What is a key responsibility of the shipper regarding the packaging of liquids?

• A. Ensure leakproof inner receptacles and secondary containment to prevent spills.
• B. Label with hazard warning but no containment.
• C. Use only glass containers.
• D. Avoid any secondary containment.

Answer: (A)

Spill prevention during transport is the essential idea here: liquids must be packaged in a way that contains any leaks and contains the substance securely through multiple layers. The shipper must ensure that the inner receptacles are leakproof and compatible with the liquid, with secure closures to prevent spills under normal handling and transport conditions. This inner packaging is then placed inside secondary containment, which captures any leak if the inner container fails or is damaged, protecting the outer packaging, surrounding cargo, people, and the environment.

This approach directly addresses the risk of spills and is aligned with how dangerous goods regulations expect liquids to be packaged: a leakproof inner container plus a secondary containment to capture potential leakage. Labeling alone with hazard warnings does not prevent spills, using only glass containers is not a requirement and isn’t suitable for all liquids or conditions, and avoiding secondary containment would leave a path for leaks to escape, which is unsafe.