A large container may be presented for carriage only if it is structurally serviceable.
"Structurally serviceable" means that the container is free from major defects in its structural
components, e.g. top and bottom side rails, doorsill and header, floor cross members, corner posts, and
corner fittings. "Major defects" are dents or bends in structural members greater than 19 mm in depth,
regardless of length; cracks or breaks in structural members; more than one splice or an improper
splice (e.g. a lapped splice) in top or bottom end rails or door headers or more than two splices in any
one top or bottom side rail or any splice in a door sill or corner post; door hinges and hardware that are
seized, twisted, broken, missing or otherwise inoperative; non-closing gaskets and seals; any distortion
of the overall configuration sufficient to prevent proper alignment of handling equipment, mounting
and securing on a chassis or vehicle.
In addition, deterioration in any component of the container, such as rusted metal in side walls or
disintegrated fibreglass is unacceptable, regardless of the material of construction. Normal wear,
including oxidization (rust), slight dents and scratches and other damage that do not affect
serviceability or weather-tightness are, however, acceptable.
Prior to loading the container shall also be checked to ensure that it is free from any residue of a
previous load and that the interior floor and walls are free from protrusions.
When they are shown under an entry in Column (16) of Table A of Chapter 3.2, the following special
provisions apply:
V1 Packages shall be loaded on to closed or sheeted vehicles or into closed or sheeted containers.
V2 (1) Packages shall only be loaded on to EX/II or EX/III vehicles which satisfy the relevant
requirements of Part 9. The choice of vehicle depends on the quantity to be carried,
which is limited per transport unit in accordance with the provisions concerning loading
(see 7.5.5.2). Where a transport unit consists of an EX/II vehicle and an EX/III vehicle,
both carrying explosive substances or articles, the quantity limit of 7.5.5.2.1 applicable
for an EX/II transport unit applies for the entire transport unit.
(2) Trailers, except semi-trailers, which satisfy the requirements for EX/II or EX/III
vehicles may be drawn by motor vehicles which do not satisfy those requirements.
For carriage in containers, see also 7.1.3 to 7.1.6.
Where substances or articles of Class 1 in quantities requiring a transport unit made up
of EX/III vehicle(s) are being carried in containers to or from harbour areas, rail
terminals or airports of arrival or departure as part of a multimodal journey, a transport
unit made up of EX/II vehicle(s) may be used instead, provided that the containers
being carried comply with the appropriate requirements of the IMDG Code, the RID or
the ICAO Technical Instructions.
V3 For free-flowing powdery substances and for fireworks the floor of a container shall have a
non-metallic surface or covering.
V4 (Reserved)
V5 Packages may not be carried in small containers.
V6 Flexible IBCs shall be carried in closed vehicles or in closed containers, in sheeted vehicles or
in sheeted containers. The sheet shall be of an impermeable and non-combustible material.
V7 (Reserved)
V8 (1) Substances stabilized by temperature control shall be forwarded in such manner that the
control temperatures indicated in 2.2.41.1.17 and 2.2.41.4 or in 2.2.52.1.16 and
2.2.52.4, as appropriate, are never exceeded.
(2) The means of temperature control chosen for the transport operation depends on a
number of factors such as:
- the control temperature(s) of the substance(s) to be carried;
- the difference between the control temperature and the expected ambient
temperature;
- the effectiveness of the thermal insulation;
- the duration of the transport operation; and
- the safety margin to be allowed for delays en route.
(3) Suitable methods to prevent the control temperature from being exceeded are listed
below, in ascending order of effectiveness:
R1 Thermal insulation, provided that the initial temperature of the substance(s) is
sufficiently below the control temperature;
R2 Thermal insulation and coolant system, provided that:
- an adequate quantity of non-flammable coolant (e.g. liquid nitrogen or
solid carbon dioxide), allowing a reasonable margin for possible delay, is
carried or a means of replenishment is assured;
- liquid oxygen or air is not used as coolant;
- there is a uniform cooling effect even when most of the coolant has been
consumed; and
- the need to ventilate the transport unit before entering is clearly indicated
by a warning on the door(s);
R3 Thermal insulation and single mechanical refrigeration, provided that for
substances with a flash-point lower than the sum of the emergency temperature
plus 5 °C explosionproof
electrical fittings, EEx IIB T3, are used within the
cooling compartment to prevent ignition of flammable vapours from the
substances;
R4 Thermal insulation and combined mechanical refrigeration system and coolant
system, provided that:
- the two systems are independent of one another; and
- the requirements of methods R2 and R3 above are met;
R5 Thermal insulation and dual mechanical refrigeration system, provided that:
- apart from the integral power supply unit, the two systems are
independent of one another;
- each system alone is capable of maintaining adequate temperature
control; and
- for substances with a flash-point lower than the sum of the emergency
temperature plus 5 °C explosionproof
electrical fittings, EEx IIB T3, are
used within the cooling compartment to prevent ignition of flammable
vapours from the substances.
(4) Methods R4 and R5 may be used for all organic peroxides and self-reactive substances
and polymerizing substances.
Method R3 may be used for organic peroxides and self-reactive substances of Types C,
D, E and F and, when the maximum ambient temperature to be expected during carriage
does not exceed the control temperature by more than 10 °C, for organic peroxides and
self-reactive substances of Type B and polymerizing substances.
Method R2 may be used for organic peroxides and self-reactive substances of Types C,
D, E and F and polymerizing substances when the maximum ambient temperature to be
expected during carriage does not exceed the control temperature by more than 30 °C.
Method R1 may be used for organic peroxides and self-reactive substances of Types C,
D, E and F and polymerizing substances when the maximum ambient temperature to be
expected during carriage is at least 10 °C below the control temperature.
(5) Where substances are required to be carried in insulated, refrigerated or mechanicallyrefrigerated
vehicles or containers, these vehicles or containers shall satisfy the
requirements of Chapter 9.6.
(6) If substances are contained in protective packagings filled with a coolant, they shall be
loaded in closed or sheeted vehicles or closed or sheeted containers. If the vehicles or
containers used are closed they shall be adequately ventilated. Sheeted vehicles and
containers shall be fitted with sideboards and a tailboard. The sheets of these vehicles
and containers shall be of an impermeable and non-combustible material.
(7) Any control and temperature sensing devices in the refrigeration system shall be readily
accessible and all electrical connections shall be weatherproof. The temperature of the
air inside the transport unit shall be measured by two independent sensors and the
output shall be recorded so that any change in temperature is readily detectable. When
substances having a control temperature of less than +25 °C are carried, the transport
unit shall be equipped with visible and audible alarms, powered independently of the
refrigeration system and set to operate at or below the control temperature.
(8) A back-up refrigeration system or spare parts shall be available.
NOTE: This provision V8 does not apply to substances referred to in 3.1.2.6 when substances
are stabilized by the addition of chemical inhibitors such that the SADT is greater than 50 °C.
In this latter case, temperature control may be required under conditions of carriage where the
temperature may exceed 55 °C.
V9 (Reserved)
V10 IBCs shall be carried in closed or sheeted vehicles or closed or sheeted containers.
V11 IBCs other than metal or rigid plastics IBCs shall be carried in closed or sheeted vehicles or
closed or sheeted containers.
V12 IBCs of type 31HZ2 (31HA2, 31HB2, 31HN2, 31HD2 and 31HH2) shall be carried in closed
vehicles or containers.
V13 When packed in 5H1, 5L1 or 5 M1 bags, shall be carried in closed vehicles or containers.
V14 Aerosols carried for the purposes of reprocessing or disposal under special provision 327 in
Chapter 3.3 shall only be carried in ventilated or open vehicles or containers.