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Safe Handing and Secure Transportation

IMO Classes for Dangerous Goods are a set of classifications used to identify different types of hazardous materials and their level of danger during transportation. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has established a system that assigns each dangerous good a class based on its characteristics such as toxicity, flammability, and potential for explosion. There are nine classes in total, with Class 1 being explosives and Class 9 being miscellaneous dangerous goods. Understanding the IMO Classes is crucial for logistics and supply chain companies to ensure the safe transportation of hazardous materials, as each class has different packaging, labelling, and handling requirements. Adhering to these regulations helps to prevent accidents and ensure the safety of those involved in the transportation and handling of dangerous goods.

Classification Of Dangerous Goods

For all modes of transport (sea, air, rail, road and inland waterways) the classification (grouping) of dangerous goods, by type of risk involved, has been drawn up by the UNITED NATIONS Committee of Experts on the Transport of Dangerous Goods (UN).

Classes

Class 1. Explosives
Subclass 1.1
Subclass 1.1
Mass Explosion Hazard: Substances that can undergo a rapid, near-instantaneous detonation of the entire mass.
Subclass 1.2

Subclass 1.2

Projection Hazard: Substances that can project fragments at high velocity, but are less sensitive to initiation than those in Subclass 1.1.
Subclass 1.3

Subclass 1.3

Fire Hazard with Minor Blast or Projection Hazard: Substances that are relatively insensitive and pose a limited risk of explosion or fire. They may cause a minor explosion or project small fragments, but not a mass explosion.
Subclass 1.4

Subclass 1.4

Minor Explosion Hazard: Substances that are relatively insensitive and pose a limited risk of explosion. They may cause a small explosion within the package, but not a mass explosion or significant fragmentation.
Subclass 1.5

Subclass 1.5

Very Insensitive Explosives: Substances that are extremely insensitive to shock and heat. They have a very low probability of detonation, even under adverse conditions.
Subclass 1.6

Subclass 1.6

Extremely Insensitive Articles: Articles containing extremely insensitive detonating substances with a negligible probability of accidental initiation or propagation.
Class 2. Gases
Subclass 2.1

Subclass 2.1

Flammable Gases These gases are highly flammable and can easily ignite when mixed with air. They are defined by their low ignition point and wide flammability range.
Subclass 2.1.2

Subclass 2.1.2

Non-Flammable, Non-Poisonous Gases These gases are compressed and neither flammable nor poisonous. They exert high pressure at standard temperature and don't meet the criteria for flammable or poisonous gases.
Subclass 2.2

Subclass 2.2

Oxygen gas, in both gaseous and liquid form, is not flammable itself but significantly accelerates combustion. It can increase the rate and intensity of fire.
Subclass 2.3

Subclass 2.3

These gases are toxic and can cause harm or death if inhaled. They are poisonous at standard temperature and pressure.
Other Classes
Class 3
Class 3
Flammable Liquids These are liquids that easily ignite, such as gasoline or alcohol.
Class 4.1

Class 4.1

Flammable Solids: These include substances like magnesium powder or matches that can easily ignite.
Class 4.2

Class 4.2

Spontaneously Combustible Substances: These substances can ignite spontaneously on contact with air, such as white phosphorus.
Class 4.3

Class 4.3

Substances that React Dangerously with Water: These substances, when in contact with water, release flammable or toxic gases.
Class 5.1

Class 5.1

Oxidizing Agents: These substances can cause or enhance the combustion of other materials.
Class 5.2

Class 5.2

Organic Peroxides: These are organic compounds that can be unstable and reactive.
Class 6.1

Class 6.1

Toxic Substances: These substances are poisonous and can cause harm to human health.
Class 6.2

Class 6.2

Infectious Substances: These substances contain pathogens that can cause disease.
Class 7

Class 7

Radioactive Materials These materials emit ionizing radiation and pose a health risk.
Class 8

Class 8

Corrosive Substances These substances can corrode metals and damage skin or eyes.
Class 9

Class 9

Miscellaneous Dangerous Goods This class includes substances that do not fit into any of the other classes but still pose a hazard during transportation.