Dangerous Goods List, Special Provisions, and Limited/Except Quantities
Reading the Dangerous Goods List
The Dangerous Goods List is the core reference. Each entry gives the UN number, proper shipping name, class or division, subsidiary risk, packing group, special provisions, limited and excepted quantity limits, packing instructions, portable tank and IBC instructions, stowage and segregation codes, and properties/observations. Candidates must be able to find the correct entry by UN number and confirm the proper shipping name. Special provisions (numbered) modify or add requirements for particular entries; they are not optional advice. Limited quantities allow reduced packaging and marking for small inner packagings, subject to the quantity limits in the entry and the relevant packing instruction. Excepted quantities allow very small quantities with simplified marking.
Traps candidates fall into
- Using a trade name instead of the proper shipping name from the List.
- Ignoring a special provision that changes stowage or segregation.
- Assuming limited quantity relief applies to all classes; some entries have no LQ allowance.
- Confusing limited quantity marking with full hazard labels.
Rule of thumb
Always start from the UN number, confirm the proper shipping name, then read across: class, PG, special provisions, LQ/EQ, packing instruction, stowage and segregation. Treat special provisions as binding requirements, not footnotes.