Dangerous goods are substances which pose risk to health, safety, property or the environment during operation and/or transportation. All of these substances are divided in classes in accordance to the specific chemical characteristics resulting in a degree of danger. The classification was not attributed in relation to that specific degree of danger but merely for convenience purposes.

Classification and labelling summary tables

Class 1: Explosives

• 1.1 Explosives with a mass explosion hazard
  • Ex: Trinitrotoluene, Nitroglycerine
• 1.2 Explosives with a severe projection hazar
• 1.3 Explosives with a fire, blast or projection hazard but not with mass explosion hazard.
• 1.4 Fire or projection hazard
• 1.5 May explode in fire
• 1.6 No hazard statement

Class 2: Gases

Gases which are compressed, liquefied or dissolved under pressure as detailed below. Some gases have subsidiary risk classes; poisonous or corrosive.

• 2.1 Flammable gas
  • Gases which ignite on contact with an ignition source.
    • Ex: Acetylene, Hydrogen;

• 2.2 Non-Flammable Gases
  • Gases which are neither flammable nor poisonous.
    • Ex: Oxygen, Nitrogen;

• 2.3 Poisonous Gases
  • Gases liable to cause death or serious injury to human health if inhaled.
    • Ex: Ammonia, Chlorine.

Class 3: Flammable liquids

• 3.1 Highly flammable liquids with a boiling point below 35°C.
  • Ex: diethyl ether, carbon disulfide;
• 3.2 Flammable liquids with a Flashpoint of less than 23°C and boiling point above 35°C.
  • Ex: petrol, acetone, spirits;
• 3.3 Liquids with a flashpoint above 23°C but not exceeding 61 °C and a boiling point greater than 35°C.
  • Ex: kerosene

Class 4: Flammable solids

• 4.1 Flammable solids which are easily ignited and readily combustible.
  • Ex: Nitrocellulose, Phosphorus, Matches;

• 4.2 Spontaneously combustible substances.
  • Ex: Aluminium Alkyls, White Phosphorus;

• 4.3 Substances which emit a flammable gas when wet or react violently with water.
  • Ex: Sodium, Calcium Carbide.

Class 5: Oxidising Agents & Organic Peroxides

• 5.1 Oxidising agents other than organic peroxides.
  • Ex: Calcium Hypochlorite , Ammonium nitrate, Hydrogen peroxide;

• 5.2 Organic peroxides, either in liquid or solid form.
  • Ex: Benzoyl Peroxides, Cumene Hydroperoxide;

Class 6: Poisonous (Toxic) and Infectious Substances

• 6.1a Poisonous substances which are liable to cause death or serious injury to human health if inhaled, swallowed or by skin absorption.
  • Ex: Cyanides, Lead salts;

• 6.1b Toxic substances which are harmful to human health.
  • Ex: Low toxicity pesticides;

• 6.2 Biohazardous substances.
  • Ex: Vaccines, pathology specimens.

Class 7: Radioactive Substances

• Radioactive substances comprise substances or a combination of substances which emit radiation.
  • Ex: Uranium, Radioisotopes. Radioactive substances are regulated by the Environment Protection Authority .

Class 8: Corrosives Substances

Substances which being solids or liquids may harm living tissue or damage equipment.

• 8.1 Acids
  • Ex: Hydrochloric Acid;
• 8.2 Alkali substances
• 8.3 Different corrosive and caustic substances
  • Caustic Solutions;

Class 9: Miscellaneous Dangerous Substances

• Substances which present relatively low hazards.
  • Ex: Aerosols, Polyester Beads.

Other hazard material's labels

X, harmful

T, toxic

C, corrosive

O, oxidizing

F, flammable 

E, explosive

N, environmental hazard

See also

• UNECE - Dangerous Goods and Special Cargoes Section
• Classification of Dangerous Goods