A320
Dispatch Dispatcher
Communication Breakdown
Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Hazardous Material Violation; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
Flight Crew Returned To Gate; General Maintenance Action
Company Policy; Human Factors
I took over this flight after sign-on. As the flight was closing out; I took a closer look. I noted that there was HAZMAT planned in [Bin] 2; along with 15 bags. Looking at what was actually scanned; I noted there were only 10 bags scanned in [Bin] 2. The remainder of the bags; and an [express cargo] item were scanned in [Bin] 3. The [express cargo] item isn't actually HAZMAT; but a restricted item. This item carries the SLS code of 'RDS.' This item carries the same loading requirement of HAZMAT. It must be secured by 15 bags; and can't be loaded in the nesting system of A320s and 757s.As I was looking at the ramp scanning; I got a call from the Ramp Lead. He advised me that the [express cargo] item was scanned and in [Bin] 3. He seemed confused that this was actually a restricted item (HAZMAT loading rules even though not HAZMAT). I advised him that this item couldn't go in [Bin] 3 as that's a nesting system. I advised him that the flight would have to come back to the gate and either remove the [express cargo] or move it to [Bin] 2 along with 15 bags. He said the flight was already out. I told him that I'd contact the crew by ACARS and he said he'd call [Station] Operations. I advised my Shift Manager what was going on; sent the crew an ACARS message; and advised [Station] Operations. As I was doing this; my Lead was advising the Flight Dispatcher what was going on. The flight returned to the gate area. The [express cargo] and some bags were moved from [Bin] 3 to have 15 bags and the [express cargo] in [Bin] 2. The Ramp Lead finalized the flight thusly; and I sent the final weights to the pilots.After takeoff; the Flight Dispatcher called. He said the Captain noted that the 'HAZMAT Item' wasn't removed from the aircraft; and that bags were moved around when they returned to the gate. I explained the situation with the RDS item to the Dispatcher; and advised moving the item and the bags solved the problem of having a 'restricted' item in the nesting system. The Dispatcher said he would pass the information on to the pilots.
Aircraft Load Agent reported aircraft returned to gate to correct Restricted Cargo load error (HAZMAT loading requirements applied).