To help dangerous goods fly safely, senders and operators each have important roles.
Australian aviation follows these rules for handling and transporting dangerous goods:
- Australian Civil Aviation Act 1988
- Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998
- The International Civil Aviation Organization’s Technical Instructions for the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods (Doc 9284).
Many airline operators also use the International Air Transport Association's Dangerous Goods Regulations.
Passengers can visit Pack Right for clear guidance on what can go in checked baggage and what must stay in carryon.
Dangerous goods manual
Every operator must have a dangerous goods manual. This applies to Australian aircraft and foreign airlines flying in Australia.
The manual explains how to handle and carry dangerous goods. It also shows what to do in an emergency. If some details are in another document, the manual must say where to find them.
You should have a system to keep all copies up to date. Make the manual easy to find, and train staff on its content.
Dangerous goods statement
Supply a dangerous goods statement if you send or forward general (non-dangerous goods) cargo that might fly. The statement either:
- confirms the cargo contains no dangerous goods
- describes the cargo.
Aircraft operators must refuse to load general cargo if a dangerous goods statement is not made.
You do not need a dangerous goods statement if the goods are either:
- marked, documented and transported as dangerous cargo
- sent from outside Australia.
Reporting a dangerous goods event
How you report a dangerous goods event depends on who you are.
Australian air operators, airlines and their staff must report in myCASA within 2 working days.
All others must use the report a dangerous goods event form. This includes:
- foreign airlines
- dangerous goods shippers
- dangerous goods training providers
- passengers.
You must also report air accidents and serious incidents involving dangerous goods to the Australian Transport Safety Bureau.