DG regulations

DANGEROUS GOODS: THE 9 CLASSES

Dangerous goods are materials or items with hazardous properties which, if not properly controlled, present a potential hazard to human health and safety, infrastructure and/ or their means of transport.

The transportation of dangerous goods is controlled at national and international levels by a variety of regulatory regimes.

Each mode of transport has its own regulatory guide: 

  • Dangerous goods by air – ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organisation)
  • Dangerous goods by road – ADR (European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road)
  • Dangerous goods by sea – IMDG (International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code)
  • It is sommon to refer to the IATA (International Air Transport Association) dangerous goods regulations when shipping via air 

 

Collectively, these regulatory regimes mandate packaging, handling, labeling and transportation of DG.

Classification of dangerous goods comprises of nine classes according to the type of danger materials:

  • Explosives
  • Gases
  • Flammable Liquids
  • Flammable Solids
  • Oxidizing Substances
  • Toxic & Infectious Substances
  • Radioactive Material
  • Corrosives
  • Miscellaneous Dangerous Goods

 

Due to the fact there are many regulations applicable to DG transportation, handling of DG requires tailored approach, and every DG shipment is treated individually on a case by case basis to ensure compliance levels are observed and duly followed.