What are dangerous goods and how are they classified 

Find out what dangerous goods are, how they are clasified, and the international regulation for their transportation.

Dangerous goods are materials or substances that, because of their chemical or physical characteristics, may represent a risk to health, sacurity, to the environment, or to infrastructure. These materials require special handling, packaging and transportation to avoid accidents that could have serious consequences. 

What does dangerous goods are? 

Dangerous goods include a wide range of substances, from toxic chemicals to flammable materials. Common examples include:  

  • Industrial chemicals (such as sulfuric acid or ammonia) 
  • Flammable materials (gasoline, diesel, fuel, alcohol) 
  • Toxic or corrosive substances 
  • Explosives and munitions 
  • Compressed gases (such as propane or butane) 
  • Radioactive materials.  

The transportation and handling of these goods are internationally regulated to ensure the safety of people and assets. 

Dangerous goods classification 

Dangerous goods are classified according to their nature and associated risks. This classification is established inernationally by the United Nations (UN), which divides them into 9 main clases: 

Class 1: Explosives 

Includes materials and objects than can explode or cause fire, such as fireworks, dynamite or amminution. 

Class 2: Gases 

Includes compressed, liquefied or dissolved gases under pressure, subdivided into:  

  • Flammable gases (e.g., propane) 
  • Nonglammable, nontoxic gases (e.g., nitrogen) 
  • Toxic gases (e.g., chlorine) 

Class 3: Flammable liquids 

Include liquid substances with a flash point below 60°C, such as gasoline, alcohol or solvents. 

Class 4: Flammable solids, substances subject to spontaneous combustion or contact with water 

  • Highly flammable solids (e.g., sulfur) 
  • Substances that spontaneously combust with air 
  • Materials that release flammable gases in contact with water 

Class 5: Oxidants and organic peroxides 

  • Oxidants that make it easier for other substances to burn (e.g., nitrates) 
  • Unstable organic peroxides that can react violently. 

Class 6: Toxic and infectious substances 

  • Toxinns dangerous to humans or the enviroment (e.g., cyanide) 
  • Infectious materials, such as samples of viruses or bacteria 

Class 7: Radioactive materials 

Includes materials that emit ionizing radiation, such as plutonium or uranium. 

Class 8: Corrosive substances 

Materials that can damage skin or destroy metals, such as strong acids or alkalis. 

Class 9: Other dangerous goods 

Compounds of substances that do not fall into the other categories but still pose a risk, such as poweful magnets or materials that harm the marine environment.  

Our service for dangerous goods safe transportation 

We are specialized in the safe transportation of dangerous goods worldwide, ensuring compliance with the necessar procedures according to the international IATA- ADR-IMO regulations.  

Customized service and documentation preparation 

Our team of qualified professionals handles all the documentation and logistics for the dangerous goods transportation. We ensure a seamless compliance with all necessary procedures and authorizations for a smooth transportation. 

Customizes assistance 

Out team of certified experts in dangerous goods, will provide the necessary assistance to cover any specific needs, resolve any doubts, provide allt he required information and accompany every step of the process until the delivery, ensuring that the transportation is secure and in compliance with the regulations applicable in the country of destination.  

Homologated packaging 

We offer specialized assistance with the homologation of packaging, ensuring that ir complies with the current regulations. We are committed to find efficient solutions that enable a safe delivery while reducing shipping costs. 

Conclusion 

Dangerous goods are crucial to many industries, but their handling requires technical knowledge and scrupulous attention. With our customized service, expert assistance and  homologated packaging solutions, we ensure a safe transportation that complies with the international regulations and fits every specific need. Relying on our professionals means a safe shipping, anywhere in the world! 

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