Dangerous goods are the chemicals and materials that are being used by many industries; what makes these materials dangerous is their potential to be hazardous. In general the classification of dangerous goods is based on the risk that they can pose.
Thereupon, as we know the general classification of dangerous goods includes 9 classes. That is to say, each class is characterized by some features and can be differed from the other classes by its number and symbol.
Moreover, the classes of dangerous goods are actually put in order starting from the most hazardous to the least hazardous materials. Also, it is good for you to know that some dangerous materials can be found in several classifications.
Dangerous goods are also known as hazardous materials, and its shortened term is HAZMAT.
Henceforth, when it comes to hazmat transportation in the USA, we can see that it is increasing a lot in the last decade that is due to the requirements of many industries that are using this kind of dangerous materials as essentials to their work.
So, it is a must for the future hazmat truck drivers to learn all 9 classes of dangerous goods that they will have to transport.
The Intent Of Dangerous Goods Classification
The transportation of hazardous materials is extremely risky, it is nothing like the convenient transportation of loads. So, straight proportionally we can see that the intent of dangerous goods classification is to protect the people that are engaged on the road as well as the environment.
In regards to hazmat truck drivers, all of them must first get a hazardous materials endorsement on their CDL (there are even free truck driving schools that are offering hazmat training).
In order to obtain their hazardous materials, endorsement hazmat truck drivers shall undergo numerous training, as well as tests.
The basic of the test that they will get is connected with the identification of the dangerous materials. Later on, they will have to know how to safely load the shipments, as well as how to properly placard the vehicle.
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It’s simple like that! Hazmat truck drivers will have to learn all the rules about dangerous goods, and they will have to respect them no matter what.
Moreover, one more reason why there is dangerous goods classification is the fact that hazmat truck drivers should understand their role and responsibilities in hauling dangerous goods.
So let’s take a look at dangerous goods classification!
Class 1: Explosives
So, the main reason for dangerous goods classification is to determine the real risk that these goods can cause. Therefore in that direction, I will talk about the Class 1 which includes the explosives.
Thereupon, Class 1 includes the explosives, and it is more than crystal clear that explosives can cause a major hazard due to their destruction to people and property. So, this classification includes the following explosives: pyrotechnic substances, explosive articles, and explosive substances.
Yet, the explosives have the feature to rapidly expand their pressure which unfortunately can result in devastating destruction.
Did you know that in fact Class 1 itself has 6 sub-classifications?
So let’s take a look at the table and learn more about these 6 sub-classifications!
| Division 1.1. | Substances that have a mass explosion hazard. |
| Division 1.2. | Substances and articles that have a projection hazard, but not a mass explosion hazard. |
| Division 1.3. | Substances or articles that have a fire hazard and either a minor blast hazard or minor projection hazard, or both but not a mass explosion hazard. |
| Division 1.4. | Substances and articles that present no significant hazard. The effect would be confined to the package and no projection of fragments of size or range is expected.
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| Division 1.5. | Very insensitive substances that have a mass explosion hazard. These substances have a low probability of initiation or of transition from burning to detonation under normal conditions of transportation. |
| Division 1.6. | Extremely insensitive articles that do not have a mass explosion hazard. |
Class 2: Gases
Later on, the second classification includes the gasses. In fact, the gases can pose a hazard because they can easily diffuse over a large volume. Also gases can have a flammable, toxic and oxidizing effect.
In the same manner as the Class 1, the Class 2 as well has its own sub-classifications.
| Division 2.1 | Flammable gases- example of flammable gases are hydrogen, methane, acetylene. |
| Division 2.2 | Non-flammable, non-toxic gases- nitrogen, compressed air, helium, argon. |
| Division 2.3 | Toxic gases- carbon monoxide, chlorine, phosgene. |
Thereupon, these dangerous goods are extremely hazardous if the gases are exposed at 50 degrees has a vapor pressure greater than 300kPa. Also, it is good for you to know that the gasses can be stored as well compressed liquefied or under pressure.
Class 3: Flammable Liquids
So, we’ve came to Class 3. This class includes the flammable liquids. Flammable liquids are dangerous goods as well, because are capable of being burned or ignited. That is to say the ignition of the flammable liquid is seen as the biggest hazard.
In general, the flammable liquids in accordance to their degree of danger are divided into three packing groups. Remember that higher vapor pressure can be exhibited by liquid compounds.
Class 4: Flammable Solids
Flammable solids are also considered to be dangerous goods, and since they are dangerous goods can be places in the Class 4. Since flammable solids have a flammable nature, the name itself speaks volumes, can be divided into three divisions, and three packing groups.
Therefore, when it comes to the packing group flammable solids are being packed like this, the first packing group includes the flammable solids with the highest danger.
Later on we have the second packing group with flammable solids with moderate danger, and last but not least the third packing group with flammable solids with minor danger.
