A White Paper titled “Safety Guidance for Dangerous Goods Storage and Handling Facilities” was jointly released in December last year by a number of international trade organisations, including the International Cargo Handling Coordination Association (ICHCA), the International Vessel Owners Dangerous Goods Association (IVODGA), the National Cargo Bureau (NCB), and the World Shipping Council (WSC).
Since then, the Guidelines have received the support of a number of significant industry stakeholders, and the International Chemical Transport Association (ICTA) can now be added to that list. The additional support was welcomed by Richard Steele, CEO of ICHCA, who stated that in order to significantly improve the safety standards in supply chains containing hazardous materials, it is imperative to get in touch with everyone involved and assemble a critical mass of partners who share the same values. Therefore, it is quite appreciative that ICTA has endorsed our work.
A Warehouse Checklist is a key component of the White Paper. The Checklist format, a useful management tool, significantly enhances the other components of the White Paper. Its fourteen pages, divided into eight primary functional areas of operation, are made to be thorough yet simple to understand as a daily tool for keeping safety management vigilance.
According to ICTA, the White Paper and the safety initiatives it represents are a step in the right direction for assisting operators in raising their already excellent standards. According to Douglas Leech, Chair of the ICTA Transport & Security Committee, “Chemical supply chains depend on the interaction of various parties to convey dangerous items securely throughout the globe.” To do this, chemical distributors work closely with logistics and warehousing firms. These recommendations will assist them in preventing accidents in their warehouses, ensuring the safety of their employees, nearby residents, and the environment.
