Dangerous Stuff - Hazardous Substances

Most of the information in this section has been taken from "The International Freight Guide" with the kind permission of the British International Freight Association.

Responsibility
The Regulations
1. Classification: the Substance
2. Packing
3. Marks and Labelling
4. Documentation
Conclusion

1. Classification: the Substance

Consignors of packed dangerous substances have the legal responsibility to classify the substances in accordance with the appropriate modal regulations.

1. 1 Class

All hazardous substances are divided into one of nine classes that define their primary and, with some substances, their secondary hazard. These classes are:

• Class 1 Explosive
• Class 2 Gases
• Class 3 Flammable liquids
• Class 4 Flammable solids
• Class 5 Oxidisers
• Class 6 Toxic
• Class 7 Radioactive
• Class 8 Corrosive
• Class 9 Miscellaneous

Within these general classifications, some have further subdivisions such as Class 4.3 "Dangerous when wet".

Each of the above classes has its own distinguishing label which must be fixed to each package. These labels are specifically for transportation and should not be confused with labelling that relates to supply.

1.2 Proper shipping name (PSN) and UN serial number

Following on from the general classification, identification of the substance and its properties is by the use of a PSN (Substance in ADR) and "UN" four-digit serial number. The immense range of technical and commercial descriptions in use has made it essential that a single uniform internationally recognised system of classification applies. This forms the basis of the required packaging, marking, labelling, segregation and stowage instructions. It also forms the source of the methods for information to deal with an incident or spillage (EMS) and first-aid treatment (MFAG). It is therefore essential to adhere to the requirements within the Regulations to clearly and legibly state the PSN and "UN" number in documents and on packages.

1.3 Packing group

Some of the classes also further categorise hazardous substances by reference to the packing group. This is a method of defining the degree of risk associated with a substance. The greater the risk the more stringent will be the packaging requirements and possibly the smaller the quantity that can be packed. It is in this area that some of the greatest differences can be found in the quantity and packaging Regulations of the transport modes. It is therefore an area that can cause problems in our inter-and multimodal world.

The general relationship between packing group, risk and package group code is as follows:

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