A DG question. Is this the right place?

[The Helpful Stacker]

I have a question on the air transportation of Dangerous Goods and was wondering if anyone could point me in the right direction.

'Easy Jet' have currently instigated a change in policy as to the carriage of bicycles with hydraulic disc brakes and suspension components and its staring to worry some folk on another forum who hope to avail themselves of Easy Jet's service for their journey to hillier climbs in the summer.

I have a few links to internet threads (on a mountain biking site) airing the concerns and if someone could be so kind as to view and give me the official line I'd be very grateful.

Thread 1 (http://www.singletrackworld.com/forum/read.php?f=2&i=2173251&t=2173251)

Thread 2 (http://www.singletrackworld.com/forum/read.php?f=2&i=2163790&t=2163790)

Although I understand airlines only have to used IATA/ICAO guidelines as a minimum standard and can introduce their own 'in-house' standards I was wondering if anyone was aware of the official line and whether brake fluids can be carried as fitted, as a limited quantity or not at all on pax flights.

Thanks in advance for any light you can shed and sorry if this has been put in the wrong area, fell free to move as appropiate.

[no sig]

Helpful Stacker

It is very likely easyJet are, as they should be, adhereing to IATA Dangerous Goods guidelines in this policy. Or, if they have introduced this policy on their own, it is probably as a result of a leakage on board a flight which may have damaged passengers baggage or contaminated the aircraft hold.

easyJet, will normally do their best to carry passengers goods and I suggest you contact them direct with the specs of the brake fluid you use. They will/should check the DG Regulations and advise you if you can take your bike or at very least, explain the reasons behind their policy.

[DidIdothat]

Following an earlier enquiry last year relating to disc brakes and the fluids used in bikes I did some research with bike manufacturers and the findings.
Findings.
1. The fluid is not hydraulic fluid, it is either a lightweight oil or a non-corrosive chemical fluid similar to synthetic oil.
2. The bike brake systems are sealed - there is no drain or top up facility.
3. Suspension systems are sealed. As the suspension is not under pressure (imagine KG on the bike going thru a dip!!) the view was that risk of leakage was minimal.
Also this is the specification sheet for the most widely used oil.
Hope it copies through ok.
1. PRODUCT AND COMPANY NAME
PRODUCT CODE AND NAME
01657 RANDO HD 32
DESCRIPTION
Hydraulic Oil
COMPANY
CHEVRONTEXACO LTD
1 Westferry Circus, Canary Wharf
London E14 4HA
U.K.
Tel : 0044/20 7719 3000
Fax : 0044/20 7719 5130
Emergency Phone Number : 0044/(0)18 65 407 333
____________________________________________________________ _________________

2. COMPOSITION/INFORMATION ON INGREDIENTS

Name
% Wt
CAS No.
EC No.
Mineral oil
95 - 99,99
*
*

____________________________________________________________ _________________

(IP 346 DMSO extract < 3%)
* : EC-Nrs.: 309-877-7 ; 265-169-7 ; 278-012-2 ; 265-157-1 ; 265-158-7
____________________________________________________________ _________________

3. HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION

Product classification
Product is not classified as dangerous according to Directive 1999/45/EC.
Acute effects of exposure to man

Inhalation
Vapours or mist in unusually high concentrations, as from exposure in poorly ventilated areas or confined spaces, may cause irritation of the nose and throat, headache, nausea, and drowsiness.
Skin contact
Brief contact is not irritating. Prolonged contact, as with clothing wetted with material, may cause defatting of skin or irritation, seen as local redness with possible mild discomfort.

Material from high pressure equipment, pinhole leaks, or high pressure line failure can penetrate the skin and, if not properly treated, can cause severe injury, including disfigurement, loss of function, or even require amputation of the affectedarea. To prevent such serious injury, immediate medical attention should be sought even if the injection injury appears to be minor.
Eye contact
May cause minimal irritation, experienced as temporary discomfort.
Ingestion
No adverse effects expected. If more than several mouthfuls are swallowed, abdominal discomfort, nausea, and diarrhoea may occur.
Chronic effects of exposure to man

Medical conditions aggravated by exposure
Because of its defatting properties, prolonged and repeated skin contact may aggravate an existing dermatitis (skin condition).
Effects of exposure to the environment
May form an oil film leading to deoxygenation of water and possible harmful effects on aquatic life.

____________________________________________________________ _________________

4. FIRST AID MEASURES

Route of exposure

Inhalation
If irritation, headache, nausea, or drowsiness occurs, remove to fresh air. Get medical attention if breathing becomes difficult or symptoms persist.
Skin contact
Wash skin with plenty of soap and water for several minutes. Get medical attention if skin irritation develops or persists.

High pressure injection of material into skin, if not properly treated, can cause severe injury. Most damage occurs during first few hours. Failure to debride the wound of all residual material can result in disfigurement, loss of function, or evenrequire amputation of the affected area. The extent of the injury cannot be determined by examining the wound. X-ray may reveal the presence of gas in tendon sheaths or soft tissue.
Eye contact
Flush eyes with plenty of water for several minutes. Get medical attention if eye irritation persists.
Ingestion
Do not induce vomiting. Get medical attention. Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious or convulsing person.

____________________________________________________________ _________________

5. FIRE-FIGHTING MEASURES

Suitable extinguishing media
Use water fog, dry powder, foam or carbon dioxide. Use water to cool fire-exposed containers. If a leak or spill has not ignited, use water fog to disperse the vapours and to provide protection for personnel attempting to stop the leak.
Extinguishing media which must not be used for safety reasons
Water jet
Special exposure hazards arising from the substance or preparation itself,

combustion products, resulting gases
None
Special protective equipment for firefighters
The nature of special protective equipment required will depend upon the size of the fire, the degree of confinement of the fire and the natural ventilation available. Fire-resistant clothing and self-contained breathing apparatus is recommended forfires in confined spaces and poorly-ventilated areas. Full fire-proof clothing is recommended for any large fires involving this product. In case of fire - Always call the fire brigade. Small fires, such as those capable of being fought with ahand-held extinguisher, can normally be fought by a person who has received instruction on the hazards of flammable liquid fires. Fires that are beyond that stage should only be tackled by people who have received hands-on training. Ensure escape pathis available.

____________________________________________________________ _________________

6. ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES

Procedures in case of accidental release or leakage
Contain spill if possible. Wipe up or absorb on suitable material and shovel up. Prevent liquid or runoff from entering waterways and sewer systems.

____________________________________________________________ _________________

7. HANDLING AND STORAGE

Handling
Avoid prolonged or repeated contact with skin. Avoid breathing vapours.
Storage
Keep containers closed when not in use. Store at ambient temperature.
Specific use (s)
For intended product uses please refer to the Product Information Leaflet (PIL)

____________________________________________________________ _________________

8. EXPOSURE CONTROLS/PERSONAL PROTECTION

Respiratory protection
Airborne concentrations should be kept to lowest levels possible. If vapour or mist is generated, use approved respirator as appropriate.

Supplied air respiratory protection should be used for cleaning large spills or upon entry into tanks, vessels, or other confined spaces.
Hand and skin protection
Exposed employees should exercise reasonable personal cleanliness. This includes cleansing exposed skin areas several times daily with soap and water, and laundering or dry cleaning soiled work clothing.
Eye protection
Chemical type goggles or face shield recommended to prevent eye contact.
Exposure limit for the product
Oil mist, mineral (excluding metalworking fluids) : TWA : 5 mg/m3 ; STEL : 10 mg/m3

____________________________________________________________ _________________

9. PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES

Appearance
Pale liquid
Odour
Mineral oil
Flash point (ASTM D92), °C
196 min
Relative density
0,870 - 0,876 @ 15°C
Viscosity
28,8 - 30,4 mm2/s @ 40°C

____________________________________________________________ _________________

10. STABILITY AND REACTIVITY

Materials to avoid
Strong oxidising agents.
Hazardous decomposition products
Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, aldehydes and ketones.

____________________________________________________________ _________________

11. TOXICOLOGICAL INFORMATION

Acute

Inhalation
High concentrations of vapours or mist are likely to be irritating to the respiratory tract and may cause nausea, dizziness, headaches and drowsiness.
Skin contact
Slightly irritating to the skin.
Eye contact
Unlikely to cause more than transient stinging or redness if accidental eye contact occurs.
Ingestion
Unlikely to cause harm if accidentally swallowed in small doses, though larger quantities may cause nausea and diarrhoea.
Chronic
Repeated skin contact may cause a persistent irritation or dermatitis.

____________________________________________________________ _________________

12. ECOLOGICAL INFORMATION

Mobility
Spillages may penetrate the soil causing ground water contamination.
Persistence and degradability
According to EC criteria : Not readily biodegradable
Potential to bioaccumulate
Considered unlikely to bioaccumulate.
Aquatic toxicity
Not classified as toxic.
Remarks
Believed not to represent a long-term danger to the aquatic environment.

WGK=1

____________________________________________________________ _________________

13. DISPOSAL CONSIDERATIONS

Disposal
Dispose in accordance with local laws and regulations governing disposal of waste oil.

EWC-No : 13 01 10

____________________________________________________________ _________________

14. TRANSPORT INFORMATION

transport
Not regulated

____________________________________________________________ _________________

15. REGULATORY INFORMATION

Classification/Labelling information
Under the criteria of Directive EEC/67/548 (dangerous substances) and EEC/1999/45 (dangerous preparations) :

Not classified

____________________________________________________________ _________________

16. OTHER INFORMATION

Changes were made in sections :
2, 16
DATE ISSUED : 07/01/2004
Supersedes : 07/01/2004

____________________________________________________________ _________________

All information contained in this Material Safety Data Sheet and, in particular, the health and safety and environmental information is accurate to the best of our knowledge and belief as at the date of issue specified. However, the Company makes no warranty or representation, express or implied, as to the accuracy or completeness of such information.

The provision of this Material Safety Data Sheet is not intended, of itself, to obviate the need for all users to satisfy themselves that the product described is suitable for their individual purposes and that the safety precautions and environmental advice are adequate for their individual purposes and situation. Further, it is the user's obligation to use this product safely and to comply with all applicable laws and regulations concerning the use of the product.

The company accepts no responsibility for any injury, loss or damage, consequent upon any failure to follow the safety and other recommendations contained in this Material Safety Data Sheet, nor from any hazards inherent in the nature of the material, nor from any abnormal use of the material.

____________________________________________________________ _________________
"Data sheet prepared by TEXACO BELGIUM N.V.

Technologiepark - Zwijnaarde 2
B-9052 Gent / Zwijnaarde (Belgium)
Tel. : +/32/9/240 7352
Fax : +/32/9/240 7340"
____________________________________________________________ _________________
Version nr : 1.10

Regards

DID

[G-WHOT]

Having worked around the Dangerous Goods enviroment for many years here is my slant on this one. With an MSDS(Material Safety Data Sheet) the important section for all modes of transport is section 14 - Transport, in this case it says not regulated therefore it is non dangerous for any form transport. This is only the hydraulic fluid, but as stated the fluid is not under pressure in this unit then EZY do not have the fall back of any DG regulations they only have the carriers choice to not carry these items.

[Ex Cargo Clown]

Depends how "charged" the cylinders are. If there is no pressure residually in the system than definitely not DG. If there is, it can be in Class 9.