Truck and Track Summer 2026 www.truckandtrack.com 36 DANGEROUS GOODS An understanding of the Physical Chemistry terms ‘Flash Point’, ‘Auto-ignition Temperature’ and ‘Fire Point’ is essential when temperature elevation is a factor, or risk. When Class 3 (Flammable Liquids) and Class 4 and 5 (Flammable, Oxidising and Reactive Solids) are exposed to Direct Sunlight (UV), they may become heated and could combust (catch fire). This is especially serious for Packing Group/Transport Category I. Because of Class 3, and the preponderance of flammable liquids that form part of our society, we have to have a robust Fire and Rescue Service on standby at all times, and why Fire Risk Assessments are mandatory for all industrial organisations, and why many general logistics companies (including parcel carriers) are now refusing to carry Class 3, as it falls under ADR regulations, as they realise the problems posed, including insurance and staff welfare. Logistics Operators must also be aware of the hazards and dangers of the other Classes of Dangerous Goods, beyond purely the Flammable. Flash Point The flash point of a volatile material is the lowest temperature at which vapours of the material will ignite, when given an ignition source and Oxygen from atmospheric air (which contains 21% O2). The flash point may sometimes be confused with the autoignition temperature, which is the temperature at which the vapour ignites spontaneously without an ignition source. The fire point is the lowest temperature at which vapours of the material will keep burning after being ignited and the ignition source removed. The fire point is higher than the flash point, because at the flash point more vapour may not be produced rapidly enough to sustain combustion. Neither flash point nor fire point depends directly on the ignition source temperature, but it may be understood that ignition source temperature will be considerably higher than either the flash or fire point. Drivers and Depot Staff Behaviour in Hot Weather Please ensure your staff remain well hydrated during a heat wave and advise your teams that although they may wish to wear short-sleeve shirts and shorts for comfort; but when working with Chemicals, bare-skin can pose problems by getting Dangerous Goods inadvertently on exposed flesh. Apart from the flammability problem when Class Three liquids are splashed on naked skin, there is also the risk of dermatitis as these materials can ‘burn’ and/or ‘defat’ skin tissue and become absorbed (as toxins) into the body through the epidermal layer. It is an imperative to ensure staff members are dressed appropriately for the assigned task, including correct Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) – which can be determined by internal (or external) risk assessment. The Effect of Heat and Direct UV Sunlight on Dangerous Goods Please ensure that no Hazardous or combustible materials are placed under direct sunlight, for the heat can make flammable material reach (or exceed) flash points, and a spark or even Ultra Violet heating of the material could cause ignition/explosion; as well as vapour pressure build-up which can result in rupturing drums, IBCs, cans etc. Foam emergency response Class 3 Loading flammables for IMDG Sea TRUCK & TRAILER SOLUTIONS WELCOME TOALLPORTS GROUP allportsgroup.co.uk Flammables in IMDG Sea container Packaged flammable drum Oxidiser
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