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)
  • Contribute to fire
• Division 5.2: Organic peroxides
  • Risk of fire or explosion

Class 6: Toxic and Infectious Substances

• Division 6.1: Poisonous materials (excluding gases)
  • Includes tear gas
• 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

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Note: For more comprehensive details, refer to Lion's free HazMat shipper starter guide linked in the video description.