'Keep Away From Heat' Marking Requirements For Air Transport (IATA & ICAO)

Keep Away From Heat Marking A dangerous-goods package marking used to communicate the regulatory information represented by 'Keep Away From Heat Marking', subject to the applicable mode and regulations. For air transport, that phrase must be interpreted against the ICAO Technical Instructions and the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations to determine whether a standardized label, additional wording, temperature limits, or special packing applies.

Air carriers and ground handling agents operate under stringent rules because of the confined space and pressure/temperature variations in aircraft environments. A package marked 'Keep Away From Heat' may trigger additional packing requirements (insulation, venting, or thermal barriers), limitations on carriage (e.g., acceptance only in temperature-controlled containers), or outright shipment prohibitions when safe carriage cannot be guaranteed.

What ICAO/IATA Expect From Shippers

Both ICAO and IATA require shippers to classify dangerous goods correctly and provide accurate documentation and markings. For temperature-sensitive consignments, shippers should:

• Assess: Verify whether the substance has a temperature-dependent hazard listed in the Technical Instructions or DGR.
• Document: State any temperature restriction or maximum permissible storage temperature on the Shipper's Declaration for Dangerous Goods.
• Label: Apply any specific handling labels required by the DGR/ICAO, and supplement them with a clear 'Keep Away From Heat' instruction if the rules permit non-standard wording for operational guidance.

Labeling And Placard Details For Air Shipments

IATA/ICAO prioritize standardized pictograms and handling labels to aid universal recognition. Where a standardized temperature-control label exists (for example, cold chain labels), use that in addition to any heat-avoidance marking. If the regulation does not prescribe a graphic, the textual 'Keep Away From Heat' instruction should be legible, placed near other dangerous goods labels, and referenced on the dangerous goods declaration so acceptance staff and load planners see it before loading.

Operational Consequences At Acceptance And Loading

At acceptance, the airline's dangerous goods acceptance officer will check documentation and markings. If the marking indicates a need for temperature control the carrier will verify their ability to meet requirements. Common outcomes:

• Accepted With Conditions: Shipment accepted only for carriage in temperature-controlled containers or selected flights.
• Delayed: Carrier requests clarification or additional packaging/venting measures before acceptance.
• Rejected: Carrier refuses carriage if temperature requirements cannot be met or if the shipper failed to disclose them properly.

Practical Steps For Air Shippers

To avoid delays or rejections, follow these steps:

• Pre-Check: Consult the latest IATA DGR and ICAO Technical Instructions for any entries referencing temperature sensitivity.
• Use Standard Labels Where Possible: Apply any prescribed handling icons first; add 'Keep Away From Heat' text only as a supplement.
• Specify Temperature Limits: If the hazard is temperature‑dependent, include a maximum storage temperature in degrees Celsius on the Shipper's Declaration.
• Coordinate With Carrier: Confirm acceptance procedures and available temperature-controlled options prior to tendering.

Example Scenario

A chemical that decomposes above 40°C is prepared for air shipment. The shipper lists the temperature limit on the dangerous goods declaration, applies the standard dangerous goods labels, supplements with a visible 'Keep Away From Heat — Store Below 40°C' marking on multiple sides, and confirms with the airline that the cargo will be carried in a temperature-controlled ULD. Because the shipper documented the restriction and the carrier could meet it, the shipment was accepted without delay.

In short, the Keep Away From Heat Marking takes on additional regulatory and operational weight in air transport: use it to communicate exact temperature limits where required, follow IATA/ICAO labeling norms, and engage carriers early to ensure safe carriage.