11.1 Closing the CTU
11.1.1 After closing the CTU, the packer should ensure that all closures are properly
engaged and secured. If the doors are locked, the means of locking should be such
that, in case of emergency, they can be opened without delay. Where CTUs have hinged
or detachable fittings, a check should be made that they are properly secured, with
no loose equipment likely to cause a hazard during transport.
11.1.2 When required, the shipper should ensure that CTUs in international transport
be sealed immediately upon completion of the packing with a seal bearing a unique
identification number. Countries may require that such seals meet the standard of
ISO 17712.
11.1.3 Where security devices, beacons or other tracking or monitoring equipment are
used, they should be securely installed to the CTU and, when equipped with a source
of energy, they should be of a certified safe type. It should be noted that, where
applicable, the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS)
specifies that during sea transport no sources of ignition be present in enclosed
cargo spaces where highly flammable dangerous goods are stowed.
11.2 Marking and placarding
11.2.1 The applicable dangerous goods regulations may require that placards (enlarged
labels), marks and other signs be affixed to the surfaces of a CTU. The
specifications of these placards, marks and signs and the locations where they
should be affixed are described in detail in the applicable dangerous goods
regulations.
11.2.2 The applicable dangerous goods regulations may require other warning signs for
specific risks, e.g. a sign warning of the possibility of an asphyxiating atmosphere
when solid carbon dioxide (CO2 – dry ice) or other expendable refrigerant
has been used for cooling purposes or a sign warning of a potentially explosive
atmosphere when vehicles or lighters have been packed into the CTU.
11.2.3 The applicable dangerous goods regulations may require specific warning signs
for CTUs under fumigation even though the cargo is not classified as dangerous. The
details of marking and further instructions for the handling of such CTUs are set
forth in the applicable dangerous goods regulations (see annex 9).
11.3 Documentation
11.3.1 In conformance with paragraph 4.2.4, the shipper is responsible for ensuring
that all documents required by applicable international and national regulations are
received from the consignor and the packer, that the documents are accurate, and,
where required, are provided to the carrier before the transport commences
respectively as early as required by the carrier.
11.3.2 The packer is responsible for accurately determining the gross mass of the
packed CTU. Applicable international and national regulations may prescribe how the
gross mass should be determined, and should be followed.
11.3.3 The packer of the CTU should inform the shipper of the identification number
of the CTU (container number or vehicle number as appropriate), the verified gross
mass of the unit and the identification number of the seal (if applicable), thus to
ensure that the verified gross mass and the identification numbers are included in
all transport documents, such as bills of lading, way bills, consignment notes or
cargo manifests, and are communicated to the carrier as early as required by the
carrier.
11.3.4 Whenever the cargo projects beyond the overall dimensions of the CTU the
information described in paragraph 11.3.3 should state the exact maximum
over-height, over-width or over-length, as appropriate.
11.3.5 If a freight container having an allowable stacking mass of less than 192,000
kg marked on the safety approval plate (see subsection 8.2.1) is intended to be
carried by ship, the carrier should be informed of the reduced stacking capability
of that freight container.
11.3.6 In addition, whenever dangerous goods are packed into a CTU for transport by
sea or where a maritime leg is included in the transport route, the IMDG Code and
other transport regulations may require that those responsible for the packing of
the CTU provide a "container/vehicle packing certificate" specifying the
identification number of the container or the vehicle and certifying that the
packing operation was carried out in accordance with the requirements of the
applicable dangerous goods regulations. For all details of documentation, the
relevant dangerous goods regulations should be referred to.