Dangerous Goods Transport

These are materials or items which can rapidly conflagrate or detonate as a consequence of a chemical reaction. That reaction produces gases at temperatures, pressures and speeds that can cause catastrophic damage. The class is split into six sub-divisions which outline the extent of its explosive and fire hazard.

The handling and transport of Class 1 explosives demand strict adherence to safety protocols to mitigate the potential risks. Proper packaging, labeling, and handling procedures are crucial to prevent accidents and ensure the safety of personnel involved.

These are gases which are compressed, liquefied or dissolved under pressure. They are capable of posing serious hazards due to their flammability, potential as asphyxiants, ability to oxidize and their toxicity or corrosiveness to humans. The class is split into three sub-divisions for flammable, non-flammable complressed and toxic.

These are liquids that give off a flammable vapour with a flashpoint of 60oC or lower. The evaporating gas increases on average 200-400 fold so a small amount of liquid can still give rise to a large fire. NOTE: Flammable liquids may have secondary hawards such as being toxic and/or corrosive.

These are materials whose normal form is solid but are capable of igniting under certain conditions. Some goods will have to be carried under temperature controlled conditions based upon their self-accelerating decomposition temperature. The class is split into three sub-divisions which outline what needs to be avoided to prevent ignition. These are Heat, Oxygen and Water.

These are substances which may cause or contribute to combustion, generally by yielding oxygen as a result of a redox chemical reaction. Any fires involving them will be intense, burn in spaces with very little or no air supply and may even be explosive. The class is split into two sub-divisions which are for Oxidising Agents and Organic Peroxides.

These are itemsthat have a bio-chemical effect on the human system, usually entering the system through inhalation, absorption and ingestion. The effects can be acute (rapid and often severe) or chronic (a long-term cumulative build up). The class is split into two sub-divisions which are for chemical poisons and substances with micro-organisms liable to cause infectious disease.

These are radioactive substances and objects that can harm both humans and the environment through radiation. It is vitaly important to limit the time of exposure with them. There is no sub-division but, there are different labels for radioactive materials which depend on the content and activity of such materials.

These are substances which can attack and destroy a wide range of other materials including most metals, construction materials, clothes and human tissue. The degree of corrosive attack can be affected by the strength of the corrosive, the dilution, temperature and time. The class is made up of Acids and Alkalis which are chemical opposites and neutralise each other.

Introduced in 1982, this calss is for all other dangerous substances and articles that do not fit the definition of the existing classes. There are, therefore, no common characteristics to the class. Class 9 includes Asbestos, PCB, Lithium Batteries, Polymeris Beads, Life Rafts, Elevated Temperature Substances and Modified Micro-organisms.