Hey guys, today in this article, we are going to talk about the complete guide to shipping hazardous materials. So keep reading. Many common goods like paint, batteries, cosmetics, and liquor are considered dangerous for shipping and storage. They are labelled as hazardous materials or ‘hazmats.’ But why? The answer lies in the fact that these items can lead to environmental or health hazards if handled professionally.
Shipping hazmats is a complex and expensive task. In the US, shipping companies need to be certified according to the Department of Transportation (DOT). Regulations related to other government agencies, such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), also need to be considered.
If you need to transport Hazmat safely, you should hire a certified team of 3PL hazmat experts, like Go Hazmat Hub. Working with a 3PL team makes it easier for you to comply with hazmat regulations.
The safe handling and shipment of hazardous materials or lab transport services are critical to the safety of lives, the prevention of loss, and the continuity of business. In this article, we will cover the basic categories of Hazmat.
What Is The Meaning Of HAZMAT?
Hazardous materials are dangerous materials that cause physical harm to property or living things. As the name suggests, hazmats pose a serious risk of injury or death to employees, customers, and other stakeholders if not handled properly. They can also cause permanent damage to operational installations and the surrounding environment. In shipping, we also call them ‘hazmats’.
Hazmats, therefore, need to be handled with care to minimize the occurrence of a serious hazard. They must be transported in special containers and vehicles to ensure the safety of everyone involved in the process. Additionally, the materials need to be handled by trained staff.
What Types Of Goods Are Classified As HAZMAT?
The US Federal Motor Carrier Association (FMCA) groups hazmats in nine major classes. This classification ranges from extremely dangerous substances – like explosives – to common fast-moving consumer goods – like shaving cream, nail polish removers, and disinfectants.
All of these items can pose a shipping hazard if the transporter fails to take adequate precautions. For clarity, the FMCA also breaks down each major hazmat category into subcategories.
Class 1: Explosives
This class of materials can explode under specific conditions. They can cause massive property damage and instant death.
Subcategories:
– 1.1: Explosives with a mass explosion hazard
– 1.2: Explosives with a blast and projection hazard
– 1.3: Explosives with minor blast hazard
– 1.4: Explosives with a major fire risk
– 1.5: Very insensitive explosives
– 1.6: Extremely insensitive explosives
TNT, ammunition, gun powder, consumer fireworks, rocket fuel, and car airbags are examples of Class 1 HAZMAT items.
Class 2: Gases
This category includes gases that can cause injury or death when inhaled or damage to surfaces on contact. Gases need to be stored in tight containers to prevent accidents or widespread contamination.
Subcategories:
2.1: Flammable gases
2.2: Non-flammable gases
2.3: Toxic gases
Examples of Class 2 HAZMAT items include a variety of commercial and consumer sprays, such as perfumes, pepper spray, hair spray, fire extinguishers, insecticides, and air fresheners.
Class 3: Flammable Liquids
These liquids will ignite on very low flashpoints. Therefore, they pose a significant fire hazard.
Subcategories:
3.1: Flashpoint below -18°C (0°F)
3.2: Flashpoint below -18°C and above, but less than 23°C (73°F)
3.3: Flashpoint 23°C and up to 61°C (141°F)
Examples of Class 3 HAZMAT items include petrol, nail polish removers, butane, oil paints, paint thinner, and alcohol.
Class 4: Flammable Solids
This category includes solids that can ignite when they come in contact with fire or catch fire on their own in extreme heat.
Subcategories:
4.1: Flammable solids
4.2: Spontaneously combustible solids
4.3: Solids that are dangerous when wet
Examples of Class 4 HAZMAT items include matches, sulfur, coal, alkali metals (sodium, potassium, etc.), and sodium batteries.
Class 5: Oxidizers/Organic Peroxides
These chemicals produce oxygen in chemical reactions, increasing the risk of a fire breaking out.
Subcategories:
5.1: Oxidizers
5.2: Organic peroxides
Examples of Class 5 HAZMAT items include nitrates, fertilizers, bleaching materials, hydrogen peroxide, and chlorine.
Class 6: Toxic and Infectious Substances
This class includes poisonous substances that can cause death, serious injury, or harm to humans if inhaled or swallowed. Infectious substances are those items that carry pathogens (bacteria, viruses, fungi, etc.).
Subcategories:
Division 6.1: Poisonous materials
Division 6.2: Etiologic (infectious) materials
Examples of Class 6 HAZMAT items include medical waste (blood samples and used needles), arsenic, natural products, and pesticides.
Class 7: Radioactive Material
This class includes materials or a combination of materials that spontaneously release ionizing radiation. The minimum radioactivity threshold is 0.002 microcuries per gram.
Examples of Class 7 HAZMAT items include radioisotopes that are used in medical equipment (Co-60), geology (C-14), and nuclear fuel (Uranium).
Class 8: Corrosive Materials
These materials can cause severe or irreversible damage to human skin or metals.
Examples of Class 8 HAZMAT items include a range of acids (sulfuric acid and hydrochloric acid) and alkalis (hydroxides and alkaline battery liquids).
Class 9: Miscellaneous Hazardous Materials
This class includes all those products that do not fit into the previous categories.
Examples of Class 9 HAZMAT items include dry ice, lithium-ion batteries, vehicles, and first-aid kits.
Consult An Expert For Safe HAZMAT Handling
If you need to transport hazmats to anywhere in the US, Go Hazmat Hub offers reliable solutions for any class of Hazmat. We offer a wide range of hazardous waste management services and shipping, including emergency hazmat handling, safe and sound transportation, and incident response support.
Call us today to learn more.
So that’s all from our side. I hope you liked this article on the complete guide to shipping hazardous materials. Thanks for reading.
Also, you can check: 5 Best eCommerce Platforms That You Can Use.