HazMat Shipping Essentials - Hazard Classes Overview
Introduction
- Presenter: Roger from Lion Technology
- Focus: Understanding hazardous materials (HazMat) categories for safe and legal transport
- Aim: By the end of the session, know the nine globally recognized HazMat categories
Definition of Hazardous Materials
- Regulated due to specific dangers during transportation:
- Explosive
- Flammable
- Poisonous
- Nine Hazard Classes with some having subcategories (divisions)
Compliance
- Responsibility lies on the shipper to classify HazMat correctly
- Must comply with U.S. DOT rules
Hazard Classifications
Class 1: Explosives
- Divisions: 6 subcategories
- Includes weapons, fireworks, propellants, detonators, etc.
- Examples: Car airbags, seatbelt systems
Class 2: Gases
- Division 2.1: Flammable gases (butane, propane, methane)
- Division 2.2: Non-flammable, non-poisonous gases (cryogenic gases, asphyxiants)
- Division 2.3: Poisonous by inhalation (sulfur dioxide, chlorine gas)
Class 3: Flammable and Combustible Liquids
- Flammable at low temperatures
- Examples: Alcohols, fuels, acetone, benzene
Class 4: Flammable and Reactive Solids
- Division 4.1: Flammable and self-reactive solids (magnesium, matchbooks)
- Division 4.2: Spontaneously combustible (pyrophoric, self-heating materials)
- Division 4.3: Dangerous when wet (sodium, zinc metal)
Class 5: Oxidizers and Organic Peroxides
- Division 5.1: Oxidizers (ammonium nitrate)
- Division 5.2: Organic peroxides
- Risk of fire or explosion
Class 6: Toxic and Infectious Substances
- Division 6.1: Poisonous materials (excluding gases)
- Division 6.2: Infectious substances (pathogens)
Class 7: Radioactive Materials
- Includes nuclear waste, medical radionuclides
Class 8: Corrosive Materials
- Damage to skin, steel, aluminum
- Examples: Sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid
Class 9: Miscellaneous Hazardous Materials
- For materials that don't fit other classes
- Next session focused on this class
Importance of Accurate Classification
- Guides all shipping decisions
- Legal responsibility
Conclusion
- Encouragement to ask questions and engage with resources
- Stay updated for more content
- Additional resources available at Lion's website
Note: For more comprehensive details, refer to Lion's free HazMat shipper starter guide linked in the video description.