Overview of Hazardous Material Shipping

Jan 23, 2025

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

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