Dangerous goods are categorised into 9 major groups, each depicting a significant hazard associated with the use or transport of the substances in that classification. Some classifications have sub-groups to provide a more accurate description of the hazard and composition of the material.
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1 Explosive substances and articles
Explosive substances that are capable of producing causing damage to the surroundings by explosion, and pyrotechnic substances that are designed to produce a heat/light/sound/gas/smoke effect. |
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2.1 Flammable gases |
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2.2 Non-flammable, non-toxic gases |
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2.3 Toxic gases |
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3 Flammable liquids
Flammable substances which are liquids, and molten solid substances |
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4.1 Flammable solids, self-reactive substances, polymerizing substances and solid desensitized explosives |
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4.2 Substances liable to spontaneous combustion
Pyrophoric and self-heating substances |
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4.3 Substances which, in contact with water, emit flammable gases
Substances that react with water to emit flammable gases, which are liable to form explosive mixtures |
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5.1 Oxidizing substances
Substances which my contribute to a combustion process by providing oxygen |
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5.2 Organic peroxides |
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6.1 Toxic substances
Substances that in relatively small quantities can cause death or damage to human health |
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6.2 Infectious substances |
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7 Radioactive material |
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8 Corrosive substances
Substances which attach tissue, or which in the event of leakage are capable of damaging or destroying other goods |
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9 Miscellaneous dangerous substances and articles
Substances which, during carriage, present a danger not covered by any other heading |