What are Dangerous Goods?

Tanker

Goods which are classified as dangerous for transport range from those which are highly dangerous (such as explosives and fuming acids) to everyday products such as paints, solvents and pesticides found in the home and at work. Dangerous goods, which can also be called hazardous materials (mainly in the US), may be substances or products. The transport of such goods is regulated to ensure the safety of life, of the ship, aircraft or vehicle, and of other goods (such as foodstuffs) being transported. For example, solvents must be in sealed airtight containers otherwise the fumes could affect people in the close vicinity. Other substances may not be harmful unless they come into contact with fire or water, but for safety purposes these are also classified as dangerous goods. The following table shows the UN system for the classification of dangerous goods and illustrates the range that this applies to:

Class 1 Explosives

Class 2 Gases

Division 2.1 Flammable gas
Division 2.2 Non-flammable non toxic gas
Division 2.3 Toxic gas

Class 3 Flammable liquids

Class 4 Other flammables

Division 4.1 Flammable solids
Division 4.2 Substances liable to spontaneous combustion
Division 4.3 Substances which, in contact with water, emit flammable gases

Class 5

Division 5.1 Oxidising agents
Division 5.2 Organic peroxides

Class 6

Division 6.1 Toxic substances
Division 6.2 Infectious substances

Class 7 Radioactive materials

Class 8 Corrosives

Class 9 Miscellaneous

Class 9 includes items such as asbestos and airbags which don't fit into any of the other 8 classes.