Safety Guidelines for Organic Peroxide Transportation
2025-06-24
As extreme heat grips during midsummer, the risks associated with transporting hazardous materials escalate significantly! Class 5.2 organic peroxides and Class 4.1 self-reactive substances are prone to thermal decomposition, which may release flammable gases and even trigger explosions under high temperatures. Shippers, shipping lines, and terminal operators must exercise heightened vigilance and strictly adhere to safety protocols.
PART 01 What are organic peroxides?
Organic peroxides can be regarded as organic substances that are derivatives of hydrogen peroxide, wherein one or both hydrogen atoms are substituted by organic radicals. Organic peroxides are thermally unstable substances prone to exothermic decomposition at ambient or elevated temperatures. From a chemical formula perspective, they generally contain a "-O-O-" bond, as exemplified by hydrogen peroxide (H-O-O-H), commonly known as hydrogen dioxide.
1. Hazardous Properties!
Organic peroxides may decompose when exposed to heat, impurities (e.g., acids, heavy metal compounds, or alkalis), friction, or impact. The decomposition rate varies with temperature and the specific substance. Decomposition can release toxic gases or vapors. Certain organic peroxides require strict temperature control during transportation; some may explode upon decomposition, especially under confined conditions, while others may combust violently. Organic peroxides are further subclassified into Types A-G based on their hazard levels.
In simpler terms: These substances are highly reactive, sensitive to heat, friction-intolerant, prone to "overheating" (literally "red temper"), and capable of combustion, explosion, or toxic gas release.
2. Packaging Requirements!
Packaging for organic peroxides must comply with the general packaging requirements of the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code and meet the test criteria for Packing Group II. Additionally, packaging must adhere to Packing Instruction P520, which categorizes approved methods into OP1 to OP8. The specified quantities for each method indicate the maximum allowable amount per package. Refer to the IMDG Code for detailed specifications.
3. Temperature Control Requirements!
Certain organic peroxides, due to their extreme instability, require temperature-controlled transport conditions. The designated control temperatures and emergency temperatures for these substances are specified in the IMDG Code (Table 2.5.3.2.4).
PART 02 Precautions for Shippers
1. Correct Classification
Organic peroxides and self-reactive substances are classified into Types A-G based on their demonstrated hazard levels. When consigning such dangerous goods, shippers must assign them to the appropriate type and confirm details including the UN number, proper shipping name, technical name (if required), and Packing Group.
2. Use of Appropriate Packaging
Packaging methods for organic peroxides and self-reactive substances are specified in Packing Instruction P520, categorized as OP1 to OP8. The net mass of the goods must not exceed the maximum allowable quantity per package, and all packaging must meet the Packing Group II testing requirements. Certain Type F organic peroxides and self-reactive substances may be transported using Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBCs) in accordance with IBC Code 520, provided the containers satisfy the Packing Group II testing requirements.
3. Affixing Marks and Labels
In addition to the Class 5.2 or Class 4.1 dangerous goods labels, packages containing certain organic peroxides and self-reactive substances must display the subsidiary risk label "EXPLOSIVE". Additionally, some organic peroxides require the subsidiary risk label "CORROSIVE". The subsidiary risk label for "EXPLOSIVE" is illustrated below:
4. Temperature-Controlled Transport
Certain organic peroxides and self-reactive substances require special protective measures such as temperature-controlled transport. Dangerous goods subject to temperature control requirements also include some Class 4.1 polymerizing substances and their mixtures, as well as specific polymerizing substances transportable only under temperature-controlled conditions as per Special Provision 386 of the IMDG Code.
5. Booking and Consignment Requirements
The shipper must book a dangerous goods space with the carrier and provide the carrier with the official name, hazard classification, and required protective measures for the consigned dangerous goods. Additionally, the shipper must furnish the master with operating instructions for the refrigeration system, loss-of-control emergency procedures, daily temperature monitoring guidelines, and spare components for mechanical refrigeration/heat dissipation systems to ensure emergency preparedness.
6. Declaration Compliance
For specific organic peroxides and self-reactive substances, shippers must declare control temperatures and emergency temperatures to the competent authority, with reported values strictly adhering to the IMDG Code requirements.
Required declaration documents include the Safety Data Sheet (SDS), test reports, and packaging inspection certificates. Shippers must ensure:
-Test reports are valid (not expired).
-Packaging or IBC inspection certificates meet Packing Group II standards.
-A certified container inspector supervises loading, verifies proper label placement, confirms stowage compliance, and issues a container packing certificate accompanied by loading photographs.
PART 03 各单位做好衔接配合Coordination Among All Stakeholders
01 All stakeholders, including shippers, shipping companies, port terminals, and regulatory authorities, must fully recognize the high hazards associated with organic peroxides and self-reactive substances and implement specialized measures to ensure the safety of cargo transport.
02 Shippers shall prepare all cargo information and documentation in advance, promptly submitting these materials to relevant parties during booking, dangerous goods declaration, and port arrival processes. Emergency contact details must be provided, with the designated contact ensuring uninterrupted communication.
03 Cargo storage and handling operations must be conducted at certified facilities and terminals equipped with appropriate qualifications.
04 All relevant entities shall establish a dynamic tracking mechanism for high-risk dangerous goods, assigning dedicated personnel for regular inspections to maintain real-time awareness of cargo status. Any anomalies must be addressed promptly, and appropriate emergency response protocols shall be activated in the event of incidents or accidents.
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