Users of the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations are assured that they are meeting all legal requirements for shipping dangerous goods by air internationally. The Regulations include a detailed list of individual articles and substances specifying the United Nations classification of each article or substance and their acceptability for air transport as well as the conditions for their transport. Packaging is the essential component in the safe transport of dangerous goods by air. The IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations provide Packing Instructions for all dangerous goods acceptable for air transport with a wide range of options for inner, outer and single packagings. The quantity of dangerous goods permitted within these packagings is strictly limited so as to minimise the inherent risk presented by the dangerous goods should an incident occur.
Training is also an essential element in maintaining a safe regulatory regime.
It is necessary for all individuals involved in the preparation or transport of dangerous goods to be properly trained to carry out their responsibilities. Depending on the job-function, this may entail only familiarisation training or may also include more detailed training in the intricacies of the Regulations. It is important to remember that dangerous goods are very unlikely to cause a problem when they are prepared and handled in compliance with the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations. The proper declaration of dangerous goods by the shipper ensures that all links in the transportation chain know what dangerous goods they are transporting, how to properly load handle them and what to do if an incident or accident occurs either inflight or on the ground. The pilot must also convey this information if possible to air traffic services to aid in the response to any aircraft incident or accident.