Air carrier flight crew reported the Hazmat cargo container was emitting a strong odor of paint or paint thinner during pre-flight. The Captain directed the ground crew to remove the container prior to departure.
Synopsis
Air carrier flight crew reported the Hazmat cargo container was emitting a strong odor of paint or paint thinner during pre-flight. The Captain directed the ground crew to remove the container prior to departure.
Narrative
When the ZZZZ DG representatives showed the Hazardous materials pallet to FO; he was not satisfied with the presentation. He came to get me (The Captain) so I could take a look. As I neared the position of the Hazardous Materials pallet; I could smell the strong odor of paint or paint thinner. The ZZZZ representatives were adamant that the packages were not leaking and had been x-rayed to ensure no leaking. We presented the representatives documentation from our DG manual that unusual odors were unacceptable for transport. I went back to the flight deck and called the dispatcher to bring him into the loop on the situation and told him that I was wanting the offending packages removed or the entire pallet. I reiterated to the ZZZZ ground personnel that the shipment was not going to go as it was. A few minutes later; one of the other first officers made the suggestion to call a DG expert. So I called the dispatcher back and asked to be connected to a DG staff member. Our dispatcher connected us to DG staff member. I explained the situation and the DG staff member was VERY clear that the entire pallet needed to be removed from the airplane and investigated. Meanwhile the ground personnel were deconstructing the pallet to remove the paint containers. The strong odor moved with the containers as they were removing them through the 1L entry door and even with the containers outside the airplane; there was strong odor in the supernumerary compartment. I informed the ground personnel that the entire pallet needed to be removed from the airplane and that I knew it was an inconvenience and that it would take time since the pallet is at the front of the airplane and the cargo door is near the rear on the main deck. But it had to be done. They asked for and I passed them the contact information for the dispatcher by which they could speak directly to the DG staff member. Eventually the ground personnel accepted that they had to download the left side containers to remove the DG Pallet. The thing I'd like to emphasize is that the ground personnel in ZZZZ were adamant that the containers where NOT leaking. What we couldn't get them to understand is that the strong ODOR coming from the containers was the problem. All of the containers had orientation arrows on them. And sure; while upright they weren't actively leaking in the airplane. But the fumes were hazardous and most likely do to some of those containers not being properly sealed. The ground personnel couldn't not understand our point about the ODOR. But it is very clear in our manuals. After the pallet was removed; they reloaded the airplane without that pallet and we departed XX minutes late. The rest of the flight was uneventful. Cause: Improperly packaged or sealed Dangerous Goods containers. Suggestion: Awareness of DG personnel in ZZZZ that odors emanating from DG shipments are a no fly item for us. And better procedures to ensure all packages are properly sealed.
Second reporter narrative
The second relief First Officer was conducting the DG inspection and asked me if I smelled a paint smell while I was in the supernumerary area. It was faint by the galley but as I walked towards the cargo bay by the ADG (Accessible Dangerous Goods) pallet; the smell became much stronger. The CA was called back to the pallet to inspect the situation as well; and we all agreed that the smell and associated DG needed to be investigated. When the ramp agent and personnel were unable to find anything leaking etc; the CA told them to remove the pallet. The CA also called Dispatch and was able to speak with the DG staff member who insisted that the entire pallet did in fact need to be removed and inspected. Ground personnel removed the pallet; the smell was no longer present; and once we were reloaded etc; we proceeded with the flight from ZZZZ to ZZZ without further incident.Cause: Unknown. According to the DG staff member; the pallet should be / should have been inspected.
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Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.