What Items are Considered HAZMAT for Shipping?
15 Jun 2021 Logistics
Hazardous materials (HAZMAT) are some of the most complicated, regulated, and expensive products to ship. Understanding what items are considered HAZMAT for shipping is crucial for ensuring compliance with applicable laws and maintaining the safety of couriers and handlers. When shipping hazardous materials, it is crucial to prepare the appropriate bill of lading and ensure that carriers have the required placards for safe transportation. As leading providers of specialized freight shipping solutions, the team at C&D Logistics understands the challenges associated with HAZMAT shipping. That is why their team has provided a list of the 9 classes of HAZMAT materials to help educate clients on what counts as hazardous, and what does not.
Learn about the common handling mistakes for HAZMAT shipping.
The 9 Classes of Hazardous Materials
The following types of materials are classified as hazardous:
1. Explosives
As implied by the name, these are materials that are likely to explode under certain conditions. These products include ammunition, gun powder, fireworks, airbag inflators, and seat belt tensioners.
2. Gases
These materials are dangerous when inhaled, when they make contact with a surface, or when exposed to flame. Gas products include aerosols (spray paint, household cleaners, hair products, etc.), propane tanks, lighters, self-inflating rafts, and fire extinguishers.
3. Flammable & Combustible Liquids
This class refers to liquids that will ignite when making contact with fire. Flammable/combustible liquids include gasoline, nail polish, oil-based paints, varnish, and paint thinner.
4. Flammable & Combustible Solids
Solid products that will ignite when coming into contact with fire fall into this class. Examples of flammable/combustible solids include matches, sulfur, potassium, sodium, sodium batteries, and coal.
5. Oxidizers and Organic Peroxides
These materials are chemicals that produce oxygen during reactions, causing or enhancing combustion. Oxidizers and organic peroxides can take the form of ammonium nitrate fertilizers, chlorine, sodium nitrate, and hydrogen peroxide.
6. Poisonous, Toxic, and Infectious Substances
The contents of this class refer to materials that can cause harm, serious injury, or death if inhaled or swallowed. When speaking of infectious substances, these are materials that are known to carry pathogens such as bacteria and viruses. Class 6 materials include biomedical waste (blood samples, needles), arsenic, pesticides, and nicotine.
7. Radioactive Materials
Materials are classified as radioactive if they spontaneously give off ionizing radiation greater than 0.002 microcuries per gram. Examples of radioactive materials include medical isotopes, x-ray machines, and depleted uranium.
8. Corrosives
Corrosives are liquids or solids that can visibly damage or deteriorate to human skin, steel, or aluminum. Class 8 products include sulfuric acid, drain cleaner, paint stripper, mercury thermometers, and hydrochloric acid.
9. Miscellaneous
Products in this class present a potential hazard during transport, but do not meet the requirements of another classification. This includes dry ice, lithium-ion batteries, vehicles, and first-aid kits.
To learn more about HAZMAT shipping, get in touch with the C&D Logistics team by phone at 605-881-4440 or toll free at 1-855-334-4440. Their team will be happy to answer any questions you may have.
