Staff get training on moving risky goods

THE transportation of dangerous goods by air is restricted which companies dealing with dangerous goods need to understand, according to Air Niugini.
The airline is the only organisation in the country offering training on dangerous goods to clients.
Last Thursday, a group from Hevi Lift PNG, International SOS, Institute of Medical Research based in Madang and Air Niugini staff underwent training.
Dangerous goods are articles or substances that pose hazard to health, safety, property and environment.
Air Niugini’s training instructor Martin Tugano said dangerous goods included flammable liquids, explosive, radio-active materials, dangerous chemicals, compressed gases, poisons and aerosols which pose risks to airlines, passengers and crew.
He said companies which dealt with dangerous goods should undergo the training to understand how to safely prepare such goods for transportation.
“Dangerous goods, especially hidden ones such as lithium batteries, aerosols, paints, mercury, human or animal blood or body samples and tissues must be carefully checked and packed before they are airlifted,” Tugano said.
“All parties involved, freight forwarders, shippers, those sending and also those receiving the goods need to understand the requirements.”
He also emphasised that passengers must answer airline’s dangerous goods safety questions during check-in.
These questions are necessary so that any risk to the aircraft and its passengers and crew posed by hidden dangerous goods are eliminated or minimised on the ground rather than in the air.