BK codes describe bulk containers, separately from portable-tank T instructions. A listed code alone does not establish acceptance for sea transport. Check the applicable DGL entry, chapter 4.3 and container requirements in chapter 6.9.
General bulk-container provisions · 4.3.1 (full source text)
Note: Sheeted bulk containers (BK1) shall not be used for sea transport, except as indicated in 4.3.3.
4.3.1.1 This section provides general requirements applicable to the use of containers for the transport of solid
substances in bulk. Substances shall be transported in bulk containers conforming to the applicable bulk
container instruction identified by the letters BK in column 13 of the Dangerous Goods List, with the following
meaning:
BK1: the transport in sheeted bulk containers is permitted;
BK2: the transport in closed bulk containers is permitted;
BK3: the transport in flexible bulk containers is permitted.
The bulk container used shall conform to the provisions of chapter 6.9.
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4.3.1.2 Except as provided in 4.3.1.3, bulk containers shall only be used when a substance is assigned a bulk
container code in column 13 of the Dangerous Goods List.
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4.3.1.3 When a substance is not assigned BK2 or BK3 in column 13 of the Dangerous Goods List, interim approval for
transport may be issued by the competent authority of the country of origin. The approval shall be included in
the documentation of the consignment and contain, as a minimum, the information normally provided in the
bulk container instruction and the conditions under which the substance shall be transported. Appropriate
measures should be initiated by the competent authority to have the assignment included in the Dangerous
Goods List. When a substance is not permitted in a BK1 bulk container, an exemption may be issued in
accordance with 7.9.1.
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4.3.1.4 Substances which may become liquid at temperatures likely to be encountered during transport are not
permitted in bulk containers.
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4.3.1.5 Bulk containers shall be siftproof and shall be so closed that none of the contents can escape under normal
conditions of transport, including the effect of vibration, or by changes of temperature, humidity or pressure.
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4.3.1.6 Bulk solids shall be loaded into bulk containers and evenly distributed in a manner that minimizes movement
that could result in damage to the container or leakage of the dangerous goods.
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4.3.1.7 Where venting devices are fitted, they shall be kept clear and operable.
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4.3.1.8 Bulk solids shall not react dangerously with the material of the bulk container, gaskets, equipment including
lids and tarpaulins, or with protective coatings which are in contact with the contents, or significantly weaken
them. Bulk containers shall be so constructed or adapted that the goods cannot penetrate between wooden
floor coverings or come into contact with those parts of the bulk containers that may be affected by the
dangerous goods or residues thereof.
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4.3.1.9 Before being filled and offered for transport, each bulk container shall be inspected and cleaned to ensure
that it does not contain any residue on the interior or exterior that could:
– cause a dangerous reaction with the substance intended for transport;
– detrimentally affect the structural integrity of the bulk container; or
– affect the dangerous goods retention capabilities of the bulk container.
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4.3.1.10 During transport, no dangerous residues shall adhere to the outer surfaces of a bulk container.
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4.3.1.11 If several closure systems are fitted in series, the system which is located nearest to the dangerous goods to
be transported shall be closed first before filling.
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4.3.1.12 Empty bulk containers that have contained dangerous goods shall be treated in the same manner as is
prescribed in this Code for a filled bulk container, unless adequate measures have been taken to nullify any
hazard.
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4.3.1.13 If bulk containers are used for the carriage of bulk goods liable to cause a dust explosion, or evolve flammable
vapours (e.g. for certain wastes), measures shall be taken to exclude sources of ignition and to prevent
dangerous electrostatic discharge during transport, loading or unloading of the goods.
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4.3.1.14 Substances, for example wastes, which may react dangerously with one another and substances of different
classes and goods not subject to this Code, which are liable to react dangerously with one another, shall not
be mixed together in the same bulk container. Dangerous reactions are:
.1 combustion and/or evolution of considerable heat;
.2 emission of flammable and/or toxic gases;
.3 formation of corrosive liquids; or
.4 formation of unstable substances.
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4.3.1.15 Before a bulk container is filled, it shall be visually examined to ensure it is structurally serviceable, its interior
walls, ceiling and floors are free from protrusions or damage and that any inner liners or substance retaining
equipment are free from rips, tears or any damage that would compromise its cargo retention capabilities.
“Structurally serviceable” means the bulk container does not have major defects in its structural components,
such as top and bottom side rails, top and bottom end rails, door sill and header, floor cross members, corner
posts, and corner fittings in a freight container. Major defects include:
.1 bends, cracks or breaks in the structural or supporting members that affect the integrity of the container;
.2 more than one splice or an improper splice (such as a lapped splice) in top or bottom end rails or door
headers;
.3 more than two splices in any one top or bottom side rail;
.4 any splice in a door sill or corner post;
.5 door hinges and hardware that are seized, twisted, broken, missing, or otherwise inoperative;
.6 gaskets and seals that do not seal;
.7 any distortion of the overall configuration great enough to prevent proper alignment of handling
equipment, mounting and securing chassis or vehicle, or insertion into ships’ cargo spaces;
.8 any damage to lifting attachments or handling equipment interface features; or
.9 any damage to service or operational equipment.
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4.3.1.16 Before a flexible bulk container is filled it shall be visually examined to ensure it is structurally serviceable, its
textile slings, load-bearing structure straps, body fabric, lock device parts including metal and textile parts
are free from protrusions or damage and that inner liners are free from rips, tears or any damage.
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4.3.1.16.1 For flexible bulk containers, the period of use permitted for the transport of dangerous goods shall be two
years from the date of manufacture of the flexible bulk container.
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4.3.1.16.2 A venting device shall be fitted if a dangerous accumulation of gases may develop within the flexible bulk
container. The vent shall be so designed that the penetration of foreign substances or the ingress of water is
prevented under normal conditions of transport.
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