Danpol’s new competence in handling dangerous goods

Danpol has specialised in the production of wooden transport packaging for many years, covering a wide range of solutions – from crates, pallets and platforms to comprehensive export packaging services. Our activities are always focused on providing solutions of the highest quality, which, from the customer’s perspective, means confidence that the cargo entrusted to us is adequately protected at every stage of transport. Over the years, we have developed a well-established position in the industry, thanks in part to our attention to detail and the continuous improvement of our team’s qualifications.

We have recently decided to take the next step in our development. Our employees have taken part in extensive training, which has enabled us to expand our offering to include the handling of dangerous goods in maritime transport in accordance with international standards. As a result, we can not only support our customers even more effectively in packing different types of cargo in a safe and compliant manner, but also offer professional assistance in marking containers and securing cargo in shipping containers. Below is a detailed account of the training sessions and a description of the new competences we have gained through them.

Scope of training and certificates obtained

The training courses attended by our employees, Mr Przemysław and Mr Slawomir, were conducted by the industry-recognised institution DGM POLAND and covered three important areas: packing and labelling of dangerous goods for sea transport, ADR requirements related to the carriage of dangerous goods by road and cargo securing for sea transport according to the CTU Code (IMO/ILO/UNECE Code of Practice for Packing of Cargo Transport Units).

The first part of the training course introduced the detailed IMDG Code guidelines, crucial from the perspective of the maritime transport of potentially hazardous materials. The course familiarised the participants with the requirements for the classification of cargoes, how they should be packed, as well as the marking of packages or entire containers. The second part focused on ADR, the European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road. These regulations are particularly important when cargo transported by sea must first cover a certain part of the route by road. The third training module dealt with issues of securing cargo in containers, especially when longer sea routes are involved. The proper stowage, securing and restraining of cargo in a container is key to keeping not only the cargo safe, but also the vessel and the entire crew.

After passing the examinations, our specialists were awarded certificates that give them the formal right to carry out activities related to the preparation of dangerous cargoes for sea transport and confirm their knowledge of the rules of carriage and packaging according to the IMDG Code, ADR and CTU Code.

Danpol’s new competence in handling dangerous goods

The successfully completed training has opened up a number of new opportunities for Danpol. From now on, we are able to accept dangerous cargo for sea transport. This includes the preparation of documentation and labelling, as well as packing the goods in a way that guarantees safety on board. As a result, our customers no longer need to look for various subcontractors for the packaging or labelling of hazardous cargoes – one comprehensive contact with our logistics department is enough.

The knowledge we have acquired also allows us to provide services related to the labelling of dangerous cargo containers in ports. It is becoming increasingly common for customers to require assistance in correctly applying labels, warning signs or codes required by IMDG Code regulations. Our new qualifications and DGM POLAND’s certificates directly confirm that we are the right entity for this type of task.

The securing of cargo in maritime transport was also a key issue addressed during training. From the point of view of safety and avoiding costly damage to goods, strict adherence to the CTU Code is particularly important. In practice, this means being able to position the cargo in the container in such a way that during the journey by ship the cargo remains stationary and does not pose a danger to other goods or the vessel itself. In this way, we can provide full support during the packing and securing of the goods in the container, resulting in a lower risk of complaints and greater confidence of our contractors.

Although the skills we have acquired focus on the handling of maritime cargo, our customers often require a complementary service for road transport. Our ADR training has therefore given us the confidence that we meet all legal requirements and safety standards at this stage too. This is especially important in situations where it is necessary to bring goods to port by road vessels or transport them from port to a further destination.

Benefits for customers and the industry

The expansion of Danpol’s competence in handling dangerous goods would not have been possible were it not for the philosophy of continuous improvement we have adopted. However, the introduction of new services is always in close correlation with customer needs and the dynamically changing requirements of the transport industry. More and more companies on the Polish and international market are looking for partners who can not only provide high-quality wooden packaging, but also guarantee full support in comprehensive logistics of dangerous goods.

The fact that we are now certified by DGM POLAND allows us to offer our clients full safety and compliance with international standards. This is all the more important as the procedures relating to the maritime transport of dangerous goods are becoming increasingly strict, and any mistake or omission may result in serious financial and legal consequences. With its new qualifications, Danpol reduces this risk to a minimum by taking responsibility for the proper preparation of the cargo.

In practice, this means time savings for customers and the certainty that the goods entrusted to us will be packed, labelled and fastened with all the necessary requirements. Acting as a manufacturer of certified wooden packaging, we additionally offer a range of solutions in export packaging – from shrink film and VCI film, to alu barrier film and custom-made transport boxes. We work on a daily basis to ensure that every parcel or container is properly protected and that customers are free to concentrate on other aspects of doing business.

It is also worth emphasising that, in addition to our new competence in dangerous goods, we are not forgetting our existing strengths. Danpol continues to develop its range of standard wooden packaging for various industries and provides container stowage services, combining several packing methods at the same time if necessary. We treat each load individually, adapting solutions to its characteristics, safety requirements or the distance it has to travel in international transport.

Summary

The acquisition of new skills and certificates confirming qualifications in the area of the maritime transport of dangerous goods is an important moment in Danpol’s development. We see it as yet another instalment of our philosophy of continuous improvement, according to which we are always looking for solutions that benefit our customers and comply with the latest industry standards.

By choosing to work with us, partners can be assured of a comprehensive approach to the subject of packaging and export packaging. We handle the entire process – from the production of wooden crates and pallets, to professional advice on the selection of suitable packaging methods, to the final marking and securing of the cargo, also in the case of dangerous goods for sea transport.