Training on International Air Transport Association IATA REFRESHER

Prerequisite: IATA Initial training

This training aims to update your knowledge of dangerous goods shipping by air in collaboration with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

We cover the following topics:

• Limitations
• Identification
• Packing
• Marking and labelling
• Documentation
• Radioactive material
• Passenger and Cargo Aircrafts

We privilege enjoyable learning with the help of games and didactic material. Each participant will receive a training booklet for future reference and a training certificate in accordance with Transport Canada standards.

Summary and objectives of the training

Who is this training for?

Since certification in the transport of dangerous goods by air must be renewed every 2 years, this training is intended for people who have already taken IATA training and who need to update their certification.

If you send dangerous goods by air, even in small quantities, this training becomes a must. If you wonder about any of the following questions in the course of your work, IATA training will enable you to send compliant packages and avoid rejected and returned shipments. The shipment of a dangerous product by air begins in the laboratory with a correct classification, the verification that the product can be sent by air as well as the choice of packaging. 

• Are you able to properly classify your product for transport?
• Are you able to choose the right container?
• Do you know the packaging standards?
• Would you be able to recognize non-compliant packaging?
• Do you know how to fill out the appropriate documentation?
• Do you know the legal repercussions and hazards of a non-compliant shipment?

Do I need to have any prerequisites to take this course?

This training is focused on shipping hazardous materials by air. You will learn how to prepare your packages so that they comply with the regulations in force and how to produce the necessary documents for these shipments. This is a refresher course, so you must have completed IATA training in the past. This training will allow you to update yourself with the regulations.

Learning Objective

This training aims to support companies that must send their products by air, according to IATA Regulations. Each participant will learn to master all the steps from classification to documentation for their shipments. 

We will deal with the following topics: 

• Classification according to the 9 classes
• Particularities of air transport
• How to find information in IATA regulations
• Packaging requirements
• Documentation Requirements

The training also includes practical exercises to make the learning a reality. Each participant will receive a training workbook for future reference and a training certificate. 

Training outline

Module 1: Regulatory Context 

Objective of the module: to be able to

• Distinguish the different regulations for the transport of dangerous goods
• Understand the structure of IATA regulations
• Find information in regulations
• Understand the need for comprehensive classification.

1.1 Legal responsibilities of each of the TDGR actors
1.1.1 The shipper and importer, the carrier and the handler
1.1.2 Offences and Penalties
1.1.3 Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TMD) Regulations
1.2 IATA Regulations
1.2.1 Structure
1.2.2 States and operators variations

Module 2: Classification

Objective of the module: to be able to

• Understand the need for comprehensive classification.
• Know the particularities of air transport
• Understand the hazards associated with lithium batteries
• Understand the Dangerous Goods List

2.1 Classification
2.1.1 What is a dangerous good?
2.1.2 Definitions of classes 1 to 9
2.1.3 Lithium batteries (an introduction)
2.2 Dangerous Goods List and Numerical List

Module 3: Packaging & Packing Instruction

Objective of the module: to be able to

• Recognize standardized packaging. 
• Know the normal conditions of air transport
• Understand packing instructions. 
• Choose the right packaging

3.1 Characteristics of standardized packaging
3.1.1 Types and packaging codes
3.1.2 Requirements
3.1.3 Packing groups
3.2 Packing instruction
3.3 Packing instruction for lithium batteries
3.4 Overpack

Module 4: Marking and labelling

Objective of the module: to be able to

• Judge the conformity of safety marks on a package
• Properly complete the marking and labelling of a package

4.1 Requirements for marking and labelling
4.2 Labels specific to air transport
4.3 Overpack

Module 5: Documentation

Objective of the module: to be able to

• Judge the conformity of a shipping document
• Write compliant shipping documents.

5.1 Shipper's declaration
5.1.1 Formats and requirements
5.1.2 Overpack
5.1.3 Canadian and U.S. Variation
5.2 Airway bill

Module 6: Loading and Reporting

Objective of the module: to be able to

• Identify incompatibility during packaging

6.1 Separation of incompatible goods
6.2 Spills and reports 

Module 7: Limitations Exemptions and Training 

Objective of the module: to be able to

• Justify the need to be trained at IATA to your employer
• Properly apply limited quantity exemptions 
• Synthesize regulations in real situations

7.1 Limitations and exceptions
7.2 Excepted quantity exceptions
7.3 Limited quantity exceptions
7.4 Other exceptions
7.5 All packed in one package
7.5.1 Q-value
7.6 Training

Frequently asked questions

What is the IATA Training Refresher course?

IATA training refers to specialized training that focuses on the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR). These regulations are the global standard for commercial air transport of dangerous goods and are published by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). Although the IATA DGR is an industry document, it is based entirely on the Technical Instructions for the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), a specialized agency of the United Nations. This helps prevent incidents, protect crews and aircraft, and ensure public safety.

Who is required to take the IATA Training Refresher?

IATA refresher training is aimed at people who have already undergone initial IATA training in the past, and who need to be recertified. Any company shipping dangerous goods by sea must train its employees on IATA DGR to comply with TDG and international regulations. This course is aimed at all personnel involved in the preparation, handling and shipment of dangerous goods by sea. For example, employees with the following functions will need to be trained: packaging, labeling, bill of lading preparation, loading, and transportation.

What topics are covered in the IATA Training Refresher?

IATA training is designed to ensure compliance with the International Air Regulations (IATA DGR). Topics covered include an introduction to IATA DGR and its use; the relationship between ICAO and IATA DGR; classification; labeling; shipping documents, packaging; segregation; exemptions, special provisions and training requirements.

How long is the IATA Training Refresher course?

The Refresher IATA training course lasts 7 hours. It includes practical exercises for each of the modules covered, to ensure that learning is fully integrated. The training also concludes with a knowledge assessment to ensure that all participants will be able to handle, request transport or carry dangerous goods.

Is the IATA Training Refresher available online or only on-site?

Training is available either at your workplace or via videoconference. In both cases, a qualified instructor will give the course and be on hand to answer any questions.

Will I receive a certificate upon completing the IATA Training Refresher?

Yes, you will receive a certificate containing the following information: the name and address of the employer's establishment, the employee's name, the expiry date of the training certificate and the aspects of handling, transport request or transport of dangerous goods for which the employee has received training.

What are the prerequisites for enrolling in the IATA Training Refresher?

The IATA refresher course is aimed at people who have already taken an initial IATA course in the past and need to be recertified. Participants will already be familiar with the regulations.

How often do I need to renew my IATA certification?

The training certificate expires 24 months after issue for air transport. It's important to note that the certificate is not transferable from one company to another, so if you change jobs, you'll have to take the training again with your new employer, even if the training is less than 2 years old, since the certificate must be signed by the employer.

What are the legal requirements for shipping dangerous goods by air?

The shipment of dangerous goods by air is subject to stringent safety regulations. In Canada, Transport Canada is the authority responsible for applying these rules. The main international reference is the IATA (International Air Transport Association) Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR), which are based on the ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) Technical Instructions. Failure to comply with these requirements may result in delays, substantial fines and even imprisonment.

How can I register for the IATA Training Refresher course?

You can contact us through our “Contact an expert!” boxes on the various pages of our website, or by calling 450 906-6999.