DANGEROUS GOODS TRAININGS · BY ASG
Aviation Dangerous Goods Training Overview
Aviation dangerous goods (DG) training is a mandatory regulatory requirement for all personnel involved in accepting, handling, loading, unloading, and transporting dangerous goods by air. Improper handling of dangerous goods poses severe safety risks: lithium battery fires, flammable liquid leaks, radioactive material mishandling, and explosive incidents have all resulted in fatal aviation accidents. The strict training requirements governing DG training reflect the life-safety criticality of this knowledge.
IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations (IATA DGR), now in its 65th Edition (2024), is the primary industry reference for dangerous goods transport by air. The DGR transposes ICAO Technical Instructions (Doc 9284) into practical operational requirements used by airlines, freight forwarders, cargo handlers, and shippers worldwide. All personnel involved in DG-related activities must complete category-specific initial and recurrent training every 24 months. For related cargo operations training, see our Cargo Trainings page.
IATA DGR Training Requirements
IATA DGR training requirements are organized into 12 function categories, each with specific knowledge requirements: general awareness (Category 12), acceptance (Category 3-6), handling, loading, and storage (Category 7), passenger handling (Category 8), crew training (Categories 1-2), and shipper/consignor training (Category 9). Each category requires training on the full DGR content relevant to that function, and training must be repeated within 24 months to remain current.
The DGR also requires that training be conducted or approved by an IATA-trained instructor (or a training organization approved by the airline or national CAA). Training records must be maintained and available for inspection by airlines and regulatory authorities. Airlines that fail to maintain current DG training records for their staff face significant regulatory findings in IOSA, EASA, and national CAA audits. ASG provides IATA DGR-aligned training with proper certification documentation for each participant.
The evolution of dangerous goods regulations — particularly around lithium batteries (Section II lithium battery provisions, IATA Special Provisions A127, A164, A183, A196) — has added significant complexity to DG training requirements in recent years. Lithium battery incidents involving passenger carry-on devices, crew equipment bags, and freight consignments have driven a series of DGR amendments that training programmes must reflect. ASG’s DGR training is updated with each annual DGR edition to ensure compliance with current requirements.
For organizations also subject to IOSA CGO compliance requirements, dangerous goods training records are directly assessed by IOSA auditors as part of the CGO domain. For EASA Part-145 MROs, DG awareness training is part of initial and recurrent safety training requirements. See our IOSA Audit Preparation for broader compliance support.
Our Dangerous Goods Training Programmes
IATA DGR Recurrent Training (24-Month Renewal)
Our IATA DGR recurrent training programmes cover all 12 function categories, with specific modules tailored to each occupational category: airline acceptance staff, cargo handling personnel, freight forwarders, aircraft load controllers, flight/cabin crew, and passengers. Available as 1-day (Category 12 general awareness) through 3-5 day programmes (Categories 3-6 acceptance/freight forwarding). Available as classroom or online formats with proper certification upon completion.
Lithium Battery Dangerous Goods Training
Our specialized Lithium Battery programme addresses the complex and frequently updated requirements for lithium battery transport by air: IATA DGR Section II provisions, Special Provisions A127/A164/A183, consumer electronics vs. commercial battery shipments, passenger carry-on procedures, crew equipment management, freight consignment acceptance, and emergency response for lithium battery incidents. Available as a standalone 4-hour module or integrated within full DGR recurrent programmes.
DGR Instructor & Train-the-Trainer Programme
ASG provides Train-the-Trainer programmes for organizations seeking to develop internal IATA DGR instructors. Our instructor programme covers: DGR regulatory framework, full DGR content across applicable function categories, instructional techniques for DGR training delivery, assessment and examination requirements, training record management, and annual amendment update procedures. Participants who complete the programme are qualified to deliver IATA DGR training internally. Available as a 5-day intensive programme.
Benefits of IATA DGR-Compliant Training
Why Choose Aero Support Group for Dangerous Goods Training?
ASG’s DGR instructors are IATA-qualified dangerous goods trainers with direct aviation cargo and acceptance experience, updated annually with each new IATA DGR edition. Our training programmes provide proper IATA-format certification documentation for each participant, suitable for presentation to airlines, regulatory authorities, and IOSA/EASA auditors.
We deliver DGR training in English and multiple other languages for global deployment, and provide both initial and recurrent training for all applicable function categories. For organizations seeking to integrate DGR training within a broader cargo operations training programme, see our Cargo Trainings page, or for full IOSA CGO compliance preparation, see our IOSA Audit Preparation service.
IATA DGR training must be completed every 24 months for all personnel in applicable function categories. Training conducted more than 24 months ago is no longer valid, and the individual must complete a new full training and examination cycle. Airlines and cargo handlers who allow training to lapse are at risk of significant regulatory findings in IOSA, EASA, and national CAA audits.
IATA DGR defines 12 function categories: 1 (Flight crew members), 2 (Flight attendants), 3 (Acceptance of cargo/mail including courier items – non-radioactive), 4 (Acceptance of cargo/mail including radioactive materials), 5 (ULD build-up — non-radioactive), 6 (ULD build-up — radioactive), 7 (Load planning, loading, transport, unloading), 8 (Passenger and baggage handling), 9 (Shipper and consignor preparation), 10 (Security personnel), 11 (Stores personnel), 12 (General awareness).
Yes, for many function categories, IATA DGR training can be completed via online self-paced or instructor-led programmes, provided the training organisation meets IATA’s requirements for online DGR delivery. Online training must include a proper examination and issue of a certificate meeting IATA format requirements. ASG provides online DGR training that meets these requirements.
After completing DGR training, participants must receive a certificate (in IATA-specified format) stating: name, date of training, DGR edition used, function category(ies) trained, examination score, and name of training organisation/instructor. Organisations must retain training records for all DG-handling personnel and make them available for regulatory inspection upon request.
ASG DGR training programmes are designed to meet IATA DGR training requirements and ICAO Technical Instructions training provisions. Most airlines and regulators accept training from qualified IATA DGR instructors. However, some airlines have specific approved training supplier lists. We recommend verifying specific airline acceptance requirements if you are training for a specific airline’s cargo acceptance programme.
- IATA DGR recurrent training for all 12 function categories
- Specialized lithium battery dangerous goods training programme
- DGR Instructor (Train-the-Trainer) programme for internal DG trainers
- Proper IATA-format DGR certification documentation for each participant
- Updated annually with each new IATA DGR and DGR amendment edition
- Classroom and online delivery formats with multi-language support
Ready to Complete Your IATA DGR Training?
Dangerous goods training is a safety-critical, mandatory regulatory requirement. Non-compliance puts lives at risk and exposes organisations to significant regulatory sanctions. Aero Support Group provides IATA DGR-compliant training programmes with proper certification documentation, updated with each new DGR edition. Contact our team to discuss your dangerous goods training requirements.
- Dangerous Goods Training
- IATA DGR
- ICAO Technical Instructions
- Lithium Battery Training
- DG Recurrent Training
- DGR Instructor Training
References
- IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations (IATA DGR), 65th Edition (2024)
- ICAO Technical Instructions for the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air (Doc 9284), 2023-2024
- IATA DGR Special Provision A127 — Lithium Metal and Lithium Ion Batteries (2024)
- IATA IOSA Standards Manual (ISM), Edition 17 — CGO Section: DGR training requirements
- Commission Regulation (EU) 965/2012 (EU Air Ops) — Dangerous goods training requirements for air carriers
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