Understanding the 9 Classes of Dangerous Goods

Dangerous goods classes are categories used to classify hazardous materials based on their specific properties and risks. These classes and their subclasses provide a standardised system for identifying, handling, storing, transporting, and regulating dangerous goods. In this blog, we will discuss each class in more detail, including their subclasses and the reasons behind their regulation:

Class 1: Explosives

Explosives have the potential to release large amounts of energy rapidly, resulting in an explosion. Class 1 is further divided into six subclasses:

- Division 1.1: Substances and articles with a mass explosion hazard.
- Division 1.2: Substances and articles with a projection hazard.
- Division 1.3: Substances and articles with a fire hazard and minor blast or projection hazard.
- Division 1.4: Substances and articles with a minor explosion hazard.
- Division 1.5: Very insensitive substances with a mass explosion hazard.
- Division 1.6: Extremely insensitive articles that do not have a mass explosion hazard.

Reason for Regulation:
Explosives are highly dangerous and can cause significant harm to human life, property, and the environment. Regulation is necessary to ensure their safe handling, storage, and transportation. Proper packaging, labeling, storage conditions, and transportation protocols are enforced to prevent accidental explosions and minimise risks.

Class 2: Gases
Gases are substances that are in a gaseous state at normal temperature and pressure. Class 2 is further divided into three subclasses:
 
- Division 2.1: Flammable gases.
- Division 2.2: Non-flammable, non-toxic gases.
- Division 2.3: Toxic gases.

Reason for Regulation:
Gases can pose various hazards, including flammability, toxicity, and asphyxiation risks. Regulation is necessary to ensure their safe handling, storage, and transportation. Measures such as proper container design, pressure regulation, leak detection, ventilation, and training are enforced to prevent accidents, fires, explosions, and health hazards.

Class 3: Flammable Liquids

Flammable liquids are substances that have a flashpoint below 60°C (140°F).

Reason for Regulation:
Flammable liquids can ignite and burn easily, posing fire and explosion risks. Regulation is necessary to control their storage, handling, and transportation. Proper container design, labeling, fire-resistant storage, spill containment, and fire prevention systems are enforced to prevent fires, protect workers, and minimise property damage.

Class 4: Flammable Solids

Flammable solids are substances that can ignite and burn when exposed to an ignition source. Class 4 is further divided into three subclasses:

- Division 4.1: Flammable solids that are readily combustible.
- Division 4.2: Spontaneously combustible substances.
- Division 4.3: Substances that emit flammable gases when in contact with water.

Reason for Regulation:
Flammable solids can cause fires and the release of hazardous gases. Regulation is necessary to control their storage, handling, and transportation. Measures such as segregation, fire-resistant storage, and packaging requirements are enforced to prevent fires, protect personnel and property, and minimize risks.

5. Class 5: Oxidizing Substances and Organic Peroxides

Oxidizing substances and organic peroxides can contribute to the intensification of fires and explosions. Class 5 is divided into two subclasses:

- Division 5.1: Oxidizing substances.
- Division 5.2: Organic peroxides.

Reason for Regulation:
Oxidizing substances and organic peroxides are reactive materials that can enhance the combustion of other substances. Regulation is necessary to control their handling, storage, and transportation. Measures such as segregation, temperature control, and proper packaging

Class 6: Toxic Substances and Infectious Substances

Class 6 encompasses substances that can cause harm to human health or the environment. Class 6 is divided into two subclasses:

- Division 6.1: Toxic substances: These substances, when inhaled, ingested, or in contact with the skin, can cause acute or chronic harm to human health.
- Division 6.2: Infectious substances: These substances contain pathogens, such as bacteria or viruses, that can cause disease in humans or animals.

Reason for Regulation:
Toxic substances and infectious substances can pose significant risks to human health and the environment. Regulation is necessary to control their handling, storage, transportation, and disposal. The aim is to protect workers, prevent contamination, and minimize health risks. Measures include proper packaging, labeling, training, and disposal protocols to ensure safe handling and reduce the risk of exposure.

Class 7: Radioactive Materials

Class 7 includes materials that emit ionizing radiation. Radioactive materials are further divided into three subclasses based on the level of radioactivity:

- Division 7.1: Radioactive materials: These materials have a high level of radioactivity and pose the most significant risks.
- Division 7.2: Radioactive materials, excepted packages: These are low-level radioactive materials with limited radioactivity, packaged and labeled with specific exemptions.
- Division 7.3: Surface contaminated objects: These are objects that have radioactive contamination on their surfaces but do not emit significant radiation.

Reason for Regulation:
Radioactive materials can pose severe risks to human health and the environment. Regulation is necessary to control their handling, transportation, and disposal. Specific requirements, including radiation shielding, labeling, packaging, and training, are enforced to protect personnel, prevent unauthorized exposure, and minimize environmental impact.

Class 8: Corrosive Substances

Class 8 includes substances that can cause severe damage to living tissues or other materials.

Reason for Regulation:
Corrosive substances can cause injuries, property damage, and environmental contamination. Regulation is necessary to control their handling, storage, and transportation. Requirements include proper packaging, labeling, and handling protocols to reduce the risk of exposure and minimize corrosive effects. Measures such as spill containment, compatible storage, and appropriate personal protective equipment are enforced to prevent accidents, protect workers, and minimize environmental impact.

Class 9: Miscellaneous Dangerous Substances and Articles

Class 9 encompasses dangerous goods that present significant risks during transportation but do not fall under the other classes. This class includes substances and articles with various hazards, such as environmental hazards, elevated temperatures, magnetized materials, lithium batteries, and more.

Reason for Regulation:
Class 9 substances and articles possess specific risks that require regulation during transportation. The aim is to ensure their safe handling, storage, and transportation to prevent accidents, protect personnel and property, and minimize environmental impact. Proper packaging, labeling, and handling procedures are enforced to mitigate risks associated with these miscellaneous dangerous goods.

Regulation of dangerous goods is essential to protect human life, property, and the environment. The regulations help establish standardized practices for their safe handling, storage, transportation, and disposal. Adhering to these regulations ensures that appropriate precautions are taken to minimize the risks associated with each class of dangerous goods.