HAZCHEM signs
Australia
uses a system of labelling for dangerous goods based on the United Nations
system. This system helps you to quickly recognize dangerous goods,
their chemical and physical properties and dangers associated with dealing
with them.
Dangerous goods are divided into classes based on the hazards they
pose. All packages and containers, shipping containers, trucks, trains
and tankers which carry dangerous goods must carry the correct "Class
Label" in the form of a diamond shaped sign. This diamond sign
shows the nature of the hazard posed by the dangerous substance by colour,
symbol and the class of the goods by number.
The classification system
The Australia labelling system has nine classes
of dangerous goods with subsections according to the type of hazard
applicable. Multiple signs may sometimes be required with mixed loads
or certain types of chemicals.
This is not meant as a comprehensive treatment of this subject,
links to the HAZCHEM website are provided for more information.
This is solely to help you with the identification of class labels and
what they tell us about the type of material being transported.
Sign |
Class |
Classification |
Example |
|
1 |
Explosives |
TNT
and fireworks |
As the classification indicates, these materials are capable of exploding.
Although modern explosives are relatively safe when handled by trained
professionals, old explosives, detonators or fuses can be very dangerous
if tampered with.
2 Compressed gases
Compressed gases are under pressure and hence could leak from a broken
container, or explode if the container were in a fire. Listed below
are the three categories of compressed gases, each with their own
properties.
|
2.1 |
Flammable
gases |
LPG, propane |
Flammable gases will burn if they come in contact with a
naked flame and may explode if heated.
|
2.2 |
non-flammable/
non-toxic |
nitrogen, helium |
These gases will not burn and although they will be very
cold do not pose a toxic risk if they escape their container.
|
2.3 |
poisonous
gases |
carbon monoxide |
Poisonous gases, may or may not be flammable, their toxicity
is their most dangerous property.
|
3 |
Flammable
liquids |
petrol,
diesel fuel |
Probably the most common dangerous substances transported
on our roads, flammable liquids can present a real danger if leaking
from a tank or if exposed to a naked flame. Most flammable liquids will
also be toxic.
4 Flammable solids
Flammable solids vary greatly in their properties when they
come in contact with air or water. Most flammable solids will also produce
toxic gases as products of their burning.
|
4.1 |
Flammable
solids |
matches |
These solids require a naked flame or heat to burn.
|
4.2 |
Spontaneously
flammable |
white phosphorus |
These solids will burn on contact with air.
|
4.3 |
Flammable
when wet |
calcium carbide |
These solids burn on contact with water or moisture.
5 Oxidizing agents and peroxides
Oxidizing agents and organic peroxides are substances which supply
oxygen or halogens for reaction with other chemicals. When mixed with
other chemicals, especially flammable chemicals, violent and explosive
reactions can occur. They are both corrosive and toxic.
|
5.1 |
Oxidizing
agents |
hydrogen peroxide |
|
5.2 |
Organic
peroxides |
|
6 Poisonous, toxic, and infectious substances
The main attribute of these substances is their poisonous, toxic
or infectious nature.
|
6.1(a) |
Poisonous
substances |
cyanide, arsenic |
Harmful or deadly to touch, taste or inhalation.
|
6.1(b) |
Harmful
substances |
calcium compounds |
May be harmful to touch, taste or inhalation.
|
6.2 |
Infectious
substances |
vaccines |
Biologically active bacteria, viruses, vaccines and contaminated
materials.
|
7 |
Radioactive
substances |
uranium |
Usually transported in unbreakable lead lined containers,
small amounts of radioactive materials are used for nuclear medicine.
They are safe while in their container.
|
8 |
Corrosive
substances |
sulphuric acid,
alkalise |
Corrosive substances will "chemically burn" on contact
with skin or eyes, their fumes are particularly dangerous if inhaled.
|
9 |
Miscellaneous
dangerous goods |
dry ice, liquid
nitrogen |
These substances do not fit into the eight classifications
already used. Dry ice is dangerous to touch because of its extreme coldness
and ability to freeze skin.
|