Truck and Track Summer 2024 www.truckandtrack.com 54 DANGEROUS GOODS We have all seen the diamond labels on packages and vehicle placards that indicate the hazards of the products concerned when in transit. Quite often, there are no words, just images and numbers – so, what do they signify? Dangerous goods classes All dangerous goods are allocated a UN number, and often a Packing Group, based on a product’s characteristics and level of hazard. These are shown in the Dangerous Goods List in the regulations for each mode of transport. From the DG List you are guided to the specific packaging and shipping requirements for each UN number. Each UN number falls into one, or more, of the nine different hazard classes, some of which have divisions, as shown in the following guidance. The descriptions and warnings emphasise the importance of handling the products correctly and highlight the, sometimes rather scary, consequences should there be an incident – especially when large quantities are involved. Class 1 Explosive Substances and articles. Variants of the Class 1 labels indicate how the products have been classified for transport: • the Division, for explosives, this indicates the level of danger • the Compatibility Group to which a product has been allocated. This determines which products can be packed/loaded together and ensures safe segregation Class 1 products include those which have properties and effects that can cause mass detonation; projection of fragments; intense heat, and those which may be sensitive to shocks. Class 1.4 indicates a slight risk of explosion or fire. Class 2.1 Flammable Gases, for example butane. These products pose a risk of fire or explosion and may be under pressure. They may cause burns and/ or frostbite and there may be a risk of asphyxiation. Containments may explode when heated. Class 2.2 Non-flammable and non-toxic gases, for example nitrogen, helium, carbon dioxide. These products can cause frostbite and there is a risk of asphyxiation. Containments may explode when heated. Class 2.3 Toxic gases, for example chlorine. These products may cause intoxication, burns and/or frostbite. They may be under pressure and containments may explode when heated. Class 3 Flammable liquids, for example petrol. There is a risk of fire or explosion, and containments may explode when heated. Dangerous Goods: What do those labels mean? Part 1 - Hazard Classes 1-5 Richard Shreeve, Compliance Manager at Labeline International, highlights the importance of understanding the meaning of hazard labels and placards Labeline’s Compliance Manager Richard Shreeve
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