DG Classification refers to the categorization of Dangerous Goods (DG), which are materials or items with hazardous properties that, if not properly controlled, can pose a potential risk to health, safety, property, or the environment. These goods are regulated by international, national, and local regulations, and they are classified into different categories based on the type of hazard they present.
Here’s an overview of the standard DG classifications:
Class 1: Explosives
Subclasses:
1.1: Substances and articles with a mass explosion hazard
1.2: Substances and articles with a projection hazard but not a mass explosion hazard
1.3: Substances and articles with a fire hazard and/or a minor blast hazard
1.4: Substances and articles that present no significant hazard
1.5: Very insensitive substances with a mass explosion hazard
1.6: Extremely insensitive articles with no mass explosion hazard
Class 2: Gases
Subclasses:
2.1: Flammable gases (e.g., propane, butane)
2.2: Non-flammable, non-toxic gases (e.g., nitrogen, oxygen)
2.3: Toxic gases (e.g., chlorine, ammonia)
Class 3: Flammable Liquids
Includes liquids with a flash point of not more than 60°C (e.g., gasoline, acetone).
Class 4: Flammable Solids
Subclasses:
4.1: Flammable solids (e.g., matches, sulfur)
4.2: Substances liable to spontaneous combustion (e.g., phosphorus)
4.3: Substances that emit flammable gases when in contact with water (e.g., sodium, calcium carbide)
Class 5: Oxidizing Substances and Organic Peroxides
Subclasses:
5.1: Oxidizing substances (e.g., ammonium nitrate)
5.2: Organic peroxides (e.g., methyl ethyl ketone peroxide)
Class 6: Toxic and Infectious Substances
Subclasses:
6.1: Toxic substances (e.g., cyanides, pesticides)
6.2: Infectious substances (e.g., bacteria, viruses)
Class 7: Radioactive Material
Includes any material containing radionuclides where both the activity concentration and the total activity in the consignment exceed certain predefined values.
Class 8: Corrosives
Includes substances that can cause severe damage to living tissue, metals, and other materials (e.g., sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid).
Class 9: Miscellaneous Dangerous Goods
Includes substances and articles that present a danger during transport but do not fall into the other categories (e.g., dry ice, lithium batteries, environmentally hazardous substances).
Each class has specific handling, packaging, and labeling requirements to ensure safety during storage and transport. Proper DG classification is essential to prevent accidents and ensure compliance with regulations in the logistics industry.