CARGOCONNECT-MARCH2024 - Flipbook - Page 60
SPECIAL FEATURE : CHEMICAL LOGISTICS
Packaging and Handling
AJAY SINGH
Vice President
- Supply Chain
Management,
Hindustan Platinum
Safety measures, starting from packaging
standards based on the velocity and goods
requirements, establish the prerequisites
for safety. Implementing the right safety
measures not only prevents safety hazards
but also fosters trust among stakeholders.
Industries dealing with hazardous materials
adopt a more focussed approach in line
with statutory norms. Going beyond
regulatory compliance, the integration and
implementation of industry best practices
contribute to a robust safety culture,
ensuring the well-being of employees and
minimising the risk of accidents.
GOPAL DIGASKAR
Country Logistics
Leader,
Dow Chemical
International
Companies seriously focussed on safety of
man, machine and material take up each
and every incident for RCI and have plans
in place to address the gaps identified. And
all the processes are documented. They
encourage their staff to state and report
each and every incident without any fear of
retaliation. Rules are sometimes not clear
or ambiguous. Often times, implementation
is not done to the extent it is needed. Acts
which are very old are still not updated to
match the reality. This puts the onus on
us as a business to make sure we protect
the people and the environment to the
maximum extent possible.
60 | CARGOCONNECT MARCH 2024
The signi昀椀cance of proper packaging and handling in the realm of chemicals
cannot be overstated as it serves as a pivotal safeguard against leaks, spills, and
contamination. The selection of appropriate packaging materials, coupled with
meticulous labelling and documentation, plays a pivotal role in ensuring the
secure transportation and storage of chemicals. By prioritising these measures,
the industry not only mitigates the risk of environmental hazards but also fosters
a safer operational environment for both personnel and the broader community.
In accordance with the CMVR 1989, previously mentioned by Patel, CISC
India also adheres to a昀케xing proper labels on packages to minimise hazards
during handling. “As a responsible company, we strongly recommend that all
companies adopt this practice,” advocates Wagh.
“Rules are sometimes not clear or ambiguous,” says Digaskar, as he takes on
a critical view on the state of a昀昀airs. “Often times, implementation is not done
to the extent it is needed. Acts which are very old are still not updated to match
the reality. This puts the onus on us as a business to make sure we protect the
people and the environment to the maximum extent possible. There can be no
let-up on safety.”
“Navigating the regulatory landscape in chemical supply chains poses signi昀椀cant
challenges across transportation, labelling, packaging, and documentation,”
admits Darshan.
“Adopting globally harmonised systems for classi昀椀cation and labelling of
chemicals is crucial for consistency and safety. Packaging itself presents a critical
challenge, as secure and eco-friendly materials are necessary to prevent leaks or
spills during transit. Proper marking and labelling, based on UN packaging and
IMDG codes, facilitate easy identi昀椀cation and ensure adherence to safety protocols.”
“Segregation of di昀昀erent classes of chemicals within shipments is essential
to avoid hazards from package interactions, while secure stowage prevents
movement or damage during transportation. Storage facilities must comply
with regulations to maintain proper temperature and containment, ensuring
the integrity of chemical products. Here, in India, we use ISO tank containers
and Flexitank containers that o昀昀er safe handling, transportation, and storage
solutions, meeting the challenge of adhering to international standards. ISO tank
containers are valued for their durability, versatility, and ability to reduce packaging
waste while Flexitank containers provide 昀氀exibility and reusability, particularly
suitable for non-hazardous liquids, while also o昀昀ering environmental bene昀椀ts.”
Going upfront to say that there is no sustainability without safety, Singh
maintains, “From the selection of suppliers for commodities/materials to devising
a strategy based on Environmental Management System (EMS), considerations
for supplier selection and continuous feedback to all stakeholders are crucial.
