IATA Initial Training: Transporting Dangerous Goods by Air

Prerequisite: TDG Shipper training

This training aims to make the shipper autonomous in order to prepare the dangerous goods in accordance with the regulations on the transport of dangerous goods by air along with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

We cover the following topics:

• How to navigate through all different sections of the IATA guide
• Applicability
• Limitations
• Classification
• Identification
• Packing
• Packaging specifications and performance tests
• Marking and labelling
• Documentation
• Handling
• 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?

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. Although this is initial training, it is strongly recommended that you have completed transportation of dangerous goods (TDG) training by land beforehand. 

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 

Objectives of the module:

• 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

Objectives of the module:

• 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

Objectives of the module:

• 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

Objectives of the module:

• 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

Objectives of the module:

• 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

Objectives of the module:

• Identify incompatibility during packaging

6.1 Separation of incompatible goods
6.2 Spills and reports 

Module 7: Limitations Exemptions and Training 

Objectives of the module:

• 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 IATA Initial Training?

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 should take the IATA Initial Training course?

Any company shipping dangerous goods by air must train its employees on the IATA DRG in order 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, transportation.

What topics are covered in the IATA Initial Training?

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 Initial Training course?

The initial IATA training course lasts 14 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 Initial Training 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 Initial Training?

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 Initial Training?

Although there is no prerequisite for initial IATA training, a background in the transportation of dangerous goods (TDG) by land will be an asset.

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 Initial Training course?

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