The Cargo Safety Section (CSS) of the Air Navigation Bureau is responsible for developing standards and recommended practices (SARPs) to ensure the safe transport of international civil cargo by air. It provides a comprehensive analysis of problems raised by States and international organizations in the field of cargo safety, and issues recommendations for appropriate solutions.
The safe transport of Dangerous Goods by air (articles or substances that are capable of posing a hazard to health, safety, property, or the environment) is the backbone of the work done by the CSS. ICAO SARPs stipulate that the operator must establish policies and procedures for the transport of items in the cargo compartment, which include the conduct of a specific safety risk assessment (Annex 6, Part I, Chapter 15).
The Dangerous Goods Panel (DGP), established in 1976, undertakes specific studies and develops dangerous goods ICAO provisions as set forth in Annexes in response to evolving technologies and the introduction of new dangerous articles and substances. The DGP works to harmonize the provisions with those for all modes of transport while considering additional and often more stringent requirements necessary for transport by air.
The safe transport of cargo involves more than just the goods arriving undamaged to their destination; the safety of the flight, the aircraft, and the passengers is paramount and is above everything else. To accomplish this, the CSS and the DGP work closely and coordinate with other Bureaux and Panels in a multidisciplinary environment, specifically with regard to flight operations (Flight Operations Panel), airworthiness (Airworthiness Panel), cargo security (Aviation Security Panel), and safety management issues (Safety Management Panel) related to cargo.
For further information you may contact:
Dr. Katherine Rooney
Chief, Cargo Safety Section
E-mail: CSS@icao.int
