Dangerous goods are substances and articles which affect the human health, safety, property of the environment because of their chemical or physical properties.
For those of us in Australia, dangerous goods classification is governed by the Australian Dangerous Goods (ADG) Code.
Although this code can be pertinent to transportation of goods, it further relates with the way we classify dangerous substances (and their hazard class) for proper handling and storage in workplaces.
Types of dangerous materials include flammable liquids, infectious substances, radioactive material, dangerous substances and so on.
International Maritime Dangerous Goods Regulations (IMDG) aims to ensure the safe transportation of hazardous materials, minimising the potential risks associated with their carriage.
Importance of the IMDG (International Maritime Dangerous Goods) Regulations
The International Maritime Organisation (IMO) developed the IMDG Code in 1965 that provides guidelines for the safe transportation of dangerous goods by sea.
Purpose-built to mitigate the risks associated with the transport of hazardous materials, the IMDG Code has undergone several revisions since its inception, with the most recent edition (Amendment 40-20) came into effect in 2022.
- The IMDG Code helps prevent accidents and incidents at sea by providing guidelines for the safe handling and storage of dangerous goods.
- The IMDG Code plays a crucial role in protecting the marine environment from the harmful effects of hazardous substances.
- By regulating the transportation of these substances, the Code helps prevent oil spills, chemical leaks, and other environmental disasters that can have devastating consequences for marine ecosystems.
- The Code sets strict guidelines for the transportation of hazardous substances such as hydrochloric acid and calcium peroxide, which causes severe damage to marine life if released into the environment.
What are the 9 Classes of Dangerous Goods?
On a fundamental level, IMDG are categorised into 9 classes based on their type of dangerous material.
9 classes of dangerous goods examples: explosives, flammable gases, flammable liquids, flammable solids, oxidising substances, toxic substances, radioactive material, corrosive substances, and miscellaneous dangerous goods.
So below, we will discuss these 9 classes of dangerous goods and examples.
Class 1: Explosives
Explosives are self-reactive substances that contain a large amount of energy which can produce an explosion.
Examples: Fireworks, Flares, detonators, Fuse, Detonating cord, Air bag inflators, Igniters, Rockets, TNT / TNT compositions, RDX / RDX compositions, and many more.
There are 6 sub-divisions of explosives:
- Division 1: Materials that cause mass blast atomic explosion cache.
- Division 2: Gases liquefied compressed that don’t mass explode but they can shoot and be propelled.
- Division 3: Flammable Solids with a mass or minor explosion hazard or both.
- Division 4: Materials that present low danger; only a minor explosion hazard in case of ignition or initiation during transport with effects largely confined to the package.
- Division 5: Very Insensitive materials with a mass explosion hazard.
- Division 6: Articles with extremely insensitive nature which do not have a mass explosion hazard.
Handling and Storage Precautions
On board a ship, explosives require special care and attention to prevent accidents.
You must ensure that they are stored in a well-ventilated area, away from sources of heat, sparks, or flames.
Precautions when handling explosives include wearing protective gear, such as gloves and safety glasses, and avoiding any potential hazards that could cause friction or impact.
You should also ensure that explosives are not stored near incompatible substances, such as flammable liquids or oxidising agents, which can increase the risk of an explosion.
Class 2: Gases
Gases are defined by the Dangerous Goods Regulations as substances that have a vapour-pressure of 300 kPa at 50°C, or at 20°C and standard atmospheric pressure.
Various types of gases in this class include flammable gases, non-flammable gases, and toxic gases.
Class 2 Gases have 4 subdivisions as mentioned below:
| Gases | Types |
| Flammable gases | Hydrogen, Methane, Propane |
| Non-flammable gases | Helium, Neon, Argon |
| Toxic gases | Chlorine, Ammonia, Phosgene |
| Oxidising gases | Oxygen, Fluorine, Chlorine |
| Other gases | Compressed gases, Liquefied gases, Refrigerated liquefied gases |
| Types of Gases | Hazards |
| Flammable Gases | Ignition, fires, explosions |
| Toxic Gases | Harmful to human health, respiratory problems |
| Oxidising Gases | Support spontaneous combustion, increase fire risk |
| Compressed Gases | High pressure, potential for explosion |
Safety Measures for Gas Transportation
The key to safe transportation is to ensure that gases are properly packaged, labelled, and handled.
This includes using appropriate containers, such as cylinders and tanks, and following strict loading and unloading procedures.
Additionally, personnel involved in gas transportation should be trained to handle emergencies and respond to accidents.
Class 3: Flammable Liquids
Any liquid or mixtures of liquids with a flashpoint below 61°C (141°F) is considered a flammable liquid.
Examples: Perfumery products, metal powders, and certain chemicals like hydrochloric acid and calcium peroxide.
These liquids can release flammable vapours, which can ignite when contact with air, heat, or sparks.
No sub-divisions are available under this Class 3 category.
Fire Prevention and Emergency Response
To minimise fire risks, it’s crucial to follow proper storage, handling, and transportation procedures for flammable liquids.
This includes keeping them away from spontaneous heating sources, open flames, and sparks, as well as ensuring proper ventilation to prevent the accumulation of flammable vapours.
Class 4: Flammable Solids
Unlike other classes of dangerous goods, Class 4 flammable solids are substances that are liable to ignite spontaneously or undergo a vigorous chemical reaction when in contact with air.
Inflammable substances like calcium peroxide, metal powders, and perfumery products are classified under this category.
These substances can ignite easily, even without an ignition source, and can cause severe damage to your vessel, cargo and crew.
3 subdivisions come under Flammable Solids, and they are:
| Sub-divisions | Types |
| Class 4.1 – Combustible materials | Easily burn, is also rapid and too dangerous. |
| Class 4.2 – Spontaneously Combustible | Either solid or liquid, ignite spontaneously when in contact with oxygen. |
| Class 4.3 – Flammable Gases | Dangerous when wet, ignited by the reaction heat. |
Special Precautionary Measures
You should ensure that Class 4 flammable solids are kept away from heat sources, sparks, and open flames, and that they are not stored in areas where they can come into contact with air.
Safe storage practices for Class 4 flammable solids involve keeping them in well-ventilated areas, away from incompatible substances, and in containers that are designed to prevent contact with air.
You should also make sure that your crew is trained to handle these substances safely and that emergency response plans are in place in case of an accident.
Class 5: Oxidising Substances and Organic Peroxides
Substances in this class are characterised by their ability to readily yield oxygen, which can initiate or promote spontaneous combustion.
They can also react vigorously with other substances, releasing heat and gas, and potentially causing fires or explosions.
You should be aware that these substances can ignite combustible materials, such as wood or paper, and even cause severe damage to human health.
Oxidising Substances and Organic Peroxides have 2 sub-divisions.
| Sub-Division | Types |
| Class 5.1 – Oxidisers | Can contribute to combustion due to chemical reaction. |
| Class 5.2 – Organic Peroxides | These materials are extremely flammable due to their molecular structure. They are combustible when they are in a single state. These are reactive materials designed for industrial use and are therefore unstable and explosive. |
Precautions for Transportation and Storage
Any substance classified under Class 5 requires special precautions during transportation and storage to prevent accidents and reduce risks.
You must ensure that these substances are handled and stored in a way that prevents contact with air, contact with water, or incompatible substances, which can trigger spontaneous combustion or chemical reactions.
For example, calcium peroxide, a common oxidising substance, must be stored in a well-ventilated area, away from flammable materials, and protected from moisture.
Furthermore, you should be aware of the maximum transport temperature and ensure that the substance is not exposed to heat sources or open flames.
Class 6: Toxic Substances and Infectious Substances
Many substances transported by sea can pose significant risks to human health and the environment.
Class 6 of International Maritime dangerous Goods Regulations categorises toxic substances and infectious substances as marine pollutants that can either poison and kill, or badly injure you, or make you sick if swallowed, breathed-in or have skin contact.
An infectious substance is one that contains or may be reasonably expected to contain a pathogen.
The International Maritime Dangerous Goods regulations describe pathogens as: micro-organisms (including bacteria, viruses, rickettsiae and fungi) or other agents, which can cause infection in humans/animals.
There are 2 sub-divisions under Class 6 category:
| Subdivision | Types |
| Division 6.1: Toxic Substances | These substances are capable of causing death, serious injury or harm to human health when swallowed, inhaled or touched by the skin. |
| Division 6.2: Infectious Diseases | These are substances that contain pathogens or can reasonably be expected to do so.
Pathogens include microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses and parasites. |
Types of Toxic Substances
- Asbestos – A known carcinogen, is a common example of a toxic substance.
- Hydrochloric acid – Used in various industrial processes, can cause severe burns and respiratory problems.
- Calcium peroxide – A strong oxidising agent, can ignite flammable materials and cause explosions.
- Perfumery products – Such as fragrances and imperative oils, can be toxic if not handled properly.
- Metal powders – Used in manufacturing processes, can ignite and cause fires.
| Types of Toxic Substances | Potential Hazards |
| Asbestos | Carcinogenic, respiratory problems |
| Hydrochloric acid | Severe burns, respiratory problems |
| Calcium peroxide | Ignition of flammable materials, explosions |
| Perfumery products | Toxicity, skin contact, inhalation risks |
Protective Measures for Handling and Transportation
Class 6 substances must be packaged, labelled, and documented according to international maritime dangerous goods regulations.
You should ensure that your crew is trained to handle these substances safely, wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and following established emergency response procedures.
Additionally, vessels transporting Class 6 substances must be equipped with necessary safety equipment and have a spill response plan in place.
Class 7: Radioactive Material
Radioactive materials emit ionising radiation, which can cause harm to living organisms and contaminate the environment.
Examples: Uranium, Thorium, and Radium, as well as certain isotopes used in medicine, industry and scientific research.
Special Precautions for Radioactive Material Transportation
Radioactive materials must be packaged in containers designed to prevent leakage and radiation exposure.
The packaging must also be able to withstand the rigours of transportation, including maximum transport temperature, humidity, and physical shock.
Additionally, the transportation vessel and crew must be equipped with specialised equipment and training to handle emergencies and accidents involving radioactive materials.
No sub-divisions included under this category.
Class 8: Corrosive Substances
Class 8 corrosive substances are characterised by their ability to cause severe damage to living tissues, metals, and other materials.
Examples: Hydrochloric acid, calcium peroxide, and other chemicals with a pH level of 2 or lower or 11.5 or higher.
No sub-divisions included under this category.
Safety Measures for Handling and Storage
Always wear personal protective equipment, including gloves, goggles, and respiratory masks, when handling these substances.
Plus, it’s necessary to store corrosive substances in well-ventilated areas, away from incompatible substances, and in containers resistant to corrosion.
You should also ensure that the storage area is equipped with emergency response equipment, such as showers and eyewash stations, in case of accidents.
Class 9: Miscellaneous Dangerous Substances and Articles
Class 9: Miscellaneous Dangerous Substances and Articles includes substances and articles that are not covered by other classes, such as asbestos, lithium batteries, and certain types of machinery.
These goods may not be explosive, flammable, or toxic, but they can still cause harm if not handled properly.
There are no sub-divisions for this category.
Proper Transportation and Storage
With Class 9 goods, you need to take extra care to ensure they are properly packaged, labelled, and handled to prevent damage or leakage.
This may involve using specialised containers, maintaining specific storage conditions, or implementing emergency response plans in case of an accident.
IMDG Code Labelling and Marking Regulations
Any shipper or carrier handling international maritime dangerous goods must comply with the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code labelling and marking regulations.
The IMDG Code provides guidelines for identifying, classifying, and labelling dangerous substances, ensuring that all stakeholders involved in the transportation process are aware of the potential hazards.
Importance of Accurate Labelling and Marking
- You must ensure that your labels and markings are correct, complete, and comply with the IMDG Code regulations.
- Another critical aspect of accurate labelling and marking is that it enables emergency responders to take appropriate action in case of an incident.
Asbestos Safety Alert: Classified as Class 9: Miscellaneous Dangerous Goods
The Australian Dangerous Goods Code (Code for the Transport of Dangerous Goods by Road and Rail) states that all asbestos types are classified as dangerous goods under Class 9: Miscellaneous dangerous goods.
Access Canberra’s work health and safety regulator administers the ACT Dangerous Goods Act 2009 and the ACT Dangerous Goods Regulation 2010.
This legislation implements the Australian Dangerous Goods Code in the ACT for the transportation of dangerous goods.
The transport of waste that may contain asbestos fibres which are respirable will not be subjected to the Dangerous Goods (Road Transport) Act or Regulation 2010.
1 – The waste must not contain any other dangerous goods, or waste that may be contaminated by any other dangerous goods (such flammables or corrosive materials).
2 – The waste is transported according to Special Provision (SP), 168, in Chapter 3.3 Australian Dangerous Goods Code.
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