What are the different classes of dangerous goods? Dangerous goods are grouped into nine different classes, according to the most significant risk presented by the goods. For instance, if a substance falls into class one, it is explosive in nature. Similarly, if it falls in class three, it is a flammable liquid. As I said, however, if a substance poses more than one hazard it is assigned a class on the basis of the most significant hazard and allocated one or more subsidiary risks (sub-risks), based on the other potential hazards. Detailed information on the classification of dangerous goods according to the various classes can be obtained from Hazchemwize. They are classified as per hazard class: • Class 1 – Explosives • Class 2 .1 – Flammable gases • Class 2.2. – Non-flammable non-toxic gases • Class 2.2 (sub-risk 5.1) – Oxidising gases • Class 2.3 – Toxic gas • Class 3 – Flammable liquids • Class 4.1 – Flammable solids • Class 4.2 – Substances liable to spontaneous combustion • Class 4.3 – Substances that in contact with water emit flammable gases • Class 5.1 – Oxidising substances • Class 5.2 – Organic peroxides • Class 6.1 – Toxic substances • Class 6.2 – Infectious substances • Class 7 – Radioactive material • Class 8 – Corrosive substances • Class 9 – Miscellaneous dangerous goods and articles As an operator, how will I know if chemicals supplied to me are classified as dangerous goods or combustible liquids? Your supplier should be able to give you this information. This information should also be available from the label on the container or from a substance’s material safety data sheet (MSDS). Why is it important for companies to comply with dangerous goods regulations? In addition to the obvious fact that these regulations exist for the purpose of protecting people’s lives and property, complying with the rules also makes good financial sense. A company like Hazchemwize can ensure compliance of a rigid dangerous goods vehicle for under R10 000. If an accident occurs and it is discovered that a vehicle wasn’t compliant, it can cost the operator hundreds of thousands, if not millions.
Posted on: Tue, 28 Oct 2014 06:26:45 +0000
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