Dangerous goods classes

Dangerous goods are separated into different classes which affect how you must package and transport them. If you’re only shipping limited quantities the rules are not as strict. Class Type of material 1 Explosive substances and articles 2.1 Flammable gas (for example butane) 2.2 Non-flammable and non-toxic gases which could cause asphyxiation (for example nitrogen, helium, carbon dioxide) or oxidisers (for example oxygen) 2.3 Toxic gases (for example chlorine, phosgene) 3 Flammable liquids (for example lighter fluid, petrol) 4.1 Flammable solids, self-reactive substances and solid desensitised explosives 4.2 Substances liable to spontaneous combustion 4.3 Substances which, in contact with water, emit flammable gases 5.1 Oxidising substances 5.2 Organic peroxides 6.1 Toxic substances 6.2 Infectious substances 7 Radioactive material 8 Corrosive substances 9 Miscellaneous dangerous substances and articles The consignor or sender is responsible for classifying, packaging and marking any dangerous goods to be transported. Clinical waste You must be registered as a waste carrier to carry clinical waste, for example from a hospital or veterinary surgery. You can get information about packaging and labelling clinical waste containers in chapter 5 of the Health Technical Memorandum 07-01: Safe and sustainable management of healthcare waste on NHS England’s website. The memorandum also tells you where to find information for Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales.

Packaging, labelling and documentation

Packaging You must use the correct packaging for dangerous goods . The Vehicle Certification Agency ( VCA ) is the UK certification authority for dangerous goods packaging and some bulk containers. You can find suppliers that sell approved packaging on the VCA website . Before you order any packaging make sure that the supplier sends you: a copy of the certificate information (‘datasheets’) on how to use the packaging properly any test reports for the selected packaging Contact the VCA if you need advice on dangerous goods packaging. VCA dangerous goods office 01372 226 110 Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm Find out about call charges Labelling Any dangerous goods you move must have the correct hazard symbols, warnings and safety advice. You can find out about labelling dangerous chemicals on the Health and Safety Executive ( HSE ) website . You can download some dangerous goods labels from the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe ( UNECE ) website . Documentation The person or firm sending the goods (sometimes called the ‘consignor’) must usually fill in a form that describes the nature of the dangerous goods . You must keep the form with the goods you’re moving.

Dangerous goods safety adviser

You must have a dangerous goods safety adviser ( DGSA ) if you transport dangerous goods unless: you only do it occasionally, for example breakdown recovery vehicles you’re only receiving the dangerous goods (you’re the ‘consignee’) they’re in ‘ limited quantities ’ you’re moving them a very short distance by road, for example between buildings on an industrial estate you’re using private vehicles You should employ a DGSA if you’re transporting goods internationally. Appointing a DGSA Read guidance on the responsibilities of a DGSA and how to become one . You can either get a member of staff trained as a DGSA or find an adviser to help you . Contact the Department for Transport by email for advice on appointing a DGSA . Department for Transport dangerousgoods@dft.gov.uk

Rules for different types of transport

There are different rules for transporting dangerous goods by air, road or sea. By air The internationally agreed rules for transporting dangerous goods by air are covered by the International Air Transport Association ( IATA ) International Dangerous Goods Regulations . You can be given an unlimited fine, sentenced to 2 years in prison or both if your cargo fails an inspection or causes a safety incident. Anyone packing dangerous goods for air transport must be specially trained. You can find out about the training on the UK Civil Aviation Authority ( CAA ) website . You and your staff must have dangerous goods training if you’re using your own aircraft to transport the goods. Download ‘List of CAA approved dangerous goods training organisations’ (PDF, 307KB) By road The internationally agreed rules for transporting dangerous goods by road are covered by the Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road (usually known as ‘ ADR ’) . There’s a range of fixed penalty fines if your cargo fails a spot check. By sea You need to complete a dangerous goods notification for any dangerous goods you want to send by sea. The International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) code and the Maritime and Coastguard Agency provide guidance on transporting dangerous goods by sea. You can be fined for breaking the regulations on transporting dangerous goods. You can be prosecuted and face a large fine and a prison sentence for serious breaches, for example transporting animal by-products in an unsafe way.

Transporting limited quantities

You do not need to follow all the normal packaging and labelling regulations, and you do not need a dangerous goods safety adviser if you’re transporting ‘limited quantities’ of some dangerous goods. You can read a guide to transporting small quantities of dangerous goods to a seller or customer . Packing limited quantities Goods shipped in limited quantities must be carried in small containers (for example bottles), which are then packed in boxes or on shrink-wrapped trays. The maximum weight is 30kg for boxes, or 20kg for shrink-wrapped trays. The maximum weight for the individual containers depends on the type of goods. These limits are listed in column 7a of the ‘Dangerous goods list’ in part 3 of ‘ ADR ’ . For certain goods, the limit in column 7a of Table A is zero. These goods cannot be shipped as limited quantities. Marking requirements The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) website has more information on limited quantities , including details of the markings you need to put on packaging.

Reporting safety incidents or someone breaking the rules

Call 999 if you are reporting a crime that is in happening now or if someone is in immediate danger. Reporting accidents and safety incidents You must report incidents and accidents that might seriously harm people, property or the environment. Where you report depends on whether the goods were transported by: road - report a dangerous goods road incident rail - report a dangerous goods rail incident air - report a dangerous goods occurrence on the Civil Aviation Authority website sea - report a dangerous goods and substances incident Reporting safety incidents involving nuclear materials Notify the Office for Nuclear Regulation about any safety incident involving nuclear materials . Reporting someone breaking the rules Who you contact depends on how the goods were transported. If the goods were transported by: air - report a potential breach of aviation law on the Civil Aviation Authority website rail - contact the Office of Rail Regulation sea - contact the Maritime and Coastguard Agency For goods transported by road: report a lorry, driver or company to the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency contact the Environment Agency about hazardous waste Contact the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) for things a business is doing wrong, such as incorrect labelling or a lack of driver training. You can find out more information about HSE rules . Reporting someone breaking the rules for transporting nuclear materials Contact the Office for Nuclear Regulation to report a concern .

Shipping dangerous goods

Q: Overview

If you want to transport dangerous goods , there are rules on how to pack and label them and the training your staff must have. Packaging and labelling Dangerous goods must be packaged and labelled appropriately. If you have a DGSA they will tell you about the requirements.

Overview

If you want to transport dangerous goods, there are rules on how to pack and label them and the training your staff must have.

Packaging and labelling

Dangerous goods must be packaged and labelled appropriately. If you have a DGSA they will tell you about the requirements.

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Shipping dangerous goods

Overview

Packaging and labelling

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