emit flammable gases. Class 4.1 covers flammable solids and Class 4.2 covers spontaneously combustible substances.

Question 30Classification of dangerous goods

Which class is assigned to corrosive substances such as battery acid and certain cleaning chemicals?

  1. Class 8 Correct answer.
  2. Class 9
  3. Class 6.2
  4. Class 7

Explanation

Class 8 covers substances that cause severe damage on contact with living tissue or that corrode metals. Class 6.2 covers infectious substances, Class 7 radioactive material and Class 9 miscellaneous hazards.

Question 31Classification of dangerous goods

What does the term 'Proper Shipping Name' mean in the IMDG Code?

  1. The standardised name used to identify the substance in transport documents Correct answer.
  2. The trade name chosen by the shipper
  3. The chemical formula printed on the label
  4. The manufacturer's internal product code

Explanation

The Proper Shipping Name is the standardised entry, listed in the Dangerous Goods List, that must be used to describe the substance on documents and markings. It is not a trade name, formula or internal code, and it is normally paired with the UN number and class.

Question 32Classification of dangerous goods

Which of the following is the correct format of a UN number as used in the IMDG Code?

  1. 1203 UN
  2. UN 1203 Correct answer.
  3. UN No. 1203
  4. UN-1203

Explanation

The IMDG Code presents UN numbers as the letters UN followed by a space and four digits, so UN 1203 is the correct form. The four-digit number is a unique identifier for the substance or article and appears in the Dangerous Goods List.

Question 33Classification of dangerous goods

A consignment is assigned packing group II. What does the packing group indicate?

  1. The size of the packaging required
  2. The degree of danger presented by the substance Correct answer.
  3. The country of origin of the goods
  4. The mode of transport permitted

Explanation

Packing groups I, II and III express the degree of danger within certain classes, with I being the greatest danger and III the least. They guide which packaging performance standards are appropriate.

Question 34Classification of dangerous goods

A substance has a flash point of 23 degrees Celsius and an initial boiling point above 35 degrees Celsius. Into which packing group for Class 3 would it normally fall?

  1. Packing group III
  2. No packing group applies
  3. Packing group I
  4. Packing group II Correct answer.

Explanation

For Class 3, packing group II applies where the flash point is below 23 degrees Celsius and the initial boiling point is above 35 degrees Celsius. A flash point of 23 degrees sits at the boundary, so the boiling point criterion and the exact table entry decide the group.

Question 35Classification of dangerous goods

What is a subsidiary risk in the IMDG classification system?

  1. An additional hazard of a substance beyond its primary class Correct answer.
  2. A risk that is removed once the goods are packed
  3. A risk that only arises during storage
  4. A risk that applies only to marine transport

Explanation

Many substances present more than one hazard, so the primary class reflects the predominant hazard while any additional hazard is shown as a subsidiary risk. Subsidiary risks appear in documentation and on labels to warn of the secondary danger.

Question 36Classification of dangerous goods

A substance is listed in Class 6.1. Which hazard does this class address?

  1. Infectious substances
  2. Toxic substances Correct answer.
  3. Radioactive material
  4. Corrosive substances

Explanation

Class 6.1 covers toxic substances that are liable to cause death or serious injury if swallowed, inhaled or absorbed through the skin. Class 6.2 covers infectious substances, which is a separate hazard.

Question 37Classification of dangerous goods

Which class covers oxidising substances and organic peroxides?

  1. Class 5 Correct answer.
  2. Class 8
  3. Class 6
  4. Class 4

Explanation

Class 5 is split into division 5.1 for oxidising substances and division 5.2 for organic peroxides. Both can intensify combustion or decompose exothermically, so they are kept distinct from the flammable solid class.

Question 38Classification of dangerous goods

A substance has a primary hazard of Class 8 and a subsidiary risk of Class 6.1. How should this be reflected in the classification information?

  1. Only Class 6.1 is shown because toxicity always takes priority
  2. Both hazards are shown, with Class 8 as the primary class and Class 6.1 as the subsidiary risk Correct answer.
  3. Only Class 8 is shown because a substance can carry only one class
  4. The substance is reclassified into Class 9

Explanation

Where a substance presents more than one hazard, the predominant hazard determines the primary class while the additional hazard is recorded as a subsidiary risk. Both are then reflected in documentation and labelling so that handlers are aware of the toxicity.

Question 39Classification of dangerous goods

What is the purpose of the Dangerous Goods List in the IMDG Code?

  1. To provide the entries, UN numbers, classes and packing requirements for each substance Correct answer.
  2. To list the ports that accept dangerous goods
  3. To list approved packaging manufacturers
  4. To record incidents involving dangerous goods

Explanation

The Dangerous Goods List is the central reference that ties each substance to its UN number, Proper Shipping Name, class, packing group and special provisions. It is the starting point for classifying and documenting a consignment.

Question 40Classification of dangerous goods

A consignment of a Class 3 liquid has a flash point of 61 degrees Celsius. How should it generally be treated under the IMDG Code classification criteria?

  1. It is generally outside Class 3 because it is above the 60 degrees Celsius flash point limit Correct answer.
  2. It is Class 3 packing group III
  3. It is automatically Class 9
  4. It is Class 3 packing group I

Explanation

Class 3 covers liquids with a flash point of 60 degrees Celsius or less, so a liquid flashing at 61 degrees normally falls outside the class unless a specific entry or special provision applies. Elevated temperature provisions may still be relevant depending on the transport temperature.

Question 41Classification of dangerous goods

Which class is assigned to radioactive material under the IMDG Code?

  1. Class 9
  2. Class 7 Correct answer.
  3. Class 8
  4. Class 6.2

Explanation

Class 7 covers radioactive material and is governed by activity limits and package type rather than packing groups. Class 6.2 covers infectious substances, Class 8 corrosives and Class 9 miscellaneous hazards.

Question 42Classification of dangerous goods

A substance is described as a self-reactive substance requiring temperature control. Which class and division would normally apply?

  1. Class 5.2
  2. Class 4.2
  3. Class 5.1
  4. Class 4.1 Correct answer.

Explanation

Class 4.1 includes self-reactive substances as well as flammable solids. Temperature-controlled self-reactive substances remain in this classification; the need for temperature control does not make them organic peroxides, which belong to Class 5.2.

Question 43Classification of dangerous goods

What distinguishes Class 6.2 from Class 6.1 in the IMDG Code?

  1. Class 6.2 covers toxic substances, while Class 6.1 covers infectious substances
  2. Class 6.2 covers gases, while Class 6.1 covers liquids
  3. Class 6.2 covers infectious substances, while Class 6.1 covers toxic substances Correct answer.
  4. Class 6.2 covers radioactive material, while Class 6.1 covers corrosives

Explanation

Class 6.1 is the toxic substances class, while Class 6.2 is reserved for infectious substances capable of causing disease in humans or animals. The two are separated because the hazards and control measures differ substantially.

Question 44Classification of dangerous goods

A consignment carries a marine pollutant mark in addition to its class label. What does this indicate?

  1. The goods are intended for disposal at sea
  2. The goods are harmful to the aquatic environment and require additional environmental provisions Correct answer.
  3. The goods are exempt from classification
  4. The goods are radioactive

Explanation

The marine pollutant designation identifies substances harmful to the aquatic environment and triggers additional marking, documentation and stowage provisions. It is applied alongside, not instead of, the transport class.

Question 45Classification of dangerous goods

A substance is listed with the entry 'UN 1202, DIESEL FUEL, 3, PG III'. Which element identifies the packing group?

  1. UN 1202
  2. 3
  3. PG III Correct answer.
  4. DIESEL FUEL

Explanation

In a transport description the packing group is shown by the PG indicator followed by I, II or III. The UN number identifies the substance, the Proper Shipping Name describes it and the class number shows the primary hazard.

Question 46Classification of dangerous goods

Two substances are both Class 3 liquids, but one has an initial boiling point of 34 degrees Celsius and the other of 120 degrees Celsius. Both have flash points below 23 degrees Celsius. How does this affect their packing groups?

  1. The higher boiling point substance is packing group I
  2. Both are packing group II because their flash points are identical
  3. Both are packing group III because boiling point is irrelevant
  4. The lower boiling point substance is packing group I and the higher boiling point substance is packing group II Correct answer.

Explanation

For Class 3, packing group I applies where the initial boiling point is 35 degrees Celsius or less, and packing group II where the initial boiling point exceeds 35 degrees Celsius with a flash point below 23 degrees Celsius. Boiling point therefore separates the two otherwise similar liquids.

Question 47Classification of dangerous goods

A substance appears in the Dangerous Goods List with a special provision that exempts small quantities from certain requirements. What is the correct approach for a shipper relying on that provision?

  1. Apply the exemption without checking the quantity limits in the special provision
  2. Ignore the special provision because it is only advisory
  3. Reclassify the substance into Class 9 to simplify documentation
  4. Verify the quantity and conditions in the special provision before applying the relief Correct answer.

Explanation

Special provisions attach conditions and quantity limits to particular entries, and relief applies only when those conditions are met. A shipper must confirm the limits and any accompanying requirements before treating the consignment as exempt.

Question 48Classification of dangerous goods

A consignment has a primary class of 4.3 and a subsidiary risk of 3. Which statement best reflects how this combination should be handled?

  1. The Class 3 subsidiary risk can be disregarded because the primary class takes precedence
  2. Both hazards must be communicated, and the water-reactive primary hazard governs stowage and segregation decisions Correct answer.
  3. The substance should be reclassified into Class 3 because flammable liquids are more common
  4. The subsidiary risk applies only after the goods are discharged from the vessel

Explanation

A subsidiary risk is a genuine hazard that must be communicated in documentation and labelling, while stowage and segregation are driven primarily by the primary class. The water-reactive hazard of Class 4.3 is especially significant because it can generate flammable gas.

Question 49Classification of dangerous goods

A substance is not specifically named in the Dangerous Goods List but meets the criteria for a particular class. How is it normally classified?

  1. It is treated as non-dangerous because no named entry exists
  2. It is assigned to a generic or 'n.o.s.' entry for the relevant class, supported by test data Correct answer.
  3. It is refused for transport until a named entry is created
  4. It is automatically placed in Class 9 regardless of its properties

Explanation

Substances not specifically listed are classified by their properties against the class criteria and assigned to a generic entry, typically a 'not otherwise specified' entry for the appropriate class and packing group. Supporting test data is needed to justify the assignment.

Question 50Classification of dangerous goods

Under the IMDG Code, which class and division is assigned to substances that are liable to spontaneous heating and are capable of self-ignition in air?

  1. Class 4.1
  2. Class 5.1
  3. Class 4.2 Correct answer.
  4. Class 2.1

Explanation

Class 4 covers flammable solids and related hazards, and it is divided into divisions: 4.1 for readily combustible solids, 4.2 for spontaneously combustible substances, and 4.3 for substances which react with water to emit flammable gases. A substance liable to spontaneous heating and self-ignition in air therefore falls in Class 4.2.