Common Dangerous Goods: Substances and Their Classifications

The classification of dangerous goods can vary depending on the specific properties of the substances involved. Below, we outline the nine classes of dangerous goods along with common substances that many of us encounter in daily life and their corresponding classifications. Consider each class and think of any substances that come to mind. Then, check if your answers match the provided classifications. There are 9 classes of dangerous goods:

Classes of Dangerous Goods

Class 1: Explosives

Class 2:

2.1 Flammable Gas

2.2 Non-Flammable Gas

2.3 Toxic Gas

Class 3: Flammable Liquid

Class 4:

4.1 Flammable Solid

4.2 Spontaneously Combustible

4.3 Dangerous When Wet

Class 5

5.1  Oxidizer

5.2 Organic Peroxide

Class 6

6.1 Toxic Substance

6.2 Infectious substances

Class 7: Radioactive

Class 8: Corrosive

Class 9: Miscellaneous

Class 1 Explosives:  Fireworks…

Class 2

Flammable gas class 2.1: Hydrogen and cooking gases, such as butane and propane

Non-Flammable gas class 2.2: Nitrogen and oxygen, Fire extinguishers (Carbon dioxide)

Toxic gas class 2.3: Ammonia used as fertilizers in agriculture

Class 3

Alcohol based hand sanitizers, acetone (Nail polish remover), perfume, paint, glue, gasoline or petrol….

Class 4

Flammable solids class 4.1: Matches

Spontaneously combustible class 4.2:  Phosphorus

Dangerous when wet: Sodium and calcium

Class 5

Oxidizers class 5.1: Chlorine, water treatment as in pools

Organic Peroxide class 5.2: Hair dye and bleaches

Class 6

Toxic substance class 6.1: Pesticides

Infectious substances class 6.2: Viruses and medical wastes

Class 7 Radioactive: Cobalt

Class 8 Corrosives: Lead-acid batteries or car batteries

Class 9 Miscellaneous: Dry ice, lithium batteries in electronics such as in toys and smartphones and vapes such as e-cigarettes.