Classification of dangerous goods and dangerous goods lists
What this domain tests
Classification assigns the correct UN number, class, packing group and subsidiary hazards; the dangerous goods list then supplies the legal conditions. Expect questions on classes, packing groups, Table A columns and limited quantities.
Core rules
- Nine classes: 1 explosives; 2 gases; 3 flammable liquids; 4.1 flammable solids, 4.2 spontaneously combustible, 4.3 water-reactive; 5.1 oxidizers, 5.2 organic peroxides; 6.1 toxic, 6.2 infectious; 7 radioactive; 8 corrosives; 9 miscellaneous.
- Packing groups I, II, III reflect degree of danger; not every substance has a PG.
- Class 3: flammable liquid if flash point ≤60°C. PG I: initial boiling point ≤35°C; PG II: flash point <23°C and IBP >35°C; PG III: flash point 23–60°C and IBP >35°C.
- Table A columns include UN number, proper shipping name, class, PG, labels, special provisions, limited quantity, packing instruction, tank code and tunnel code.
- “n.o.s.” entries require the technical name in brackets on documents and package marking.
Worked example
A liquid has flash point 25°C and initial boiling point 80°C. It is Class 3, and because the flash point is in the 23–60°C range it is PG III. It gets the Class 3 label; if it also met a toxic criterion it would carry a Class 6.1 subsidiary label. The consignor must use the Table A entry, not invent a name.
Traps
Using flash point alone. Assigning PG I because the liquid is “very flammable” when IBP is above 35°C. Forgetting subsidiary hazards. Missing special provisions that change packing or marking. Confusing limited quantity with excepted quantity.