9 Classification of Dangerous Goods in Logistics
May 25, 2023
The increasing popularity of online shopping and demands are seemingly never-ending with distribution channels also growing as a response to fulfill the aforementioned growing customer needs.
Items and products that are being transported are aplenty and diverse from self-care items, food and beverages, furniture, and even dangerous goods as customer demands keep rising enveloping various categories of products. Although, this begs the question of what is the definition of dangerous goods and are there categorizations or classifications included in said goods?
The basic understanding regarding dangerous or hazardous materials (hazmat) are substances or materials that are capable of causing harm towards one’s safety, health, and also cause damage to property or the environment.
Handling dangerous goods or hazardous material (hazmat) demands meticulous attention, such as encompassing the right selection of freight or mode of transportation and the delegation of certified professionals with extensive experience in managing such hazardous material. Failing to handle dangerous goods properly can give rise to numerous risks, including environmental contamination and other hazardous situations.
This is the reason why the transportation of these dangerous goods are subject to certain regulations, specifically in Indonesia it is under UU No. 1, 2009 Article 136 Chapter 4 regarding air transport regulations for hazardous materials. However, what are the specific classifications or categorizations of these dangerous goods in logistics?
Generally, citizens are not well aware of what exactly classifies as dangerous or hazardous materials and how it determines the regulations suited for transportation of that particular class of goods. In general, there are 9 dangerous goods classifications in transport chains or logistics, which include:
These are various materials from solid, liquid, or gasses that can create a chemical reaction that may detonate or explode. Explosives are generally able to create a chain of reactions in producing catastrophic damage to people and the surrounding area. The common examples are fireworks, ammunition, rockets, etc.
This includes gasses which are enclosed, compressed, liquefied, and many more forms that can cause fires due to the nature of gasses as being easily flammable or some gasses being poisonous or toxic. Common examples of this classification are compressed air, natural gasses, hydrogen, nitrogen, etc.
Which are liquids or liquid mixtures which can emit flammable vapor if the environment of transport is not properly controlled in its temperature and pressure. Improper transportation and storage of flammable liquids are susceptible to reactions which lead to combustions and fire hazards. Examples of flammable liquids are Acetone, Perfume, Gasoline, etc.
These materials include items that are sensitive to frictions, water/liquid, or self-reactive items and other means which can cause it to ignite or explode. Examples of this are certain metals or metal powder, oily fibers, sulfur, bricks, etc.
Substances that fall under oxidizing agents generally materials which can cause or worsen fires or explosions if it were to come into contact with oxygen that causes a chemical reaction (Examples: Calcium Chlorate, Concentrated Nitric Acid, etc). On the other hand, organic peroxides include substances that are susceptible to rotting in normal temperatures or evaporating which are liable to explosive decomposition, fires, and dangerous reactions towards other materials or people near it. Examples of organic peroxides are Calcium Chlorate, Ammonium Nitrate, etc.
Toxic substances include materials that can cause serious harm, lethal side-effects, or even death for people who inhale, swallow, or touch the substance. Infectious substances are usually substances that contain pathogens as microorganisms such as viruses, bacteria, parasites or others that may cause harm or spread diseases to humans or animals. Examples of these substances include: medical/biomedical/clinical waste, lead compounds, nicotine, cyanides, acids, etc.
Goods that are in this classification include materials which can cause radiation and harm other living organisms near its vicinity. Examples of radioactive materials are Radioactive ores like uranium, medical isotopes, etc.
Substances that fall under this category are compounds that, when in contact with other materials, breakdown or disintegrate them chemically. Corrosives can cause extreme damage when in contact with skin tissue, and damage towards the surrounding area if not stored properly. Examples of corrosives are battery acids, hydrogen fluoride, sulfuric acid, etc.
Miscellaneous materials are hazardous or dangerous goods that do not fall into the other categories above which may include but not limited to environmentally hazardous substances, substances that must be transported at specific temperatures, genetically modified organisms and microorganisms, magnetized materials, and aviation-regulated substances. Examples are dry ice, vehicles, lithium ion batteries, etc.
We are an ISO, AEO, and IATA certified freight forwarder with 33 years of experience. We always adhere to strict dangerous goods handling regulations issued by the Government and Transport Organizations, complying with all applicable health and quality risks mitigation.
If you would like to transport your dangerous goods overseas, use our Air Freight and Ocean Freight solutions that cater to your shipping needs, we are your expert advocates in giving you the best solution to transport your dangerous goods. Contact us to learn more.
