CLASS 2

Gases

Class 2.1

Flammable Gases

These are gases which will burn.

Acetylene, LPG

Class 2.2

Non-Flammable,
Non-Toxic Gases

These gases are usually compressed and so are a source of stored energy and some may also preent an anoxic hazard (that is, they will excludeoxygen and so kill through asphyxiation). These containers may rocket if valves are damaged or containers are involved in a fire.

Air, Carbon Dioxide,
Nitrogen

CLASS 3

Flammable Liquids

These liquids will all burn.

Petrol, Kerosene

CLASS 4

Flammable Solids

Class 4.1

Flammable Solids, self-reactive and related substances and desensitised explosives

Solids easily ignited and readily combustible. These are ordinarily flammable solids which don't fit into Class 4.2 or 4.3.

phosphorus, picric acid

Class 4.2

Spontaneously Combustible

These materials will catch fire if exposed to air without any heat being applied (that is, the heat from the normal air is sufficient for them to catch fire - no other source of heat is required).

charcoal (non-activated)

Class 4.3

Dangerous When Wet

This class is also known as 'Emits flammable gases when wet'. This class has a particular hazard: not only can moisture from the air cause a fire, but if water or foam is used to extinguish them, it will make the situation worse.

calcium carbide

CLASS 5

Oxidising Substances

Class 5.1

Oxidising Agent

These are all oxidising agents other than organic peroxides. When substances burn in air, they combine with oxygen and so are said to have been oxidised. Other chemicals have a similar 'burning' effect and so are said to be oxidising agents. The largest group of these are the organic peroxides.

chlorine calcium hypochlorite sodium peroxide

Class 5.2

Organic Peroxides (liquid or solid)

These are a particular class of oxidising agent. hey have all the normal hazards of oxidising agents (that is, they will cause a 'chemical urning'). In addition, they will often be explosive under certain conditions - especially, if they are allowed to dry out.

benzoyl peroxides, methyl ethyl, ketone peroxides (MEKP)

CLASS 6

Poisonous and Infectious Substances

Class 6.1

Poisons & Toxic Substances

These are liable to cause death or serious injury to human health if inhaled, swallowed or absorbed through the skin. They are covered by special regulations and need special registration. It is acceptable to use the word 'toxic' to replace the word 'poison'.

cyanides, lead, arsenic, pesticides, heavy metals

Class 6.2

Infectious Substances

These are materials which must be stored away from food stuffs but which are not classified as poisons.

1. Infectious substances are substances which are known or are reasonably expected to contain pathogens.

2. Biological products are those products derived from living organisms which are manufactured and distributed in accordance with the requirements of appropriate national authorities. They include, but are not limited to, finished or unfinished products such as vaccines.

3. Cultures (laboratory stocks) are the result of a process by which pathogens are intentionally propagated.

4. Patient specimens are human or animal materials.

5. Genetically modified micro-organisms and organisms are micro-organisms and organisms in which genetic material has been purposely altered through genetic engineering in a way that does not occur naturally.

6. Medical or clinical wastes are wastes derived from the medical treatment of animals or humans or from bio-research.

CLASS 8

Corrosives

These chemicals will eat away at a wide range of materials. Care must be taken to ensure the containers and packages are made from the right materials and the chemicals do not contact your clothes, skin or eyes.Special protective equipment needs to be worn.

hydrochloric acid, sodium hypochlorite (liquid pool chlorine) , sodium hydroxide (caustic soda)

CLASS 9

Miscellaneous Goods

Substances and articles which have potentially dangerous properties that are relatively minor, or are not covered by any of the classes already described.

aerosols, polyester beads

MIXED CLASS

The Mixed Class label is principally used as a placard on transport units transporting more than one class or division of dangerous goods.