Dangerous goods classes - the comprehensive guide

The subject of ADR dangerous goods classes is multifaceted and regulated by a large number of laws and regulations that must be observed when handling hazardous substances. For example, the labeling during transport or the professional handling of hazardous materials must be carried out exactly according to specifications.

This guidebook provides a detailed overview of dangerous goods classes in order to summarize all important information and to offer quick answers to all questions concerning the ADR dangerous goods classes 1-9.

Difference dangerous goods / hazardous material

The difference between dangerous goods and hazardous substances is mainly where the substance is located: Hazardous materials are dangerous substances and mixtures that are hazardous to people, animals, and the environment (e.g., flammable, toxic, or explosive) - during storage or use on the premises. This means that they must be handled strictly according to regulations, otherwise serious damage can occur.

These regulations result from the "Globally Harmonized System", or GHS for short, which governs the classification and labeling of hazardous substances. This is also the origin of the CLP "Classification, Labeling and Packaging", which prescribes the correct classification, labeling and packaging of hazardous substances and mixtures.

A substance is a dangerous good exclusively when it is in transport and is subject to the law on dangerous goods or the Road Traffic Act (StVG). In the national area, the Dangerous Goods Transport Act (GGBefG) or the Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure (BMVI) is additionally responsible for this.

ADR dangerous goods classes 1-9: from explosive to environmentally hazardous

The various dangerous goods are regulated by the Convention on the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods, or ADR for short. It divides hazardous substances into 9 ADR classes and makes handling, storage, packaging and safe transport manageable with regulated labeling. These 9 classes of hazardous substances are often subdivided into further subclasses for the purpose of more precise classification.

Class 1: Explosive substances

In dangerous goods class 1, a fundamental distinction is made between explosive and explosive substances and mixtures. The former are substances in a solid or liquid state which, when activated, have a destructive effect on the environment due to high temperature, pressure and speed. Explosive mixtures, on the other hand, such as gases, vapors, mists, or swirled dusts, first require an ignition source to cause a destructive reaction.

Explosive substances are divided into 6 subclasses, each of which is identified by its own hazard label and contains a wide variety of substances. For example, black powder, illuminants, explosives or cartridges (see graphic).

The dangers posed by these different substances and objects are numerous. In the event of an accident or improper handling, companies and transporters must expect pressure waves, fireballs, heavy smoke, fire, toxic fumes and explosions (even after the fire has been extinguished). The handling, transport or import of explosives in Germany is regulated by the Explosives Act (SprengG).

Subclasses 1-6

The division of Hazardous Substance Class 1 into 6 further subclasses fulfills the purpose of being able to limit the numerous different explosive substances more precisely. This makes it possible to better regulate handling. Explosive substances and articles of ADR Class 1 must therefore be assigned to one of these six subclasses and to one of the 13 compatibility groups (A-S).

• Division 1.1: includes substances and articles capable of mass explosion.
• Division 1.2: includes all articles and materials which present a risk of fragmentation, explosive fragments and thrown fragments. These substances and articles do not have a mass explosion hazard.
• Division 1.3: groups together substances and articles which present a high risk of fire but a low risk due to air pressure and fragmentation. They do not have a mass explosion hazard.
• Division 1.4: These substances present no particular danger and only a low explosion hazard which, in the event of an accident, would affect only the package itself.
• Division 1.5: very insensitive substances, but with a mass explosion hazard.
• Division 1.6: very insensitive substances which are not explosive in mass.

Compatibility groups

Dangerous goods class 1 is not only subdivided into subclasses, but also assigned to compatibility groups A-S. These compatibility groups include the following subclasses:

Categories for fireworks and pyrotechnic articles

Explosive mixtures (consisting of at least one oxidizer and fuel) are considered pyrotechnic articles. These are also classified according to their hazardousness or type of use and are therefore divided into different categories:

• Category F1 to F4: Fireworks, where F1 is a small firework, F4 is a large firework.
• Category T1 and T2: pyrotechnic objects for stage and theater, whereby T1 means may be purchased from the age of 18, T2 means from the age of 21 and may only be used by certified pyrotechnicians
• Category P1 and P2: pyrotechnic articles other than fireworks and pyrotechnic objects for stage and theater, which are to be handled in the same way as T1 and T2

Household use

Products of hazardous substance class 1 are sufficiently represented in the household: They range from countless household cleaners (e.g. window cleaner, foam cleaner or WC cleaner) to insect and deodorant sprays, methylated spirits and ironing starch. Be sure to store and use all of these substances properly. This means that they should never come into contact with heat or high sunlight. After all, if they reach temperatures above 50 °C, this can have serious consequences.

For the same reason, refrain from smoking near cleaners, etc. In addition, always store the substances away from foodstuffs and in labeled packaging. If you decant them, then you should also clearly label the new packaging. Always use gloves when using hazardous substances to protect your skin.

Class 2: Gases and gaseous substances

Dangerous goods class 2 includes gases and gaseous substances, which are grouped into three subclasses for better subdivision: 2.1: flammable gases 2.2: non-flammable gases 2.3 toxic gases

Hazard class 2 e.g.: Propane gas, hydrogen, hairspray, deodorant, acetylene, nitrous oxide

Depending on their state of aggregation, these are further subdivided into:

• Compressed gas: asphyxiating, flammable, corrosive, toxic or oxidizing gases that have a critical temperature of max. -50°C. They are thus completely gaseous and transportable.
• Gas liquefied under high pressure: gas that liquefies under high pressure and has a critical temperature range of -50 °C to max. 65 °C.
• Low-pressure liquefied gas: gas that liquefies under low pressure and for which the critical temperature range is above 65 °C.
• Refrigerated liquefied gas: These flammable, oxidizing, asphyxiating and toxic gases are partially liquid at sub-zero temperatures.
• Dissolved gases: These are in a liquid state in a solvent during transport.
• Pressurized gas packages: gas-filled containers or other objects containing oxidizing, corrosive, flammable, toxic, or asphyxiating gases under pressure.
• Non-pressurized gases: These are subject to special regulations and primarily include flammable or toxic or both flammable and toxic gas samples.
• Pressurized chemicals: liquid, paste or powder substances and mixtures pressurized with a propellant that are asphyxiant, corrosive, toxic, flammable or more.
• Adsorbed Gases: Gases that are adsorbed on a solid porous material. This produces an internal vessel pressure of less than 101.3 kPa at 20 degrees Celsius and less than 300 kPa at 50 degrees Celsius.

Classification Code: Hazard level AOFTC

Since gaseous substances and articles are dangerous goods, there is an additional subdivision into degrees of danger (with the exception of pressurized gas packages and chemicals under pressure). These look as follows:

• A: asphyxiant
• O: oxidizing(oxidizing)
• F: flammable
• T: toxic
• C: corrosive

If a substance has several of these properties, the labeling is done by a combination of the hazard levels listed above. This may look like this, for example:

• TF: toxic, flammable
• TC: toxic, corrosive
• TO: toxic, oxidizing
• TFC: toxic, flammable, corrosive
• TOC: toxic, oxidizing, corrosive

Household use

In the household, ADR hazard class 2 is also known as deodorant or hairspray, and in camping stoves, for example, as propane gas. Refill gases for lighters (liquid butane) are also frequently used in everyday life. Store these gases at the greatest possible distance from heat sources and store the gas containers stably so that they are protected from overturning.

Class 3: flammable liquids

Hazard class 3 includes flammable substances such as gasoline and alcohol, the hazardousness of which is determined by certain factors and properties. These include vapor pressure and flash point. If the specifications for these two factors are not met, a highly flammable gas-air mixture can develop, which can lead not only to fire but also to explosion.

Vapor pressure

The vapor pressure is a criterion that must be kept in mind. This is because high vapor pressure, which can be caused by high outside temperatures, also increases the evaporation process. This increases the risk of fire. At low vapor pressure, the evaporation process slows down and the gas becomes more inert. In this condition, the ADR dangerous goods classes are less dangerous.

Flash point

The flash point is the temperature above which a flammable liquid substance can ignite. Ignition is caused by the evaporation process generating enough vapor for the substance to ignite. The flash point is determined with a certain air pressure and temperature.

Hazard class 3 e.g.: Gasoline, diesel or light heating oil, Alcohol

In general, hazard class 3 refers to substances that are transported and stored in a liquid state at a specified vapor pressure. In terms of the specifications, these substances are liquids with a flash point of no more than 60 °C and a vapor pressure of max. 3 bar at 50 °C or a vapor pressure of 1,013 mbar at 20 °C.

Classification codes

Attention:

During the transformation from liquid to gaseous state, the substances retain all properties. This means that a corrosive liquid is also corrosive as a gas and is much more dangerous when dispersed in the air.

Household use

In the household, Class 3 hazardous substances occur primarily as gasoline or alcohol. Under no circumstances should these come into the vicinity of heat exposure. This also means that it is better to use kindling for fireplaces and the barbecue. It is not uncommon for accidents involving fire and explosion to occur in the home because these substances are used as fire-starting agents.

Class 4: flammable solids and articles

Hazard class 4 is the most comprehensive of the ADR dangerous goods classes and is therefore subdivided into three subclasses to facilitate clean hazardous materials management and transport in traffic. It includes solid and also liquid substances that can be flammable or spontaneously combustible, polymerizing, desensitized explosive or even water-reactive.

Hazard class 4 e.g.: Rubber residues, matches, sulfur White phosphorus, coal (of vegetable origin), Fish meal, copra, paints from solvents and binders, filters for oil, gasoline and diesel, rags soaked with flammable substances sodium, carbide, zinc dust, trichlorosilane.

Subclass 4.1

Division 4.1 includes all flammable solids having self-reactive and desensitized explosive properties. Solid desensitized substances are substances which present an explosion hazard but whose explosive properties are suppressed by uniform dilution with plasticizing or inerting agents or water or alcohols (e.g. to lower the freezing point). Examples of Class 4.1 are matches, sulfur, or aluminum powder. In addition, the following substances are also assigned to Class 4:

• Substances provisionally assigned to Class 1 (test series 1&2) but excluded from it by further testing (test series 6).
• Substances that do not belong to class 5
• Substances which are not self-reactive substances of class 4.1

Subclass 4.2

Class 4.2 includes self-igniting, i.e. pyrophoric, substances, mixtures and solutions which self-ignite within 5 minutes of contact with air. In addition, Class 4.2 includes substances capable of self-heating, which can self-heat on contact with air without further application of energy, but only after a prolonged period of hours or several days and only in the case of larger quantities of several kilograms. Examples of Class 4.2 are fish meal, coal or white phosphorus.

Subclass 4.3

The third subclass groups together solid or liquid substances that self-ignite on contact with water or form flammable gases in dangerous quantities. If gases are formed, there is a high risk that they will be ignited by everyday ignition sources such as open light or sparking tools. Examples of Class 4.3 are calcium, zinc powder or sodium.

Household use

Since Class 4 hazardous substances are frequently encountered in everyday life, the list of examples familiar from the household is numerous. For example, the 4th of the ADR classes is represented in the form of matches, artificial fertilizers, food supplements, pesticides, or batteries. The correct handling and careful use of these substances are therefore essential.​​​​​​​

Class 5: Flammable substances

Some of the substances in Hazard Class 5 are unstable and can cause fires or have a fire-accelerating effect. However, they do not burn themselves. For differentiation purposes, these are divided into two subclasses.

Class 5.1

This includes substances that have an igniting (oxidizing) effect. Special hazards exist not only when these come into contact with flammable substances, but also when they are exposed to light and heat, as they can decompose themselves. Likewise, there is a risk of violent chemical reaction if these come into contact with water or acids. If the substance has ignited, toxic and corrosive gases may be produced in the fire. In addition, the fire cannot be extinguished with conventional means such as sand, foam or carbon dioxide, as the substances give off oxygen. Special care is therefore required when handling them. Examples of substances in hazardous substance class 5.1 are oxygen, nitric acid or fertilizers containing ammonium nitrate.

Class 5.2

Dangerous goods class 5.2 includes organic peroxides that ...

• more than 1% active oxygen and more than 1% hydrogen peroxide
• or more than 0.5% active oxygen and more than 7% hydrogen peroxide.

• P1: Organic peroxides that do not need to be controlled by temperature.
  P2: Organic peroxides for which temperature control is necessary.

Organic peroxides are further classified into 7 types, with Type A as the most hazardous classification and Type G as the least hazardous classification:

Household use

When handling Class 5 hazardous substances in everyday life or in the home, a few rules should always be followed for your own protection. For example, these substances should always be stored in a cool place and never near sources of heat or ignition. In addition, protective clothing should always be worn, at least gloves (e.g. when cleaning with cleaning agents).

Class 6: Toxic and infectious substances

Dangerous goods class 6 includes toxic and infectious substances, whereby these are in turn distinguished separately in each of the subclasses. This means, for example, that only class 6.1 contains toxic substances, while class 6.2 contains modified organisms and other substances.

Class 6.1

Class 6.1 classifies toxic substances that are expected to cause harm or death to humans after a single or brief exposure. Exposure may occur via the respiratory tract, the skin or the digestive tract. Examples of Class 6.1 are: organometallic compounds and carbonyls, inorganic substances, metal salts, pesticides and substances used in the manufacture of medicines.

Class 6.2

This subclass includes substances known or suspected to contain hazardous substances such as pathogens or recombinant microorganisms that may cause infectious diseases in animals and humans. A prerequisite for classification as Class 6.2 is the likelihood that these infectious diseases can be transmitted to animals and humans. Examples include diagnostic specimens, infected live or dead animals, toxins from plants or bacteria.

Use in everyday life

This class is also found in everyday life, for example as medicines, light bulbs, cleaning agents or paints. Proper storage (cool storage and out of reach of children) and handling with protective utensils is therefore a matter of course.

Class 7: Radioactive substances

One of the most dangerous classes of dangerous goods is class 7 with radioactive substances. Radioactive materials are materials containing radionuclides that exceed a certain predetermined value per shipment in terms of activity concentration and total activity. This includes items containing radioactive substances such as uranium or plutonium. The danger of radioactive substances consists in ionizing radiation, which is shielded from people by the packaging.

Notice:

For grade 7, the categorization of the packaging can have a strong influence on the classification.

• Type A packages: smaller quantities of radioactive materials that are adequately secured during transport, even in the event of coarser impacts such as dropping or knocks.

• Type B packages: larger quantities of radioactive materials that are adequately secured even in the event of severe accidents. The packaging is tested for the effects of fire, water or heavy impact.

Hazard class 7 z.B.: Uranium Plutonium Cesium certain medical instruments (e.g. X-ray equipment or scintigraphic agents)

Radioactive substances are classified into subclasses 7A to 7E. The classification works as follows:

• 7A: contains radioactive substances of category I, also called category I-white. These are identified by a white label and are characterized by a radiation dose of < 5 µSv/hr at the surface. There is no transport index for this category.
• 7B: contains radioactive substances of category II, also called category II-yellow. These are identified by a yellow label and are characterized by a radiation dose of < 500 µSv/hr at the surface, but < 10 µSv/hr at 1 m distance. The transport index here is 0 to max. 1.
• 7C: contains radioactive substances of category III, also called category III-yellow. These are also identified by a yellow label and are characterized by a radiation dose of < 500 µSv/hr at the surface, but < 2000 µSv/hr. The transport index is unlimited.
• 7D & 7E: also contain substances of category III-Yellow. and are characterized by a radiation dose of < 2000 µSv/hr at the surface, but < 10 000 µSv/hr at 1 m distance. The transport index here is 1 to max. 10. For 7E, the criticality safety index must be taken into account, which measures the neutron balance of a nuclear power plant.

ADR dangerous goods classes that are radioactive are further regulated by the Radiation Protection Ordinance. The StrlSchV is a legal regulation within the framework of German nuclear and radiation protection law, which states that the instruction of employees with regard to radiation protection is mandatory for every company. Thus, the company must appoint a radiation protection officer who properly implements the regulations of the radiation protection regulation.

Class 8: Corrosive substances

Dangerous goods class 8 includes substances and articles that attack the epithelial tissue of the skin or mucous membranes on contact. Also included are substances that can cause damage to other objects or form corrosive vapors with water or atmospheric moisture.

Class 8 substances are assigned to packing groups I to III, with I being the most dangerous and III the least dangerous:

• Packing group I: highly corrosive substances
• Packing group II: corrosive substances
• Packing group III: slightly corrosive substances and metal corrosive substances

Hazard level C1 to CW 2

Since corrosive substances are characterized by an extensive range of properties (e.g. acidic, basic or toxic), the hazard level labeling is detailed. The following table shows all property groups used for labeling:

Use in everyday life

Corrosive substances also occur in everyday life. For example, they can be found in swimming pools as ozone or chlorine, which are used to treat the water. In the household, caution is required with cleaning agents such as toilet cleaners, because these are also corrosive. Therefore, even for these simple household activities, appropriate protective clothing such as gloves should be worn.

Class 9 and 9A: Various hazardous substances

Dangerous goods class 9 includes all dangerous substances and articles that cannot be assigned to any of the other ADR dangerous goods classes on the basis of their criteria.

Hazard level M1 to M11

Since hazard class 9, like many other ADR hazard classes, has large differences in the substances and properties, there is also a detailed labeling of the degrees of danger:

Transport of hazardous materials

The transport of hazardous materials is a delicate matter and is accordingly strictly regulated. Through correct labeling, assignment to packaging groups and various classification codes for the dangerous goods, the transport functions according to international consensus and can be identified immediately. In the event of an accident, this identification is of course also crucial for the rapid management of the crisis situation. The transport of dangerous goods is subject to the international transport regulations (ADR) and the nationally regulated Dangerous Goods Transport Act (GGBG).

UN numbers and hazard numbers

UN numbers consist of four digits and are used to identify hazardous substances or objects in transit. Each hazardous material is assigned its own number. For example, the UN number for gasoline is 1203. The UN number is clearly visible in the lower area of the orange warning sign of a transporter. In the upper area is the hazard number (for gasoline the number 33). This is uniformly defined for all substances and indicates the hazardousness of each substance. It also provides information about the compatibility groups.

H-phrases and P-phrases: Hazards and safety precautions

The H-phrases (Hazard Statements) as well as the P-phrases (Precautionary Statements) also serve to provide information. They each consist of a P or H and three digits. The first digit provides information about the hazard group or the type of precautionary statement. The other two digits classify the hazard more precisely. For example, an H phrase might look like this: H202 (2=physical hazard, 02=hazard from fragments, explosives, or thrown objects) The H-series has 3 subdivisions:

• H200: Physical hazards
• H300: Health hazards
• H400: Environmental hazards

• P100: general instructions for use
• P200: preventive measures
• P300: Reaction
• P400: proper storage
• P500: Correct disposal

Classification code

The classification code is another important combination of numbers and letters used to identify the dangerous goods. It indicates which properties make the hazardous material so dangerous. For example, a substance may be corrosive, toxic or oxidizing. These properties are then assigned the letters C (corrosive), T (toxic) or F (flammable) in the code.

If a hazardous substance has several of these properties, a combination of the letters is used, for example TC.

Signal word

Two signal words exist for the classification of hazardousness:

• Attention: lower danger
• Danger: high danger

By means of the signal word labeling, all parties involved in a transport process recognize which measures are necessary for the safe handling of the hazardous material. It is also crucial that not all hazardous substances are provided with a signal word: Some substances are labeled with a pictogram that represents an exclamation mark and identifies the substance being transported as hazardous to health. As a rule, this only appears with the signal word "Caution", but is not the same as the latter.

Correct labeling of dangerous goods

In order to bring a package safely to its destination, even in international transport via roads, airspace or waterways, all the classifications listed are essential. The hazardous goods are labeled according to clearly defined rules. The correct hazardous material labeling must look like this:

1. Name of the substance or mixture
2. Hazard pictogram
3. Signal word "Caution" or "Danger
4. Dangerous goods plate with UN number and hazard number
5. Packing group
6. Hazard statement H phrase
7. Safety advice P-phrase
8. Classification code
9. Nominal quantity of the substance or mixture
10. Supplementary information
11. Supplier data (name, address, telephone number)

Notice:

Not all danger labels are the same. Danger labels describe the potential danger of a substance or object in transport. They are smaller and are attached to the hazardous material itself. A placard is attached to the outside of the means of transport and draws attention to the danger of the entire transport.

For certain goods, exceptional cases of marking take place, which must be known to a trained person in the transport procedure:

• For explosive or radioactive goods, the dangerous goods labels must also be attached to the truck.
• When transporting heated goods, warning signs must be attached on all four sides, showing a red triangle with a thermometer.
• In the case of explosive substances, this is a special case: here, the number 3 or 4 is indicated rather than 1. The reason: the number 1 is too similar to 7 and confusion would be possible.
• In the case of radioactive materials, the shipping documents must also contain information that provides details about the material and the associated hazards. These would be: the radionucleides contained in the packaging, the level of activity of the radioactive material, the nature of the material, the type of packaging and the assignment of a category I-III.

Packing groups

The packaging groups for the ADR dangerous goods classes are kept clear with three categories and classify the packages as very dangerous, dangerous or slightly dangerous:

• Packing group I: Dangerous goods with high danger
• Packing group II: Dangerous goods with medium danger
• Packing group III: Dangerous goods with low danger

The packing group is indicated on the packaging, where it is clearly visible to all parties involved in the transport. In addition, the classification is made by code, which states for which packing group the substance is approved. For example, the code X states that a dangerous good is suitable for all three packing groups.

• Code letter X: Packing groups I, II and III
• Code letter Y: Packing groups II and III
• Code letter Z: Packing group III

Legal

Of course, there are precise guidelines for the international transport of dangerous goods. Thus, not only the transport in traffic must be handled correctly, but also the handling of the hazardous materials, approvals, importation, etc. The laws and regulations that govern the proper handling of the ADR dangerous goods classes are listed below.

Ordinance on Hazardous Substances

The Hazardous Substances Ordinance (GefStoffV) is in force throughout Germany and serves to protect against hazardous substances in German occupational health and safety, with the ordinance authorization being contained in the Chemicals Act (ChemG). The Hazardous Substances Ordinance regulates the protective measures for persons who deal with hazardous substances in their daily work. Its aim is to protect people and the environment from harmful effects caused by hazardous substances or objects. This includes occupational safety, environmental protection and consumer protection.

Chemicals Act & REACH

The Chemicals Act (ChemG) is a law for protection against hazardous substances that has been in force throughout Germany since 1980. It is a fundamental part of chemicals law and describes all the details for comprehensive protective measures when dealing with ADR classes. The ChemG implements regulations in parallel with the European Chemicals Regulation (REACH), which has been in force since 2007. REACH means "Regulation concerning the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals" and regulates in great detail the registration, evaluation, authorisation and restriction of chemicals, substances or mixtures of substances in ADR hazard classes 1 to 9. REACH is considered to be one of the strictest chemical laws in the world and is the extended form of the chemical law, which was not only cumbersome but also had gaps in the handling of hazardous substances on the market. Since REACH, uniform registration of dangerous goods is mandatory for all those who want to trade, manufacture or import dangerous goods within the EU.

Transport of Dangerous Goods Act (GGBefG)

The GGBefG was passed specifically for the transport of dangerous goods and contains provisions on matters such as temporary storage, unloading, acceptance, manufacture, introduction or placing on the market of the goods. The GGBefG itself is formulated rather fundamentally and only receives detailed explanations via further supplementary dangerous goods regulations, which regulate the respective transport areas. These are, among others:

• GbV (Dangerous Goods Ordinance)
• GGVSEB (Dangerous Goods Ordinance for Road, Rail and Inland Navigation)
• GGVSee (Dangerous Goods Ordinance Sea)

Dangers

The hazard characteristics of a hazardous substance are classified in a total of four hazard classes. These are further subdivided into hazard categories. For example, flammable solids belong to the "Physical Hazards" hazard category. The complete list looks as follows:

Handling hazardous substances

In order to ensure the correct handling of hazardous substances of the ADR classes, authorized persons will in future be familiarized with the subject and the guidelines for handling sensitive and hazardous substances in safety training courses.

Completely independent of the detailed information provided in safety training courses, the following basic safety measures apply to the handling of substances of the ADR dangerous goods classes in transport and on the company premises.

• Read and follow operating instructions
• Participate in employee training and safety briefings
• Wear protective clothing (observe commandment signs)
• Equip respiratory protection where necessary
• Ventilation
• Correct storage
• check for damage (e.g. to container)
• refrain from smoking, eating & drinking
• Prohibition of employment for: Pregnant women, young people, injured persons

Protective measures

The STOP rule specifies the sequence in which the measures are to be implemented. For example, the S for substitution states that when implementing protective measures, it must always be checked first whether substitution would be possible.

• S - Substitution (avoidance or elimination of sources of danger): If, for example, corrosive cleaning agents are replaced in the plant by less aggressive ones, this source of danger is eliminated from the outset.
• T - Technical protective measures (demarcation of hazardous points): If a protective device exists, for example a protective grille, this reduces the risk of contact with a hazardous substance.
• O - Organizational protective measures: (regulations and restrictions): If technical protective measures cannot be implemented, they can be replaced by organizational measures. Thus, where a protective grille cannot be installed, a ban on entering the site can be imposed, for example. Other examples are regulated working hours when workers are exposed to noise or toxic substances.
• P - Personal protective measures (protective equipment): Personal protective measures are designed to protect the individual. For example, employees can be trained in the correct handling of ADR classes and equipped with appropriate safety equipment such as clothing, safety glasses or helmets.

Proper storage

The correct storage of hazardous substances is not uncomplicated due to the different substances and their necessary handling. Things that must be taken into account are, for example, the visible labeling of the shelves (e.g., according to load capacity in kg) or the indication that only intact canisters, break-proof containers and other packaging may be stored.

Preventive measures against ignition sources in the area of hazardous substances are also essential. This includes, of course, first and foremost a strict ban on smoking, but also spark-spraying tools and the like must be observed.

If an accident should nevertheless occur, measures must be taken to quickly remove the substance and evacuate the personnel. Obligatory measures include, for example, binding agents for leaking liquids, protective equipment, or fire extinguishers.

Behavior in the event of an accident

A loss event can always occur. In 2020 alone, there were more than 19,000 dangerous goods incidents in air transport and more than 1,800 violations in road transport in Germany. Dangerous goods accidents in road traffic are thus not at all unlikely, as the following graphic on the frequency of dangerous goods transports in road traffic (2017) also shows.

Despite all the measures and guidelines, transports are not completely safe and seconds can matter in an emergency. Therefore, it is important to know how to react correctly in the event of an accident. Here is an overview of the most important measures to take in the event of an accident involving a hazardous material:

• Smoking ban/fire source ban: Stop smoking, eating and drinking immediately.
• Secure accident site: Eliminate ignition sources, seal manhole covers. Eliminate ignition and fire sources or make them ineffective (extinguish fire sources, but only under self-safety of the person carrying out the work). If possible, shut down engines. If liquid spills, prevent it from entering sewers and lower-lying rooms. Cover sewer manholes and manhole covers as best as possible.
• Keep a distance of at least 60 m to the hazardous material. Also warn passers-by and bystanders.
• Leave the danger zone against the wind direction or at a right angle.
• Make an emergency call: In doing so, state the hazard label and hazardous material label and report if anything is leaking, dripping or flowing, or even if it has leaked completely.
• Provide first aid to victims: if corrosive, remove clothing and flush eyes if necessary.
• Brief safety personnel: Inform emergency personnel of the situation as soon as they arrive.

Note:

If an accident occurs in a company, for example if a liquid leaks or an employee is injured, it is mandatory to report it immediately to the responsible authority.

Emergency first aid

A hazardous materials accident requires the intervention of professional emergency response organizations, which are specially equipped to combat the effects. Sources of information for the emergency services are:

• the ERI Card: The ERI Card (Emergency Response Intervention Card) is used in the event of hazardous goods accidents involving larger quantities of substances by land.
• the TUIS system (Transport Accident Information and Assistance System of the chemical industry in Germany and Austria): This provides round-the-clock advice and expertise in the event of accidents in the chemical industry and during transport.
• the ICE program (in many Western European countries): This is equivalent to TUIS and provides the same service.
• Environmental authorities

Assistance in the event of an accident involving hazardous materials is provided by:

• the fire department (including internal plant and company fire departments)
• disaster control units
• the Federal Agency for Technical Relief (only in Germany),

Conclusion: The ADR dangerous goods classes require safe handling

Whether in small quantities in the household or as large quantities in industry: The use of the ADR dangerous goods classes is always associated with a certain risk. It is therefore essential to know exactly about the dangerous goods classes and to take precautionary measures in case of emergency. In the best case, a dangerous goods class overview is available and helps to ensure safe handling of the dangerous goods classes through preventive behavior.

Do you have comments or questions about the topic or would you like to share a topic suggestion for our upcoming posts as well as our YouTube channel? Then don't hesitate to contact us at any time. We openly accept your suggestions.

Graphics: Feel free to use and share the infographics. Please cite this post or medsolut.com as the source.
Bildquelle: Titelbild: © GiZGRAPHICS –  stock.adobe.com, GHS-Piktogramme: © fotohansel – stock.adobe.com, Quelle: Gefahrgutklassen-Symbole:
© pngwing.com, © de.cleanpng.com