Identify substances classified as dangerous goods from the following labels.
The “diamond” sign on the label shows to which of the nine classes the dangerous goods belong. This label, or diamond sign, has a distinctive symbol and colour.
In addition, some labels also show the Packing Group (abbreviated as PG), which indicates the degree of danger:
PG I - great danger,
PG II - medium danger,
PG lIl - minor danger.
Class 1 - Explosives
Substances and articles used to produce explosions or pyrotechnic
effects. These include high explosives, fireworks and cartridges.
Class 2 - Gases
These are gases which have been compressed, liquefied or
dissolved under pressure.
Class 2.1 - Flammable gases.
Examples: acetylene, hydrogen, liquefied petroleum gas (LP Gas).
Class 2.3 - Toxic gases: gases liable to cause death or serious injury
to human health if inhaled.
Examples: ammonia, chlorine, carbon monoxide.
Class 3 - Flammable liquids
These are liquids, mixtures of liquids or liquids containing solids in
suspension, which in most instances can be ignited and will burn.
Class 3 PG I - Flammable liquids with a flashpoint less than 23°C
and an initial boiling point not greater than 35°C.
Examples: diethyl ether, carbon disulfide.
Class 3 PG II - Flammable liquids with a flashpoint less than 23°C
and an initial boiling point greater than 35°C.
Examples: petrol, acetone, paint thinners.
Class 3 PG lIl - Flammable liquids - liquids with a flashpoint of 23°C
or more, but less than or equal to 60.5°C.
Examples: kerosene, mineral turpentine.
Containers of combustible liquids (such as oils), with a flashpoint
over 60.5°C, are not required to be marked. Examples are diesel fuel
and lubricating oils.
Class 4 - Flammable solids
Class 4.1 - Flammable solids, self-reactive and related substances and
desensitized explosives - solids easily ignited and readily combustible.
Examples: nitrocellulose, phosphorus, matches.
Class 4.2 - Substances liable to spontaneous combustion.
Examples: aluminium alkyls, white phosphorus.
Class 4.3 - Substances which emit flammable gases when in contact
with water.
Examples: aluminium phosphide, calcium carbide
Class 5 - Oxidizers
Class 5.1 - Oxidizing agents.
Examples: hydrogen peroxide, calcium hypochlorite (dry pool
chlorine), ammonium nitrate.
Class 5.2 - Organic peroxides (liquid or solid).
Examples: methyl ethyl ketone peroxide, dibenzoyl peroxide, cumyl
hydroperoxide.
Class 6 - Toxic and infectious substances
These are poisonous (toxic) and infectious substances (excluding
toxic gases which are in class 2.3).
Class 6.1 - Toxic substances. These are liable to cause death or
serious injury to human health if inhaled, swallowed or absorbed
through the skin.
Examples: cyanides, arsenic compounds.
Class 6.2 - Infectious substances. These are substances containing
viable micro-organisms that are known or believed to cause disease
in humans or animals.
Examples: viruses, pathology specimens.
Class 7 - Radioactive substances
These emit ionising radiation. Examples are radioisotopes used in
medicine.
Class 8 - Corrosives
These are substances (either solids or liquids) which will damage
living tissue, goods or equipment on contact, by chemical action.
Examples: hydrochloric acid, sodium hypochlorite (liquid pool
chlorine), sodiumhydroxide (caustic soda).
Class 9 - Miscellaneous dangerous goods
These are substances and articles which have potentially dangerous
properties that are relatively minor.
Examples: polyester beads, polychlorinated biphenyls.
