Toolbox
The 9 classes of dangerous goods
IMDG classification at sea, ADR by road, IATA DGR by air: nine classes, and the divisions that change everything in handling.
Class 1Explosive substances and articles
- Mass explosion hazardThe explosion affects virtually the entire load instantaneously.
- Projection hazardProjection hazard, without mass explosion hazard.
- Fire hazardFire hazard with a minor blast or projection hazard, without mass explosion.
- Minor hazardEffects confined to the package; no significant projection of fragments is expected.
- Very insensitive substanceMass explosion hazard, but so insensitive that initiation is very unlikely under normal conditions of transport.
- Extremely insensitive articleNo mass explosion hazard; negligible probability of accidental initiation.
Class 2Gases
- Flammable gasesGases that ignite on contact with an ignition source — acetylene, hydrogen.
- Non-flammable, non-toxic gasesCompressed, liquefied, cryogenic, asphyxiant or oxidising gases, neither flammable nor toxic.
- Toxic gasesGases liable to cause death or serious harm to health if inhaled.
Class 3Flammable liquids
- Flammable liquidsAcetone, diesel, petrol, kerosene, oils. Three groups by flash point: below −18 °C, from −18 to +23 °C, above +23 °C.
Class 4Flammable solids
- Flammable solidsReadily combustible solids, self-reactive substances, solids that ignite through friction.
- Substances liable to spontaneous combustionPyrophoric substances, which ignite within minutes of contact with air, or self-heating substances.
- Dangerous when wetSubstances that emit flammable gases on contact with water.
Class 5Oxidising substances and organic peroxides
- Oxidising substancesSubstances that, by releasing oxygen, cause or contribute to the combustion of other material.
- Organic peroxidesOxygenated organic compounds derived from hydrogen peroxide, thermally unstable.
Class 6Toxic and infectious substances
- Toxic substancesSubstances liable to cause death or serious harm to health during transport.
- Infectious substancesSubstances that contain or may contain pathogens for humans or animals.
Class 7Radioactive material
- Radioactive materialMaterials, alone or combined, that emit ionising radiation.
Class 8Corrosive substances
- Corrosive substancesLiquids or solids that cause full-thickness destruction of skin, or that severely corrode steel and aluminium.
Class 9Miscellaneous dangerous substances and articles
- Miscellaneous hazardsA real hazard during transport without falling under another class: elevated-temperature substances, marine pollutants, hazardous waste.