AMC1 Article 5 ‘Specific’ category of UAS operations

TRANSPORT OF DANGEROUS GOODS IN THE ‘SPECIFIC’ CATEGORY

(a)     Dangerous goods may be transported in the ‘specific’ category of UAS operations only if the UAS operator is able to demonstrate that these goods will not cause harm or damage to third parties or to the environment in case of accident. When compatible with the operation, a crash‑protected container, which will prevent the leakage/dispersion of dangerous goods in case of accident, would be acceptable. In this case, the UAS operator should demonstrate that the container is capable of maintaining/protecting the dangerous goods without causing damage or harm to third parties or the environment in case of accident. In demonstrating the conformity of the container, the operational characteristics of the flight (flight speed, altitude, weather conditions, etc.) shall be taken into account, as well as the defining aspects of the geographical area of operation.

(b)     The assessment of the operational risk of transporting dangerous goods should take into account the following:

(1)     the risk that such goods pose to persons that are directly involved in their handling, to the environment, and to third parties and their properties;

(2)     the hazard posed by the quantity and class of the dangerous goods;

(3)     the characteristics of the container for the dangerous goods;

(4)     the level of competence of those handling the dangerous goods; and

(5)     the geographical area in which the flight will be operated.

(c)      The UAS operator that wishes to carry out operations in the ‘specific’ category to transport dangerous goods should establish a dangerous goods training programmes for the personnel involved, as required by the Technical Instructions. Such training programmes should be commensurate with the responsibilities of the personnel involved in those operations. The training programmes should be subject to review and approval by the competent authority, and should cover at least the following aspects:

(1)     dangerous goods terminology;

(2)     classification of dangerous goods;

(3)     labelling of dangerous goods;

(4)     identification of dangerous goods that use ‘SDSs’ and the Globally Harmonised System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS) consumer labelling;

(5)     use of the dangerous goods list provided in the Technical Instructions;

(6)     storage and handling of dangerous goods, including but not limited to the segregation of incompatible dangerous goods, dangerous goods loading, and dangerous goods securing;

(7)     instructions and safety precautions to be provided to employees and third parties; and

(8)     emergency/reporting procedures included in the ERP in case of an accident/incident with dangerous goods.