Dangerous Goods

Dangerous Goods/Explosives Driver

A dangerous goods/explosives driver carries dangerous goods or explosives, usually for chemical companies or mining organisations. Drivers need to be aware of safety issues regarding loading, unloading, handling, separation of dangerous goods and emergency response.

Bulk Liquid/Pressurised Gas Driver

A bulk liquid/pressurised gas driver carries liquids/pressurised gases in specially designed trailers (tankers), usually for chemical companies or mining organisations. Drivers need to be aware of safety issues regarding loading, unloading, handling, separation of dangerous goods and emergency response. Drivers must also follow safety guidelines as specified by Standards Australia, Road Tank Vehicles for Dangerous Goods.

THE 9 CLASSES OF DANGEROUS GOODS

‘Dangerous goods’ are materials or items with hazardous properties which, if not properly controlled, present a potential hazard to human health and safety, infrastructure and/ or their means of transport.

The transportation of dangerous goods is controlled and governed by a variety of different regulatory regimes, operating at both the national and international levels. Prominent regulatory frameworks for the transportation of dangerous goods include the United Nations Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods, ICAO’s Technical Instructions, IATA’s Dangerous Goods Regulations and the IMO’s International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code. Collectively, these regulatory regimes mandate the means by which dangerous goods are to be handled, packaged, labelled and transported.

Regulatory frameworks incorporate comprehensive classification systems of hazards to provide a taxonomy of dangerous goods. Classification of dangerous goods is broken down into nine classes according to the type of danger materials or items present, click on a class to read more details;

The multitude of dangerous goods regimes across the world and the complexity of dangerous goods classifications and regulations render compliance a particularly difficult task. However DGI, as a logistics company specialising in dangerous goods, is well placed to deliver tailored solutions to all customer’s dangerous goods needs. DGI is proficient in all nine classes of dangerous goods and provides a range of services including packaging, packing, labelling, freight forwarding and training.

CLASS 1 – EXPLOSIVES

Explosives are materials or items which have the ability to rapidly conflagrate or detonate as a consequence of chemical reaction.

Sub-Divisions

Division 1.1: Substances and articles which have a mass explosion hazard

Division 1.2: Substances and articles which have a projection hazard but not a mass explosion hazard

Division 1.3: Substances and articles which have a fire hazard and either a minor blast hazard or a minor projection hazard or both

Division 1.4: Substances and articles which present no significant hazard; only a small hazard in the event of ignition or initiation during transport with any effects largely confined to the package

Division 1.5: Very insensitive substances which have a mass explosion hazard

Division 1.6: Extremely insensitive articles which do not have a mass explosion hazard

Reason for Regulation

Explosives are capable by chemical reaction of producing gases at temperatures, pressures and speeds as to cause catastrophic damage through force and/or of producing otherwise hazardous amounts of heat, light, sound, gas or smoke.

Commonly Transported Explosives

Ammunition/cartridges
Fireworks/pyrotechnics
Flares
Blasting caps / detonators
Fuse
Primers
Explosive charges (blasting, demolition etc)
Detonating cord
Air bag inflators
Igniters
Rockets
TNT / TNT compositions
RDX / RDX compositions
PETN / PETN compositions

DGI

DGI are proficient in handling explosives, Class 1 Dangerous Goods. DGI have the ability to service all customer requests pertaining to the logistics of explosives; packing, packaging, compliance, freight forwarding and training.

CLASS 2 – GASES

Gases are defined by dangerous goods regulations as substances which have a vapour pressure of 300 kPa or greater at 50°c or which are completely gaseous at 20°c at standard atmospheric pressure, and items containing these substances. The class encompasses compressed gases, liquefied gases, dissolved gases, refrigerated liquefied gases, mixtures of one or more gases with one or more vapours of substances of other classes, articles charged with a gas and aerosols.

Sub-Divisions

Division 2.1: Flammable gases

Division 2.2: Non-flammable, non-toxic gases

Division 2.3: Toxic gases

Reason for Regulation

Gases are capable of posing serious hazards due to their flammability, potential as asphyxiants, ability to oxidize and/or their toxicity or corrosiveness to humans.

Commonly Transported Gases

Aerosols
Compressed air
Hydrocarbon gas-powered devices
Fire extinguishers
Gas cartridges
Fertilizer ammoniating solution
Insecticide gases
Refrigerant gases
Lighters
Acetylene / Oxyacetylene
Carbon dioxide
Helium / helium compounds
Hydrogen / hydrogen compounds
Oxygen / oxygen compounds
Nitrogen / nitrogen compounds
Natural gas
Oil gas
Petroleum gases
Butane
Propane
Ethane
Methane
Dimethyl ether
Propene / propylene
Ethylene

DGI

DGI are proficient in handling gases, Class 2 Dangerous Goods. DGI have the ability to service all customer requests pertaining to the logistics of gases; packing, packaging, compliance, freight forwarding and training.

CLASS 3 – FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS

Flammable liquids are defined by dangerous goods regulations as liquids, mixtures of liquids or liquids containing solids in solution or suspension which give off a flammable vapour (have a flash point) at temperatures of not more than 60-65°C, liquids offered for transport at temperatures at or above their flash point or substances transported at elevated temperatures in a liquid state and which give off a flammable vapour at a temperature at or below the maximum transport temperature.

Sub-Divisions

There are no subdivisions within Class 3, Flammable Liquids.

Reason for Regulation

Flammable liquids are capable of posing serious hazards due to their volatility, combustibility and potential in causing or propagating severe conflagrations.

Commonly Transported Flammable Liquids

Acetone / acetone oils
Adhesives
Paints / lacquers / varnishes
Alcohols
Perfumery products
Gasoline / Petrol
Diesel fuel
Aviation fuel
Liquid bio-fuels
Coal tar / coal tar distillates
Petroleum crude oil
Petroleum distillates
Gas oil
Shale oil
Heating oil
Kerosene
Resins
Tars
Turpentine
Carbamate insecticides
Organochlorine pesticides
Organophosphorus pesticides
Copper based pesticides
Esters
Ethers
Ethanol
Benzene
Butanols
Dichloropropenes
Diethyl ether
Isobutanols
Isopropyls
Methanol
Octanes

DGI

DGI are proficient in handling flammable liquids, Class 3 Dangerous Goods. DGI have the ability to service all customer requests pertaining to the logistics of flammable liquids; packing, packaging, compliance, freight forwarding and training.

CLASS 4 – FLAMMABLE SOLIDS; SUBSTANCES LIABLE TO SPONTANEOUS COMBUSTION; SUBSTANCES WHICH EMIT FLAMMABLE GASES WHEN IN CONTACT WITH WATER

Flammable solids are materials which, under conditions encountered in transport, are readily combustible or may cause or contribute to fire through friction, self-reactive substances which are liable to undergo a strongly exothermic reaction or solid desensitized explosives. Also included are substances which are liable to spontaneous heating under normal transport conditions, or to heating up in contact with air, and are consequently liable to catch fire and substances which emit flammable gases or become spontaneously flammable when in contact with water.

Sub-Divisions

Division 4.1: Flammable solids

Division 4.2: Substances liable to spontaneous combustion

Division 4.3: Substances which, in contact with water, emit flammable gases

Reason for Regulation

Flammable solids are capable of posing serious hazards due to their volatility, combustibility and potential in causing or propagating severe conflagrations.

Commonly Transported Flammable Solids; Spontaneous Combustibles; ‘Dangerous When Wet’ Materials

Alkali metals
Metal powders
Aluminium phosphide
Sodium batteries
Sodium cells
Firelighters
Matches
Calcium carbide
Camphor
Carbon
Activated carbon
Celluloid
Cerium
Copra
Seed cake
Oily cotton waste
Desensitized explosives
Oily fabrics
Oily fibres
Ferrocerium
Iron oxide (spent
Iron sponge/direct-reduced iron (spent)
Metaldehyde
Naphthalene
Nitrocellulose
Phosphorus
Sulphur

DGI

DGI are proficient in handling flammable solids, Class 4 Dangerous Goods. DGI have the ability to service all customer requests pertaining to the logistics of flammable solids; packing, packaging, compliance, freight forwarding and training.

CLASS 5 – OXIDIZING SUBSTANCES; ORGANIC PEROXIDES

Oxidizers are defined by dangerous goods regulations as substances which may cause or contribute to combustion, generally by yielding oxygen as a result of a redox chemical reaction. Organic peroxides are substances which may be considered derivatives of hydrogen peroxide where one or both hydrogen atoms of the chemical structure have been replaced by organic radicals.

Sub-Divisions

Division 5.1: Oxidizing substances

Division 5.1: Organic peroxides

Reason for Regulation

Oxidizers, although not necessarily combustible in themselves, can yield oxygen and in so doing cause or contribute to the combustion of other materials. Organic peroxides are thermally unstable and may exude heat whilst undergoing exothermic autocatalytic decomposition. Additionally, organic peroxides may be liable to explosive decomposition, burn rapidly, be sensitive to impact or friction, react dangerously with other substances or cause damage to eyes.

Commonly Transported Oxidizers; Organic Peroxides

Chemical oxygen generators
Ammonium nitrate fertilizers
Chlorates
Nitrates
Nitrites
Perchlorates
Permanganates
Persulphates
Aluminium nitrate
Ammonium dichromate
Ammonium nitrate
Ammonium persulphate
Calcium hypochlorite
Calcium nitrate
Calcium peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide
Magnesium peroxide
Lead nitrate
Lithium hypochlorite
Potassium chlorate
Potassium nitrate
Potassium chlorate
Potassium perchlorate
Potassium permanganate
Sodium nitrate
Sodium persulphate

DGI

DGI are proficient in handling oxidising agents and organic peroxides, Class 5 Dangerous Goods. DGI have the ability to service all customer requests pertaining to the logistics of oxidising agents and organic peroxides; packing, packaging, compliance, freight forwarding and training.

CLASS 6 – TOXIC SUBSTANCES; INFECTIOUS SUBSTANCES

Toxic substances are those which are liable either to cause death or serious injury or to harm human health if swallowed, inhaled or by skin contact. Infectious substances are those which are known or can be reasonably expected to contain pathogens. Dangerous goods regulations define pathogens as microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, rickettsiae, parasites and fungi, or other agents which can cause disease in humans or animals.

Sub-Divisions

Division 6.1: Toxic substances

Division 6.2: Infectious substances

Reason for Regulation

Toxic and infectious substances can pose significant risks to human and animal health upon contact.

Commonly Transported Toxic Substances; Infectious Substances

Medical/Biomedical waste
Clinical waste
Biological cultures / samples / specimens
Medical cultures / samples / specimens
Tear gas substances
Motor fuel anti-knock mixture
Dyes
Carbamate pesticides
Alkaloids
Allyls
Acids
Arsenates
Arsenites
Cyanides
Thiols/mercaptans
Cresols
Barium compounds
Arsenics / arsenic compounds
Beryllium/ beryllium compounds
Lead compounds
Mercury compounds
Nicotine / nicotine compounds
Selenium compounds
Antimony
Ammonium metavanadate
Adiponitrile
Chloroform
Dichloromethane
Hexachlorophene
Phenol
Resorcinol

DGI

DGI are proficient in handling toxic and infectious substances, Class 6 Dangerous Goods. DGI have the ability to service all customer requests pertaining to the logistics of oxidising agents and organic peroxides; packing, packaging, compliance, freight forwarding and training.

CLASS 7 – RADIOACTIVE MATERIAL

Dangerous goods regulations define radioactive material as any material containing radionuclides where both the activity concentration and the total activity exceeds certain pre-defined values. A radionuclide is an atom with an unstable nucleus and which consequently is subject to radioactive decay.

Sub-Divisions

There are no subdivisions within Class 7, Radioactive Material.

Reason for Regulation

Whilst undergoing radioactive decay radionuclides emit ionizing radiation, which presents potentially severe risks to human health.

Commonly Transported Radioactive Material

Radioactive ores
Medical isotopes
Yellowcake
Density gauges
Mixed fission products
Surface contaminated objects
Caesium radionuclides / isotopes
Iridium radionuclides / isotopes
Americium radionuclides / isotopes
Plutonium radionuclides / isotopes
Radium radionuclides / isotopes
Thorium radionuclides / isotopes
Uranium radionuclides / isotopes
Depleted uranium / depleted uranium products
Uranium hexafluoride
Enriched Uranium

DGI

DGI are proficient in handling radioactive material, Class 7 Dangerous Goods. DGI have the ability to service all customer requests pertaining to the logistics of radioactive material; packing, packaging, compliance, freight forwarding and training.

CLASS 8 – CORROSIVES

Corrosives are substances which by chemical action degrade or disintegrate other materials upon contact.

Sub-Divisions

There are no subdivisions within Class 8, Corrosives.

Reason for Regulation

Corrosives cause severe damage when in contact with living tissue or, in the case of leakage, damage or destroy surrounding materials.

Commonly Transported Corrosives

Acids/acid solutions
Batteries
Battery fluid
Fuel cell cartridges
Dyes
Fire extinguisher charges
Formaldehyde
Flux
Paints
Alkylphenols
Amines
Polyamines
Sulphides
Polysulphides
Chlorides
Chlorosilanes
Bromine
Cyclohexylamine
Phenol / carbolic acid
Hydrofluoric acid
Hydrochloric acid
Sulfuric acid
Nitric acid
Sludge acid
Hydrogen fluoride
Iodine
Morpholine

DGI

DGI are proficient in handling corrosives, Class 8 Dangerous Goods. DGI have the ability to service all customer requests pertaining to the logistics of corrosives; packing, packaging, compliance, freight forwarding and training.

CLASS 9 – MISCELLANEOUS DANGEROUS GOODS

Miscellaneous dangerous goods are substances and articles which during transport present a danger or hazard not covered by other classes. This class encompasses, but is not limited to, environmentally hazardous substances, substances that are transported at elevated temperatures, miscellaneous articles and substances, genetically modified organisms and micro-organisms and (depending on the method of transport) magnetized materials and aviation regulated substances.

Sub-Divisions

There are no subdivisions within Class 9, Miscellaneous Dangerous Goods.

Reason for Regulation

Miscellaneous dangerous goods present a wide array of potential hazards to human health and safety, infrastructure and/ or their means of transport.

Commonly Transported Miscellaneous Dangerous Goods

Dry ice / cardice / solid carbon dioxide
Expandable polymeric beads / polystyrene beads
Ammonium nitrate fertilizers
Blue asbestos / crocidolite
Lithium ion batteries
Lithium metal batteries
Battery powered equipment
Battery powered vehicles
Fuel cell engines
Internal combustion engines
Vehicles
Magnetized material
Dangerous goods in apparatus
Dangerous goods in machinery
Genetically modified organisms
Genetically modified micro-organisms
Chemical kits
First aid kits
Life saving appliances
Air bag modules
Seatbelt pretensioners
Plastics moulding compound
Castor bean plant products
Polychlorinated biphenyls
Polychlorinated terphenyls
Dibromodifluoromethane
Benzaldehyde

DGI

DGI are proficient in handling miscellaneous dangerous goods, Class 9 Dangerous Goods. DGI have the ability to service all customer requests pertaining to the logistics of miscellaneous dangerous goods; packing, packaging, compliance, freight forwarding and training.

Safety

Safety is our first priority, concerning our employees, goods, environment and every other party involved in or around our business. We want our people to go home in the same state as they came to work. Safety is the most important factor faced by any company, and we at DGL ensure that adequate training is carried out on a regular basis to ensure all levels of employees understand the importance that everybody must go home each day as they arrived. We do not allow any of our staff to be injured in any way whilst they are at work.

DGL personnel receive comprehensive training in key and quality topics including handling of dangerous goods, hazardous substances, fire hose reel & extinguisher, emergency response and other customised criteria as controlled by the Quality Management System (QMS). DGL acknowledges that their people are one of their most important assets, as they are dedicated, professional and passionate about everything they do. All our drivers, involved in hazardous transport, hold a Bulk Dangerous Goods Licence as company policy. Company training and development criteria is controlled and monitored through the QMS.

Our HSEQ department maintains and improves the QMS wherever it is possible. The Department also ensures that our policies are compliant in every single DGL division. Coordinated through HSEQ, DGL is a member of the "National Safety Council Australia" (NSCA) and is commited to providing a safe workplace through high quality, intensive "Occupational Health & Safety (OHS) training". DGL aims to be an industry leader in workplace health and safety via sound systems, positive culture, shared responsibility and continuous improvement.

	Dangerous goods are solids, liquids, or gases that can harm people, other living organisms, property, or the environment. They are often subject to chemical regulations. In the United States and sometimes in Canada dangerous goods are more commonly known as hazardous materials, (abbreviated as HAZMAT or HazMat). "HazMat teams" are personnel specially trained to handle dangerous goods. Dangerous goods include materials that are radioactive, flammable, explosive, corrosive, oxidizing, asphyxiating, biohazardous, toxic, pathogenic, or allergenic. Also included are physical conditions such as compressed gases and liquids or hot materials, including all goods containing such materials or chemicals, or may have other characteristics that render them hazardous in specific circumstances.
	Dangerous goods are often indicated by diamond-shaped signage on the item, its container, and/or the building where it is stored. The colours of each diamond in a way has reference to its hazard i.e.: Flammable = red because fire and heat are generally of red colour, Explosive = orange, because mixing red (flammable) with yellow (oxidising agent) creates orange. Non-flammable Non-toxic Gas = green, due to all compressed air vessels being this colour in France after World War II. France is where the diamond system of HazMat identification originated.
	Mitigating the risks associated with hazardous materials may require the application of safety precautions during their transport, use, storage and disposal. Most countries regulate hazardous materials by law, and they are subject to several international treaties as well. Even so, different countries may use different class diamonds for the same product. For example, in Australia, Anhydrous Ammonia UN 1005 is classified as 2.3 (Toxic Gas) with sub risk 8 (Corrosive), whereas in the U.S. it is only classified as 2.2 (Non Flammable Gas). People who handle dangerous goods will often wear protective equipment, and metropolitan fire departments often have a response team specifically trained to deal with accidents and spills. Persons who may come into contact with dangerous goods as part of their work are also often subject to monitoring or health surveillance to ensure that their exposure does not exceed occupational exposure limits. Laws and regulations on the use and handling of hazardous materials may differ depending on the activity and status of the material. For example, one set of requirements may apply to their use in the workplace while a different set of requirements may apply to spill response, sale for consumer use, or transportation. Most countries regulate some aspect of hazardous materials.

Dangerous goods are solids, liquids, or gases that can harm people, other living organisms, property, or the environment.

They are often subject to chemical regulations. In the United States and sometimes in Canada dangerous goods are more commonly known as hazardous materials, (abbreviated as HAZMAT or HazMat). "HazMat teams" are personnel specially trained to handle dangerous goods. Dangerous goods include materials that are radioactive, flammable, explosive, corrosive, oxidizing, asphyxiating, biohazardous, toxic, pathogenic, or allergenic. Also included are physical conditions such as compressed gases and liquids or hot materials, including all goods containing such materials or chemicals, or may have other characteristics that render them hazardous in specific circumstances.

Dangerous goods are often indicated by diamond-shaped signage on the item, its container, and/or the building where it is stored.
The colours of each diamond in a way has reference to its hazard i.e.: Flammable = red because fire and heat are generally of red colour, Explosive = orange, because mixing red (flammable) with yellow (oxidising agent) creates orange. Non-flammable Non-toxic Gas = green, due to all compressed air vessels being this colour in France after World War II. France is where the diamond system of HazMat identification originated.

Mitigating the risks associated with hazardous materials may require the application of safety precautions during their transport, use, storage and disposal. Most countries regulate hazardous materials by law, and they are subject to several international treaties as well. Even so, different countries may use different class diamonds for the same product. For example, in Australia, Anhydrous Ammonia UN 1005 is classified as 2.3 (Toxic Gas) with sub risk 8 (Corrosive), whereas in the U.S. it is only classified as 2.2 (Non Flammable Gas).

People who handle dangerous goods will often wear protective equipment, and metropolitan fire departments often have a response team specifically trained to deal with accidents and spills. Persons who may come into contact with dangerous goods as part of their work are also often subject to monitoring or health surveillance to ensure that their exposure does not exceed occupational exposure limits.

Laws and regulations on the use and handling of hazardous materials may differ depending on the activity and status of the material. For example, one set of requirements may apply to their use in the workplace while a different set of requirements may apply to spill response, sale for consumer use, or transportation. Most countries regulate some aspect of hazardous materials.

	The most widely applied regulatory scheme is that for the transportation of dangerous goods. The United Nations Economic and Social Council issues the UN Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods, which form the basis for most regional and national regulatory schemes. For instance, the International Civil Aviation Organization has developed regulations for air transport of hazardous materials that are based upon the UN Model but modified to accommodate unique aspects of air transport. Individual airline and governmental requirements are incorporated with this by the International Air Transport Association to produce the widely used IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR).Similarly, the International Maritime Organization has developed the International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code ("IMDG Code", part of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea) for transportation on the high seas, and the Intergovernmental Organisation for International Carriage by Rail has developed the Regulations concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Rail ("RID", part of the Convention concerning International Carriage by Rail). Many individual nations have also structured their dangerous goods transportation regulations to harmonize with the UN Model in organization as well as in specific requirements.The Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS) is an internationally agreed upon system set to replace the various classification and labeling standards used in different countries. GHS will use consistent criteria for classification and labeling on a global level.
	Dangerous goods are divided into classes on the basis of the specific chemical characteristics producing the risk. Note: The graphics and text in this article representing the dangerous goods safety marks are derived from the United Nations-based system of identifying dangerous goods. Not all countries use precisely the same graphics (label, placard and/or text information) in their national regulations. Some use graphic symbols, but without English wording or with similar wording in their national language. Refer to the Dangerous Goods Transportation Regulations of the country of interest. *For example, see the Dangerous Goods Safety Marks* in the Canadian Transportation of Dangerous Goods Regulations The statement above applies equally to all the Dangerous Goods classes discussed in this article.**
	Information on this graphic changes depending on which, "Division" of explosive is shipped. Explosive Dangerous Goods have compatibility group letters assigned to facilitate segregation during transport. The letters used range from A to S excluding the letters I, M, O, P, Q and R. The example above shows an explosive with a compatibility group "A" (shown as 1.1A). The actual letter shown would depend on the specific properties of the substance being transported. For example, the Canadian Transportation of Dangerous Goods Regulations provides a description of compatibility groups. 1.1 Explosives with a mass explosion hazard Ex: TNT, dynamite, nitroglycerine. 1.2 Explosives with a severe projection hazard. 1.3 Explosives with a fire, blast or projection hazard but not a mass explosion hazard. 1.4 Minor fire or projection hazard (includes ammunition and most consumer fireworks). 1.5 An insensitive substance with a mass explosion hazard (explosion similar to 1.1)

The most widely applied regulatory scheme is that for the transportation of dangerous goods. The United Nations Economic and Social Council issues the UN Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods, which form the basis for most regional and national regulatory schemes. For instance, the International Civil Aviation Organization has developed regulations for air transport of hazardous materials that are based upon the UN Model but modified to accommodate unique aspects of air transport.

Individual airline and governmental requirements are incorporated with this by the International Air Transport Association to produce the widely used IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR).Similarly, the International Maritime Organization has developed the International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code ("IMDG Code", part of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea) for transportation on the high seas, and the Intergovernmental Organisation for International Carriage by Rail has developed the Regulations concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Rail ("RID", part of the Convention concerning International Carriage by Rail).

Many individual nations have also structured their dangerous goods transportation regulations to harmonize with the UN Model in organization as well as in specific requirements.The Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS) is an internationally agreed upon system set to replace the various classification and labeling standards used in different countries. GHS will use consistent criteria for classification and labeling on a global level.

Dangerous goods are divided into classes on the basis of the specific chemical characteristics producing the risk.

Note: The graphics and text in this article representing the dangerous goods safety marks are derived from the United Nations-based system of identifying dangerous goods. Not all countries use precisely the same graphics (label, placard and/or text information) in their national regulations. Some use graphic symbols, but without English wording or with similar wording in their national language. Refer to the Dangerous Goods Transportation Regulations of the country of interest.

For example, see the Dangerous Goods Safety Marks in the Canadian

Transportation of Dangerous Goods Regulations

The statement above applies equally to all the Dangerous Goods classes discussed in this article.

Information on this graphic changes depending on which, "Division" of explosive is shipped. Explosive Dangerous Goods have compatibility group letters assigned to facilitate segregation during transport. The letters used range from A to S excluding the letters I, M, O, P, Q and R. The example above shows an explosive with a compatibility group "A" (shown as 1.1A). The actual letter shown would depend on the specific properties of the substance being transported.

For example, the Canadian Transportation of Dangerous Goods Regulations

provides a description of compatibility groups.

1.1 Explosives with a mass explosion hazard

Ex: TNT, dynamite, nitroglycerine.

1.2 Explosives with a severe projection hazard.

1.3 Explosives with a fire, blast or projection hazard but not a mass explosion hazard.

1.4 Minor fire or projection hazard (includes ammunition and most consumer fireworks).

1.5 An insensitive substance with a mass explosion hazard (explosion similar to 1.1)

	The United States Department of Transportation (DOT) regulates hazmat transportation within the territory of the US. 1.1 — Explosives with a mass explosion hazard. (nitroglycerin/dynamite) 1.2 — Explosives with a blast/projection hazard. 1.3 — Explosives with a minor blast hazard. (rocket propellant, display fireworks) 1.4 — Explosives with a major fire hazard. (consumer fireworks, ammunition) 1.5 — Blasting agents. 1.6 — Extremely insensitive explosives.
	Gases which are compressed, liquefied or dissolved under pressure as detailed below. Some gases have subsidiary risk classes; poisonous or corrosive. 2.1 Flammable Gas: Gases which ignite on contact with an ignition source, such as acetylene and hydrogen. 2.2 Non-Flammable Gases: Gases which are neither flammable nor poisonous. Includes the cryogenic gases/liquids (temperatures of below -100°C) used for cryopreservation and rocket fuels, such as nitrogen and neon. 2.3 Poisonous Gases: Gases liable to cause death or serious injury to human health if inhaled; examples are fluorine, chlorine, and hydrogen cyanide.
	Flammable liquids included in Class 3 are included in one of the following packing groups: Packing Group I, if they have an initial boiling point of 35°C or less at an absolute pressure of 101.3 kPa and any flash point, such as diethyl ether or carbon disulfide; Packing Group II, if they have an initial boiling point greater than 35°C at an absolute pressure of 101.3 kPa and a flash point less than 23°C, such as gasoline (petrol) and acetone; or Packing Group III, if the criteria for inclusion in Packing Group I or II are not met, such as kerosene and diesel.

The United States Department of Transportation (DOT) regulates hazmat transportation within the territory of the US.

1.1 — Explosives with a mass explosion hazard. (nitroglycerin/dynamite)

1.2 — Explosives with a blast/projection hazard.

1.3 — Explosives with a minor blast hazard. (rocket propellant, display fireworks)

1.4 — Explosives with a major fire hazard. (consumer fireworks, ammunition)

1.5 — Blasting agents.

1.6 — Extremely insensitive explosives.

Gases which are compressed, liquefied or dissolved under pressure as detailed below. Some gases have subsidiary risk classes; poisonous or corrosive.

2.1 Flammable Gas: Gases which ignite on contact with an ignition source, such as acetylene and hydrogen.
2.2 Non-Flammable Gases: Gases which are neither flammable nor poisonous. Includes the cryogenic gases/liquids (temperatures of below -100°C) used for cryopreservation and rocket fuels, such as nitrogen and neon.
2.3 Poisonous Gases: Gases liable to cause death or serious injury to human health if inhaled; examples are fluorine, chlorine, and hydrogen cyanide.

Flammable liquids included in Class 3 are included in one of the following packing groups:

Packing Group I, if they have an initial boiling point of 35°C or less at an absolute pressure of 101.3 kPa and any flash point, such as diethyl ether or carbon disulfide;
Packing Group II, if they have an initial boiling point greater than 35°C at an absolute pressure of 101.3 kPa and a flash point less than 23°C, such as gasoline (petrol) and acetone; or
Packing Group III, if the criteria for inclusion in Packing Group I or II are not met, such as kerosene and diesel.

	The Australian Dangerous Goods Code, seventh edition (2008) complies with international standards of importation and exportation of dangerous goods in line with the UN Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods. Australia uses the standard international UN numbers with a few slightly different signs on the back, front and sides of vehicles carrying hazardous substances. The country uses the same "Hazchem" code system as the UK to provide advisory information to emergency services personnel in the event of an emergency.
	Transportation of dangerous goods (hazardous materials) in Canada by road is normally a provincial jurisdiction. The federal government has jurisdiction over air, most marine, and most rail transport. The federal government acting centrally created the federal transportation of dangerous goods act and regulations, which provinces adopted in whole or in part via provincial transportation of dangerous goods legislation. The result is that all provinces use the federal regulations as their standard within their province; some small variances can exist because of provincial legislation. Creation of the federal regulations was coordinated by Transport Canada. Hazard classifications are based upon the UN Model. The province of Nova Scotia's dangerous goods transportation act can be viewed here: Dangerous Goods Transportation Act The province of Nova Scotia's dangerous goods transportation regulations can be viewed here: Dangerous Goods Transportation Regulations The federal government's Transport Dangerous Goods website is located here: Transportation of Dangerous Goods Outside of federal facilities, labour standards are generally under the jurisdiction of individual provinces and territories. However, communication about hazardous materials in the workplace has been standardized across the country through Health Canada's Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS).
	The European Union has passed numerous directives and regulations to avoid the dissemination and restrict the usage of hazardous substances, important ones being the Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive and the REACH regulation. There are also long-standing European treaties such as ADR and RID that regulate the transportation of hazardous materials by road, rail, river and inland waterways, following the guide of the UN Model Regulation. European law distinguishes clearly between the law of dangerous goods and the law of hazardous materials. The first refers primarily to the transport of the respective goods including the interim storage, if caused by the transport. The latter describes the requirements of storage (including warehousing) and usage of hazardous materials. This distinction is important, because different directives and orders of European law are applied.

The Australian
Dangerous Goods Code, seventh edition (2008) complies with international standards of importation and exportation of dangerous goods in line with the UN Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods. Australia uses the standard international UN numbers with a few slightly different signs on the back, front and sides of vehicles carrying hazardous substances. The country uses the same "Hazchem" code system as the UK to provide advisory information to emergency services personnel in the event of an emergency.

Transportation of dangerous goods (hazardous materials) in Canada

by road is normally a provincial jurisdiction. The federal government has jurisdiction over air, most marine, and most rail transport. The federal government acting centrally created the federal transportation of dangerous goods act and regulations, which provinces adopted in whole or in part via provincial transportation of dangerous goods legislation. The result is that all provinces use the federal regulations as their standard within their province; some small variances can exist because of provincial legislation. Creation of the federal regulations was coordinated by Transport Canada. Hazard classifications are based upon the UN Model.

The province of Nova Scotia's dangerous goods transportation act can be viewed here: Dangerous Goods Transportation Act

The province of Nova Scotia's dangerous goods transportation regulations can be viewed here: Dangerous Goods Transportation Regulations

The federal government's Transport Dangerous Goods website is located here: Transportation of Dangerous Goods

Outside of federal facilities, labour standards are generally under the jurisdiction of individual provinces and territories. However, communication about hazardous materials in the workplace has been standardized across the country through Health Canada's Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS).

The European Union has passed numerous directives and regulations to avoid the dissemination and restrict the usage of hazardous substances, important ones being the Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive and the REACH regulation. There are also long-standing European treaties such as ADR and RID that regulate the transportation of hazardous materials by road, rail, river and inland waterways, following the guide of the UN Model Regulation.

European law distinguishes clearly between the law of dangerous goods and the law of hazardous materials. The first refers primarily to the transport of the respective goods including the interim storage, if caused by the transport. The latter describes the requirements of storage (including warehousing) and usage of hazardous materials. This distinction is important, because different directives and orders of European law are applied.

	The United Kingdom (and also Australia, Malaysia, and New Zealand) use the Hazchem warning plate system which carries information on how an emergency service should deal with an incident. The Dangerous Goods Emergency Action Code List (EAC) lists dangerous goods; it is reviewed every two years and is an essential compliance document for all emergency services, local government and for those who may control the planning for, and prevention of, emergencies involving dangerous goods. The latest 2009 version is available from the National Chemical Emergency Centre (NCEC) website and as a book
	Following the UN Model, the DOT divides regulated hazardous materials into nine classes, some of which are further subdivided. Hazardous materials in transportation must be placarded and have specified packaging and labelling. Some materials must always be placarded, others may only require placarding in certain circumstances. Trailers of goods in transport are usually marked with a four digit UN number. This number can be referenced by first responders (firefighters, police officers, and ambulance personnel) who can find information about the material in the Emergency Response Guidebook.
	Different standards usually apply for handling and marking HAZMATs at fixed facilities, including NFPA 704 diamond markings (a consensus standard often adopted by local governmental jurisdictions), OSHA regulations requiring chemical safety information for employees, and CPSC requirements requiring informative labeling for the public, as well as wearing Hazmat suits when handling hazardous materials.

The United Kingdom (and also Australia, Malaysia, and New Zealand) use the Hazchem warning plate system which carries information on how an emergency service should deal with an incident. The Dangerous Goods Emergency Action Code List (EAC) lists dangerous goods; it is reviewed every two years and is an essential compliance document for all emergency services, local government and for those who may control the planning for, and prevention of, emergencies involving dangerous goods. The latest 2009 version is available from the National Chemical Emergency Centre (NCEC) website and as a book

Following the UN Model, the DOT divides regulated hazardous materials into nine classes, some of which are further subdivided. Hazardous materials in transportation must be placarded and have specified packaging and labelling. Some materials must always be placarded, others may only require placarding in certain circumstances.

Trailers of goods in transport are usually marked with a four digit UN number. This number can be referenced by first responders (firefighters, police officers, and ambulance personnel) who can find information about the material in the Emergency Response Guidebook.

Different standards usually apply for handling and marking HAZMATs at fixed facilities, including NFPA 704 diamond markings (a consensus standard often adopted by local governmental jurisdictions), OSHA regulations requiring chemical safety information for employees, and CPSC requirements requiring informative labeling for the public, as well as wearing Hazmat suits when handling hazardous materials.

	Packing groups are used for the purpose of determining the degree of protective packaging required for Dangerous Goods during transportation. Group I: great danger, and most protective packaging required. Some combinations of different classes of dangerous goods on the same vehicle or in the same container are forbidden if one of the goods is Group I. Group II: medium danger Group III: least danger among regulated goods, and least protective packaging within the transportation requirement
	One of the transport regulations is that, as an assistance during emergency situations, written instructions how to deal in such need to be carried and easily accessible in the driver’s cabin. A license or permit card for hazmat training must be presented when requested by officials. Dangerous goods shipments also require a special declaration form prepared by the shipper. Among the information that is generally required includes the shipper's name and address; the consignee's name and address; descriptions of each of the dangerous goods, along with their quantity, classification, and packaging; and emergency contact information. Common formats include the one issued by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) for air shipments and the form by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) for sea cargo.

Packing groups are used for the purpose of determining the degree of protective packaging required for Dangerous Goods during transportation.

Group I: great danger, and most protective packaging required. Some combinations of different classes of dangerous goods on the same vehicle or in the same container are forbidden if one of the goods is Group I.
Group II: medium danger
Group III: least danger among regulated goods, and least protective packaging within the transportation requirement

One of the transport regulations is that, as an assistance during emergency situations, written instructions how to deal in such need to be carried and easily accessible in the driver’s cabin.

A license or permit card for hazmat training must be presented when requested by officials.

Dangerous goods shipments also require a special declaration form prepared by the shipper. Among the information that is generally required includes the shipper's name and address; the consignee's name and address; descriptions of each of the dangerous goods, along with their quantity, classification, and packaging; and emergency contact information. Common formats include the one issued by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) for air shipments and the form by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) for sea cargo.