Dangerous goods(DG), are substances that are a risk to health, safety, property or theenvironmentduring transport. Certain dangerous goods that pose risks even when not being transported are known ashazardous materials(syllabically abbreviatedasHAZMATorhazmat). An example for dangerous goods ishazardous wastewhich iswastethat has substantial or potential threats topublic healthor theenvironment.[1]
Hazardous materials are often subject tochemical regulations.Hazmat teams are personnel specially trained to handle dangerous goods, which include materials that areradioactive,flammable,explosive,corrosive,oxidizing,asphyxiating,biohazardous,toxic,poisonous,pathogenic,orallergenic.Also included are physical conditions such as compressed gases and liquids or hot materials, including all goods containing such materials or chemicals, or may have other characteristics that render them hazardous in specific circumstances.
Dangerous goods are often indicated by diamond-shaped signage on the item (seeNFPA 704), its container, or the building where it is stored. The color of each diamond indicates its hazard, e.g., flammable is indicated with red, because fire and heat are generally of red color, and explosive is indicated with orange, because mi xing red (flammable) with yellow (oxidizing agent) creates orange. A nonflammable and nontoxic gas is indicated with green, because all compressed air vessels were this color in France after World War II, and France was where the diamond system of hazmat identification originated.
Global regulations
editThe most widely applied regulatory scheme is that for the transportation of dangerous goods. TheUnited Nations Economic and Social Councilissues theUN Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods,which form the basis for most regional, national, and international regulatory schemes. For instance, theInternational Civil Aviation Organizationhas developed dangerous goods regulations for air transport of hazardous materials that are based upon the UN model but modified to accommodate unique aspects of air transport. Individual airline and governmental requirements are incorporated with this by theInternational Air Transport Associationto produce the widely usedIATADangerous Goods Regulations(DGR).[2]Similarly, theInternational Maritime Organization(IMO) has developed theInternational Maritime Dangerous Goods Code( "IMDG Code", part of theInternational Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea) for transportation of dangerous goods by sea. IMO member countries have also developed theHNS Conventionto provide compensation in case of dangerous goods spills in the sea.
TheIntergovernmental Organisation for International Carriage by Railhas developed the regulations concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Rail ( "RID", part of theConvention concerning International Carriage by Rail). Many individual nations have also structured their dangerous goods transportation regulations to harmonize with the UN model in organization as well as in specific requirements.
TheGlobally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals(GHS) is an internationally agreed upon system set to replace the various classification and labeling standards used in different countries. The GHS uses consistent criteria for classification and labeling on a global level.
UN numbers and proper shipping names
editDangerous goods are assigned to UN numbers and proper shipping names according to their hazard classification and their composition. Dangerous goods commonly carried are listed in the Dangerous Goods list.[3]
Examples for UN numbers andproper shipping namesare:
- 1202 GAS OIL or DIESEL FUEL or HEATING OIL, LIGHT
- 1203 MOTOR SPIRIT or GASOLINE or PETROL
- 3090LITHIUM METAL BATTERIES
- 3480LITHIUM ION BATTERIESincluding lithium ion polymer batteries
Classification and labeling summary tables
editDangerous goods are divided into nine classes (in addition to several subcategories) on the basis of the specific chemical characteristics producing the risk.[4]
Note: The graphics and text in this article representing the dangerous goods safety marks are derived from the United Nations-based system of identifying dangerous goods. Not all countries use precisely the same graphics (label,placardor text information) in their national regulations. Some use graphic symbols, but without English wording or with similar wording in their national language. Refer to the dangerous goods transportation regulations of the country of interest.
For example, see theTDG Bulletin: Dangerous Goods Safety Marks[5]based on the CanadianTransportation of Dangerous Goods Regulations.
The statement above applies equally to all the dangerous goods classes discussed in this article.
| Class 1: Explosives | |||||||||||
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| Information on this graphic changes depending on which, "Division" of explosive is shipped. Explosive Dangerous Goods have compatibility group letters assigned to facilitate segregation during transport. The letters used range from A to S excluding the letters I, M, O, P, Q and R. The example above shows an explosive with a compatibility group "A" (shown as 1.1A). The actual letter shown would depend on the specific properties of the substance being transported.
For example, theCanadian Transportation of Dangerous Goods Regulationsprovides a description of compatibility groups.
TheUnited States Department of Transportation(DOT) regulates hazmat transportation within the territory of the US.
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Mass Explosion Hazard |
Blast/Projection Hazard | |||||||||
Minor Blast Hazard |
Major Fire Hazard |
Blasting Agents | |||||||||
Extremely Insensitive Explosives |
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| Class 2: Gases | |||||||||||
Gases which are compressed, liquefied or dissolved under pressure as detailed below. Some gases have subsidiary risk classes; poisonous or corrosive.
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| Class 3: Flammable Liquids | |||||||||||
Flammable liquids included in Class 3 are included in one of the following packing groups:
Note:For further details, check the Dangerous Goods Transportation Regulations of the country of interest. | |||||||||||
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| Class 4: Flammable Solids | |||||||||||
4.1Flammable Solids:Solid substances that are easily ignited and readily combustible (nitrocellulose,magnesium,safety or strike-anywherematches). |
4.2Spontaneously Combustible:Solid substances thatignite spontaneously(aluminium alkyls,white phosphorus). |
4.3Dangerous when Wet:Solid substances that emit a flammable gas when wet or react violently with water (sodium,calcium,potassium,calcium carbide). | |||||||||
| Class 5: Oxidizing Agents and Organic Peroxides | |||||||||||
5.1 Oxidizing agents other than organic peroxides (calcium hypochlorite,ammonium nitrate,hydrogen peroxide,potassium permanganate). |
5.2 Organic peroxides, either in liquid or solid form (benzoyl peroxides,cumene hydroperoxide). |
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| Class 6: Toxic and Infectious Substances | |||||||||||
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| Class 7: Radioactive Substances | Class 8: Corrosive Substances | Class 9: Miscellaneous | |||||||||
Radioactive substances comprise substances or a combination of substances which emit ionizing radiation (uranium,plutonium). |
Corrosive substances are substances that can dissolve organic tissue or severely corrode certain metals:
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Hazardous substances that do not fall into the other categories (asbestos, air-bag inflators, self inflating life rafts, dry ice). | |||||||||
Handling and transportation
editHandling
edit
Mitigating the risks associated with hazardous materials may require the application of safety precautions during their transport, use, storage anddisposal.Most countries regulate hazardous materials by law, and they are subject to several international treaties as well. Even so, different countries may use different class diamonds for the same product. For example, in Australia, anhydrous ammonia UN 1005 is classified as 2.3 (toxic gas) with subsidiary hazard 8 (corrosive), whereas in the U.S. it is only classified as 2.2 (non-flammable gas).[6]
People who handle dangerous goods will often wear protective equipment, and metropolitan fire departments often have a response team specifically trained to deal with accidents and spills. Persons who may come into contact with dangerous goods as part of their work are also often subject to monitoring or health surveillance to ensure that their exposure does not exceedoccupational exposure limits.
Laws and regulations on the use and handling of hazardous materials may differ depending on the activity and status of the material. For example, one set of requirements may apply to their use in the workplace while a different set of requirements may apply to spill response, sale for consumer use, or transportation. Most countries regulate some aspect of hazardous materials.
Packing groups
edit
Packing groups are used for the purpose of determining the degree of protective packaging required for dangerous goods during transportation.
- Group I: great danger, and most protective packaging required. Some combinations of different classes of dangerous goods on the same vehicle or in the samecontainerare forbidden if one of the goods is Group I.[7]
- Group II: medium danger
- Group III: minor danger among regulated goods, and least protective packaging within the transportation requirement
Transport documents
editOne of the transport regulations is that, as an assistance during emergency situations, written instructions how to deal in such need to be carried and easily accessible in the driver's cabin.[8]
Dangerous goods shipments also require a dangerous goods transport document prepared by the shipper. The information that is generally required includes the shipper's name and address; the consignee's name and address; descriptions of each of the dangerous goods, along with their quantity, classification, and packaging; and emergency contact information. Common formats include the one issued by theInternational Air Transport Association(IATA) for air shipments and the form by theInternational Maritime Organization(IMO) for sea cargo.[9]
Training
editA license or permit card for hazmat training must be presented when requested by officials.[10]
Society and culture
editGlobal goals
editTheinternational communityhas defined the responsible management of hazardous waste and chemicals as an important part ofsustainable developmentwithSustainable Development Goal 3.Target 3.9 has this target with respect to hazardous chemicals: "By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water andsoil pollutionand contamination. "[11]Furthermore,Sustainable Development Goal 6also mentions hazardous materials in Target 6.3: "By 2030, improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping and minimizing release of hazardous chemicals and materials [...]."[12]
By country or region
editTheAustralian Dangerous Goods Code[13]complies with international standards of importation and exportation of dangerous goods in line with the UN Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods. Australia uses the standard international UN numbers with a few slightly different signs on the back, front and sides of vehicles carrying hazardous substances. The country uses the same "Hazchem"code system as the UK to provide advisory information to emergency services personnel in the event of an emergency.
Transportation of dangerous goods (hazardous materials) in Canada by road is normally a provincial jurisdiction.[14]The federal government has jurisdiction over air, most marine, and most rail transport. The federal government acting centrally created the federalTransportation of Dangerous Goods Actand regulations, which provinces adopted in whole or in part via provincial transportation of dangerous goods legislation. The result is that all provinces use the federal regulations as their standard within their province; some small variances can exist because of provincial legislation. Creation of the federal regulations was coordinated byTransport Canada.Hazard classifications are based upon the UN model.
Outside of federal facilities, labour standards are generally under the jurisdiction of individual provinces and territories. However, communication about hazardous materials in the workplace has been standardized across the country throughHealth Canada'sWorkplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS).
TheEuropean Unionhas passed numerousdirectivesand regulations to avoid the dissemination and restrict the usage of hazardous substances, important ones being theRestriction of Hazardous Substances Directive(RoHS) and theREACHregulation. There are also long-standing European treaties such asADR,[15]ADN and RID that regulate the transportation of hazardous materials by road, rail, river and inland waterways, following the guide of the UN model regulations.
European law distinguishes clearly between the law of dangerous goods and the law of hazardous materials. The first refers primarily to the transport of the respective goods including the interim storage, if caused by the transport. The latter describes the requirements of storage (including warehousing) and usage of hazardous materials. This distinction is important, because different directives and orders of European law are applied.
The United Kingdom (and also Australia, Malaysia, and New Zealand) use the Hazchem warning plate system which carries information on how an emergency service should deal with an incident. TheDangerous Goods Emergency Action Code List(EAC) lists dangerous goods; it is reviewed every two years and is an essential compliance document for all emergency services, local government and for those who may control the planning for, and prevention of, emergencies involving dangerous goods. The latest 2015 version is available from theNational Chemical Emergency Centre(NCEC) website.[16]Guidance is available from theHealth and Safety Executive.[17]
New Zealand's Land Transport Rule: Dangerous Goods 2005 and the Dangerous Goods Amendment 2010 describe the rules applied to the transportation of hazardous and dangerous goods in New Zealand. The system closely follows the United Nations Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods[18]and uses placards with Hazchem codes andUN numberson packaging and the transporting vehicle's exterior to convey information to emergency services personnel.
Drivers that carry dangerous goods commercially, or carry quantities in excess of the rule's guidelines must obtain a D (dangerous goods) endorsement on theirdriver's licence.Drivers carrying quantities of goods under the rule's guidelines and for recreational or domestic purposes do not need any special endorsements.[19]
Due to the increase in fear ofterrorismin the early 21st century after theSeptember 11, 2001 attacks,funding for greater hazmat-handling capabilities was increased throughout the United States, recognizing that flammable, poisonous, explosive, or radioactive substances in particular could be used for terrorist attacks.
ThePipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administrationregulates hazmat transportation within the territory of the US byTitle 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations.
The U.S.Occupational Safety and Health Administration(OSHA) regulates the handling of hazardous materials in the workplace as well as response to hazardous-materials-related incidents, most notably throughHazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response(HAZWOPER).[20]regulations found at 29 CFR 1910.120.
In 1984 the agencies OSHA, EPA, USCG, and NIOSH jointly published the firstHazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response Guidance Manual[20]which is available for download.[21]
TheEnvironmental Protection Agency(EPA) regulates hazardous materials as they may impact the community and environment, including specific regulations for environmental cleanup and for handling and disposal of waste hazardous materials. For instance, transportation of hazardous materials is regulated by theHazardous Materials Transportation Act.TheResource Conservation and Recovery Actwas also passed to further protect human and environmental health.[22]
TheConsumer Product Safety Commissionregulates hazardous materials that may be used in products sold for household and other consumer uses.
Hazard classes for materials in transport
editFollowing the UN model, the DOT divides regulated hazardous materials into nine classes, some of which are further subdivided. Hazardous materials in transportation must be placarded and have specifiedpackaging and labelling.Some materials must always be placarded, others may only require placarding in certain circumstances.[23]
Trailers of goods in transport are usually marked with a four digitUN number.This number, along with standardized logs of hazmat information, can be referenced by first responders (firefighters, police officers, and ambulance personnel) who can find information about the material in theEmergency Response Guidebook.[24]
Fixed facilities
editDifferent standards usually apply for handling and marking hazmats at fixed facilities, includingNFPA 704diamond markings (a consensus standard often adopted by local governmental jurisdictions), OSHA regulations requiring chemical safety information for employees, and CPSC requirements requiring informative labeling for the public, as well as wearinghazmat suitswhen handling hazardous materials.
See also
edit- ADR (treaty)– international arrangements for carriage of dangerous goods
- Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry(ATSDR)
- Area classification
- ASTM International– an international standards organization
- CLP Regulation
- Dangerous Goods Safety Advisor
- Directive 67/548/EEC
- Environmental hazard
- Hazardous materials apparatus
- UN number
- Hazchem
- Highly hazardous chemical
- List of Extremely Hazardous Substances
- List of UN Numbers
- National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standard 704(US) (the "fire diamond" )
- Packing group
- Pipe marking
- Poison control center
- Redundant refrigeration system
- Waste oil
References
edit- ^"Resources Conservation and Recovery Act".US EPA.
- ^"Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR)".IATA.Archivedfrom the original on 2014-04-23.
- ^"2.0.2 UN numbers and proper shipping names".Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods, Model Regulations.Vol. I (Twentyfirst ed.). United Nations.Retrieved25 April2021.
- ^"Archived copy"(PDF).Archived(PDF)from the original on 2016-03-04.Retrieved2015-04-16.
{{cite web}}:CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link) - ^"TDG Bulletin: Dangerous Goods Safety Marks"(PDF).Transport Canada.January 2015.Archived(PDF)from the original on 14 October 2015.Retrieved5 November2015.
- ^"Emergency Response Safety and Health Database".National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.9 July 2021.
- ^"Land Transport Rule - Dangerous Goods".New Zealand Land Transport Agency.Archivedfrom the original on 10 May 2010.Retrieved21 February2010.
- ^"Guide for Preparing Shipping Papers"(PDF).US Department of Transportation Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration.Archived(PDF)from the original on 8 May 2016.Retrieved27 April2016.
- ^"Chapter 5.4 Documentation".Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods, Model Regulations.Vol. II (Twentyfirst ed.). United Nations.Retrieved25 April2021.
- ^"Hazmat transportation training requirements, An overview of 49 CFR parts 172-173"(PDF).U.S. Department of Transportation, Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration.Archived(PDF)from the original on 2020-10-17.Retrieved25 April2021.
- ^United Nations (2017) Resolution adopted by the General Assembly on 6 July 2017,Work of the Statistical Commission pertaining to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development(A/RES/71/313)
- ^Ritchie, Roser, Mispy, Ortiz-Ospina."Measuring progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals, Goal 3"SDG-Tracker.org, website(2018).
- ^Australian Dangerous Goods CodeNational Transport Commission
- ^Safety, Government of Canada, Transport Canada, Safety and Security, Motor Vehicle."Information Links".tc.gc.ca.Archivedfrom the original on 2015-04-17.
{{cite web}}:CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) - ^"About the ADR".UNECE.Archivedfrom the original on 2021-01-16.Retrieved2021-04-25.
- ^"The Dangerous Goods Emergency Action Code List 2017".the-ncec.Archived fromthe originalon 2015-04-17.Retrieved2015-04-16.
- ^"Carriage of Dangerous Goods - ADR and the carriage regulations 2004".hse.gov.uk.Retrieved2021-12-15.
- ^"Rev. 12 (2001) - Transport - UNECE".unece.org.Archivedfrom the original on 2015-04-18.
- ^"Transporting Hazardous or Dangerous Goods in a Truck or Car".3 May 2015.Archivedfrom the original on 2016-02-01.
- ^ab"Hazardous waste operations and emergency response (HAZWOPER)".Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). 2006.Archivedfrom the original on 10 February 2010.Retrieved17 February2010.
- ^DHHS (NIOSH) (October 1985),Occupational Safety and Health Guidance Manual for Hazardous Waste Site Activities,p. 142, Pub. no. 85-115,archivedfrom the original on June 29, 2011,retrieved2011-02-22
- ^Taylor, Penny."Transporting and Disposing of Dangerous Goods in the US: What You Need to Know".ACT Environmental Services.Archivedfrom the original on 19 January 2016.Retrieved28 December2015.
- ^Werman, Howard A.; Karren, K; Mistovich, Joseph (2014). "Protecting Yourself from Accidental and Work-Related Injury: Hazardous Materials". In Werman A. Howard; Mistovich J; Karren K (eds.).Prehospital Emergency Care, 10e.Pearson Education,Inc. p. 31.
- ^Levins, Cory."Dangerous Goods".Archivedfrom the original on 9 May 2016.Retrieved27 April2016.
External links
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Media related toDangerous goodsat Wikimedia Commons- Processing Radioactive Materials- large set of images by theIAEAshowing automated package labelling and tracking for shipment of hazardous radioactive pharmaceuticals.
- Categorising Dangerous Materials- blog post explaining UN classification of dangerous materials.
- The 9 Classes of Dangerous Goods- blog post byMintraexplaining the 9 classes of dangerous goods
