Industries that use containers for dangerous goods gain a safe and fully regulation-compliant means of storing and transporting hazardous materials. These are specially built containers to accommodate the substances that are identified as risks to human health, safety, and the natural environment. Due to tighter regulations being imposed on industries globally, there has been a rise in the demand for robust and long-lasting containers. The article identifies the ten major industries where the use of such containers is indispensable for worker safety, legal compliance, and the prevention of pollution of the environment.
Fig. 1: Dangerous Goods Containers are ready to be shipped
A report, published on IEEE.org, states that unregulated alterations to the internal atmosphere of a shipping container, mainly changes in temperature, humidity, and pressure, are what essentially put at risk the safe carriage of hazardous materials (DG) by shipping containers. In addition, a major source of accidents is the dangerous chemical reactions caused by the mingling of the goods, which can lead to ignition, explosion, or the emission of toxic gases, among the most frequent and devastating outcomes (Yingjun, Zhang, et al, 2010).
Dangerous goods containers play a critical role in the supply chain management system of various global industries. Every sector has specific protocols that are used for handling hazardous materials, and they depend on containers that comply with high safety standards, ensuring the prevention of spills, leaks, or other hazardous situations in transporting or storing. These are the top ten sectors that, by and large, resort to these containers to deal with dangerous agents.
Fig. 2: Key Industries Utilizing Dangerous Goods Containers and Associated Compliance Standards
Chemical Manufacturing Industry
Based on the report from Olimp Warehousing, the chemical industry is highly regulated in terms of safety since it involves dangers from industrial chemicals. To ensure the safety of employees, machines, and nature, the storage, handling, and processing of the hazardous materials have to be done properly, which also means that they need special places and the observance of regulations.
The chemical manufacturing industry is among the top industries that use dangerous goods containers. To store chemicals like acids, solvents, and gases, the industry needs to use specially made containers that are capable of handling the risk of leaks or contamination. In many cases, these containers are made in accordance with the standards set by internationally recognized organizations such as the United Nations and the European Union.
Pharmaceutical Industry
According to Pharmaceutical Commerce, in order to maintain the product integrity, pharmaceutical manufacturers are required to employ tested and approved packaging for the storage of their products under consistent conditions throughout the shipment process. This is because improper packaging and handling of dangerous goods can result in product contamination, violation of regulations, and incurring heavy fines or risks to public health.
The pharma industry is a major party among the industries that use dangerous goods containers. Such packages, for instance, are used to carry out the safe transport of toxic, flammable, or other kinds of temperature-sensitive substances, like Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs). In order to meet strict regulations such as Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), pharmaceutical companies are often in need of durable containers to ensure the safety and security of their products.
Oil and Gas Industry
As per the US Department of Transportation, more than 80% of the hazardous materials transported are made up of flammable liquids. If you consider the vast amounts of oil and gasoline transported daily worldwide, this fact becomes quite understandable.
The oil and gas industry relies greatly on the use of dangerous goods containers to transport fuel, chemicals, and other hazardous materials. Because of the inherently dangerous nature of most of the substances in this industry, the containers have to be very safe and resistant to harsh conditions. Thus, the oil and gas industry becomes one of the top industries that use dangerous goods containers.
Mining and Metals Industry
According to the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA), a U.S. government agency, part of the U.S. Department of Labor, regulations such as the Hazard Communication (HazCom) Standard dictate that the mining process must evaluate and reveal the dangers of chemicals that are utilized or produced locally. These regulations are implemented because miners are exposed to significant dangers from harmful agents; therefore, it is very important that the correct handling, storing, and sealing are carried out in the mining sector.
Dangerous goods containers play a vital role in the mining sector. They are used to transport materials like ores, chemicals, and explosives safely to their destination. These dangerous goods containers decrease the possibilities of spilling as well as other accidents that may occur as a result of the transportation of mining ‘by-products’ that are hazardous too.
Agriculture and Pesticides
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) states agricultural pesticides are subject to regulation for safe storage and handling, as these chemicals have the potential to cause considerable harm to both human health and the environment. Correct containment and handling of pesticide containers are important in the prevention of leakages, spillage, and pollution that may occur as a result of storage or transportation.
The agricultural sector has been another industry that uses dangerous goods containers over the past years. Most of the time, these are containers used for the transportation of pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers. These chemical substances are, in some instances, also harmful to humans and the environment. Therefore, the employment of containers that meet strict environmental and safety requirements is a must.
Waste Management
EPA again explains that hazardous waste must be stored in compliant containers before treatment or disposal to protect human health as well as the environment.
Waste management companies usually use dangerous goods containers to deliver, dispose of, and, in some cases, handle hazardous waste materials like medical wastes, industrial wastes, and chemicals. These containers ought to be strong enough to hold and stop any leaks of harmful substances.
Fig. 3: DG Containers are strong and durable
Food and Beverage Industry
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA), USA, expresses the view that any chemicals used in food production and packaging, such as preservatives, food additives, and materials that are in direct contact with food, must meet very strict safety requirements so that these chemicals do not become a source of risk for consumers.
Though it might not be the first industry one thinks of, the food and beverage sector is also utilizing dangerous goods containers, mainly for the storage and transport of hazardous food additives and preservatives. Containers used in this industry have to be not only safe but also food safety compliant.
Construction Industry
Construction sites must comply with extremely tight hazard communication and chemical storage regulations according to the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) because workers are frequently exposed to the most typical substances that might be fuels, paints, solvents, and a mixture of other hazardous materials.
The construction industry has been one of the main users of hazardous goods containers for a long time; these containers have also been a significant source of pollution during the release of chemicals such as paints, solvents, and adhesives. The chemicals mentioned can be extremely toxic or flammable; hence, it is important that suitable containers be used to ensure the safety of the workers and the protection of the earth.
Energy and Utilities
Based on MSDS Source, to meet safety and regulatory demands that are very strict, energy and utilities companies have to keep proper records of safety data and handle the situation carefully if there are any hazardous materials in their different facilities, like refineries, power plants, and substations.
One of the practices that energy and utility companies are involved in is the use of these companies’ vehicles to deliver a category of products that contains hazardous materials, among which are fuels, lubricants, and chemicals needed for operations. Dangerous goods containers are the lifeline that keeps workers and the environment safe, particularly when these high-risk materials, such as diesel fuel and chemicals for power plants, are being transported.
Transportation and Logistics
The U.S. Department of Transportation provided information that if the case is that hazardous materials (dangerous goods) will be transported, such materials must be packaged, labeled, and documented in a certain way. The first and foremost purpose of these regulations is to limit the risks that these materials pose to humans, properties, and nature.
The transportation and logistics sector may be regarded as the most varied user of dangerous goods containers, because it transports hazardous goods, which are the components of different industries, such as chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and so on, to the market. As a matter of fact, the safe delivery of these containers worldwide depends on their conformity with the regulations of shipping and safety that are set at the international level.
It is very important that the container you use is the right one if you want to be safe and follow the law. MEOX by ZN makes sure that the construction and material of the container are suitable for the exact level of danger and the requirements of your industry.
Chemical and Drug Manufacturing
| Recommended Container | Why It’s Used | Key Industries |
| Glass-Lined Steel Containers | Best for strong acids and corrosive materials (Class 8). The lining prevents leaks and structural damage. | Chemical Manufacturing, Pharmaceuticals |
| Aluminum Containers | Used for sensitive chemicals and food additives. Lightweight and resists contamination. | Pharmaceuticals, Food & Beverage |
Table 1: Recommendation: DG Containers for Chemical and Drug Industry
Fuel, Gas, and Energy
| Recommended Container | Why It’s Used | Key Industries |
| Steel Containers (with Spill Tray) | Essential for flammable liquids like petrol and diesel (Class 3). The built-in spill tray (bund) catches leaks, preventing environmental hazards. | Oil & Gas, Energy & Utilities |
| Composite Containers | Designed for certain high-pressure gases (Class 2). Offers high strength without being too heavy. | Energy & Utilities, Specialized Logistics |
Table 2: Recommendation: DG Containers for Fuel, Gas, and Energy Industry
Heavy Materials and Waste
| Recommended Container | Why It’s Used | Key Industries |
| High-Strength Steel Containers | Built for rugged work, carrying heavy ores, explosives, or construction chemicals. Provides maximum durability. | Mining & Metals, Construction |
| Plastic (HDPE) Containers | Used for non-flammable, corrosive cleaning agents and some agricultural compounds. Highly resistant to chemical damage. | Waste Management, Agriculture |
Table 3: Recommendation: DG Containers for Heavy Materials and Waste Industry
| Container Type | Maximum Capacity | Common Uses in Various Industries |
| 20ft Hazardous Goods Container | 20,000 kg | Chemicals, fuels, oils, pharmaceuticals |
| 40ft Dangerous Goods Container | 40,000 kg | Heavy materials, industrial chemicals, waste |
| Custom Dangerous Goods Container | Varies | Specific needs for unique materials (e.g., gases, explosives) |
Table 4: Dangerous Goods Container Specifications
To ensure safety and compliance during transport, the classification of all hazardous materials is done in nine different classes, which form the United Nations (UN) Hazard Classes, as per the direction of international standards like the IMDG Code and ADR. These classes specify the dangers involved and, consequently, the container kind and the handling instructions needed. A container carrying dangerous goods has to be qualified to transport the material class that it contains safely.
Fig. 5: UN Hazard Classes Overview and Example of Relevant Industries
Industries that deal with the use of hazardous materials must comply with very rigorous rules, for example, ADR (Acccord Dangereux Routier), the IMDG Code (International Maritime Dangerous Goods), and OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) norms for the safe handling of dangerous goods. The packing of dangerous goods should be done properly and must follow these global safety standards so that there will be no leakage of such materials during transport or storage.
Businesses that do not respect these rules risk heavy fines and the loss of their good name; thus, it really makes sense for them to follow the regulations. Additionally, the safety of both employees and the ecosystem is ensured when the probability of an accident is reduced through the correct selection of containers for different types of hazardous materials.
Compliance is dependent on particular design elements that lessen the risk. The ZN MEOX containers have been designed with the following non-negotiable technical features to comply with worldwide regulations such as the IMDG Code and ISO 1496 standards:
Bunded Floor (Containment Sump)
Purpose: Serves as a secondary containment for liquid spills (e.g., Class 3 Flammables, Class 8 Corrosives) that may leak from the primary container, thus preventing environmental pollution.
Key Feature: A steel liquid-tight tray with a capacity of 110% of the largest inner container volume.
Natural Ventilation System
Purpose: It is used to prevent the buildup of explosive or toxic atmospheres caused by volatile chemicals and fumes.
Key Feature: High and low-level baffled vents provide uninterrupted passive air exchange, and at the same time, they are resistant to the weather.
Robust Locking Mechanisms
Purpose: Keeps items that are of high-risk safe from unauthorized access and accidental opening during rough transport.
Key Feature: Multi-point, heavy-duty steel locking bars that comply with high-security certification standards.
Certified Fire Ratings
Purpose: Keeps the container from being damaged by very hot external sources for a certain time, keeps the contents safe, and stops the fire from getting bigger.
Key Feature: The use of especially resistant-to-fire materials in the construction to maintain a certain level of containment.
There are many advantages that come with the use of dangerous goods containers. These include:
Safety: The containers are made in a way that they can endure the risks that come with the hazardous materials, thus the chances of spills and accidents are very low.
Fig. 4: Placarding of Dangerous Goods Containers
Compliance: Following safety standards set by the world ensures that enterprises are in accordance with the law, and thus, they do not face any kind of punishment.
Efficiency: The use of specialized containers facilitates the transportation and storage process, and thus, the industries that have to move hazardous materials can do so with ease.
Environmental Protection: Doing away with the release of hazardous substances through proper containment is the way to go if we want to save the environment from pollution and thus protect natural resources and wildlife.
Case Study 1: Industrial Chemical Transport in Dubai
Location: Dubai, UAE
Project Year: 2021
Project Overview: I led the entire operation of transporting and storing the hazardous chemicals involved in an industrial project in Dubai as the Project Manager at ZN MEOX. The project entailed the use of custom-made Dangerous Goods containers to guarantee adherence to the local regulations and safety standards of the world. Such containers were indispensable in the safe handling of chemicals for the building of the next-generation manufacturing plant.
My Role:
I led the planning and implementation of the project, coordinating with local authorities to ensure compliance with the UAE’s regulatory requirements. The knowledge I gained from handling DG containers for various international projects greatly contributed to the success of this project.
Testimonial:
“We really put the transport of our chemicals with safety in the top of our priorities. Thanks to ZN MEOX’s skill in the handling of Dangerous Goods containers, the project has reached its completion without raising any safety concerns. In fact, the containers were specially made to cope with the high-risk materials that were part of our process.”
– Ahmed Al-Farsi, Procurement Manager, 4 Star Industrial Chemicals Corp.
Case Study 2: Hazardous Waste Management in Johannesburg
Location: Johannesburg, South Africa
Project Year: 2019
Project Overview: I was in charge of the waste materials and their safe disposal in the mining operation in Johannesburg. First, the project required the use of heavy-duty Dangerous Goods containers equipped to hold and carry toxic materials, such as heavy metals and chemicals, to disposal facilities authorized by the authorities.
My Role: I directed the logistics of safely transporting hazardous waste, working closely with environmental safety experts to ensure the containers were compliant with both local and international standards. It was my role that made the greatest impact on the smooth running of the project with no environmental incidents.
Testimonial:
“We admired how well ZN MEOX managed the dangerous materials both in terms of efficiency and safety. The tailor-made containers were up to any safety standard and ensured that our waste management went according to the law in terms of environmental regulations.”
– Zanele Moyo, Environmental Safety Officer, Saltlake Mining Solutions Ltd.
| Container Type | Material Composition | Key Features | Best Suited For |
| Steel Dangerous Goods Container | High-strength steel | Durable, weather-resistant, fire-resistant | Transporting heavy and corrosive materials |
| Aluminum Dangerous Goods Container | Lightweight aluminum | Corrosion-resistant, lightweight, easy to transport | Chemical substances, food additives |
| Plastic Dangerous Goods Container | High-density polyethylene (HDPE) | Resistant to chemicals, impact-resistant | Safe transport of non-flammable chemicals |
| Glass-Lined Dangerous Goods Container | Glass-lined steel | Resistant to acids, rust, and corrosion | Pharmaceuticals, volatile chemicals |
| Composite Dangerous Goods Container | Composite materials (fiberglass, carbon fiber) | Lightweight, high-strength, UV-resistant | Hazardous gases, high-pressure materials |
Table 2: Comparison of Dangerous Goods Container Types by Material and Features
For a deeper understanding of why a Dangerous Goods Container is crucial for safe shipping, please refer to our related blog here.
Dangerous goods containers are essential to many different industrial sectors that use or have to manage hazardous materials. These vessels are the main enablers of safety, regulatory compliance, and protection of the environment, thus making it possible for companies to transport and store dangerous goods in a safe way, without putting their workers, the public, or the environment at risk. For those sectors that depend on safe and efficient solutions, putting money into high-quality dangerous goods containers is definitely a move that secures their success in the long run.
At ZN MEOX, we specialize in providing robust, certified dangerous goods containers for industries worldwide. Contact us today to learn more about our solutions for safe hazardous material transport.
What are dangerous goods containers used for?
Dangerous goods containers are designed to keep and move hazardous materials safely; thus, they help to avoid accidents that may result from the release of flammable, toxic, or corrosive substances.
What industries use dangerous goods containers?
These containers are used in various industries such as chemical manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, oil and gas, mining, and agriculture for the safe handling of hazardous materials.
How do dangerous goods containers comply with safety regulations?
These containers meet global safety standards such as ADR and IMDG to ensure that there are no leakages and safe handling of the hazardous materials.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only. Even though the accuracy and reliability of the content have been put under every possible effort, MEOX does not accept any responsibility for errors or omissions. It is highly recommended that users seek advice from the appropriate authorities or experts before engaging in the transportation and storage of dangerous goods.
Check out the following video for a better understanding of Dangerous Goods Containers: Watch here.
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