What specific elements must be verified during the inspection of a container before it is loaded with dangerous goods?

Before loading dangerous goods into a container, a thorough inspection must be conducted to verify several critical elements that ensure the container's suitability and prevent safety hazards. These elements include structural integrity, cleanliness, dryness, proper operation of doors, and absence of any conflicting hazard labels or markings. Structural integrity involves checking the container's frame, walls, roof, and floor for any signs of damage, such as dents, cracks, corrosion, or deformation, which could compromise its ability to contain the dangerous goods. Cleanliness is essential to prevent contamination or reactions between the dangerous goods and any residue from previous cargoes. The container must be free from any visible dirt, debris, or odors. Dryness is crucial for preventing moisture damage to the dangerous goods or promoting corrosion of the container itself. The container must be thoroughly dried before loading. Proper operation of doors includes verifying that the doors open and close smoothly, that the locking mechanisms are functional, and that the door seals are intact to prevent leakage. The absence of conflicting hazard labels or markings is important to avoid confusion or misidentification of the dangerous goods. Any old labels or markings that are not relevant to the current cargo must be removed or completely covered. This inspection ensures that the container is safe and suitable for transporting dangerous goods and that the risk of incidents during transit is minimized.