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The DOT separates hazardous materials into nine different categories or “hazard classes.” They are defined by specific hazardous properties and have distinct regulatory requirements for packaging, markings, and labels. Keep reading for a general summary of those properties.
The explosives hazard class is divided into six categories based on the kind of explosive hazard:
Explosives that most people are familiar with include dynamite, gun powder, and fireworks.
Gases have three divisions:
Flammable liquids have a “flash point” of 140°F or less. A flash point is the temperature when an ignition source near the liquid can ignite the vapors. Examples of flammable liquids include the following:
These are the three divisions of flammable solids along with a common example for each:
Oxidizers (5.1) may contribute to the combustion of other materials. Concentrated hydrogen peroxide and silver nitrate are both examples of oxidizers.
Organic peroxides (5.2) contain both an oxidizer and an organic fuel. They are thermally unstable and can release dangerous amounts of heat and energy. They are sometimes used to initiate polymerization of epoxy resins.
Toxic or poisonous material (6.1) can be solids or liquids known or presumed to be toxic to humans. Classification is based on oral, dermal, and inhalation exposure. In high doses, some medications are toxic, such as coumadin. Division 6.2 Infectious Substances are materials that are known or reasonably expected to contain a pathogen.
Uranium and plutonium are not the only radioactive materials. Exit signs, smoke detectors, and x-ray equipment are a few common sources of radioactive material in our day-to-day lives.
Acids (low pH) and bases (high pH) are corrosive materials that can eat away at skin and steel. Sources for corrosive material include battery acid and degreasers.
Class 9 materials pose a hazard during transportation, so they are regulated when shipped, but they do not meet the definition of the previously listed hazard classes. Formalin sample containers and liquids fall under the class 9 category.
Remember that small and large quantity generators of hazardous wastes must notify the EPA of their generation activities and receive an EPA identification number. Some states have stricter regulations. If you need help identifying your hazardous waste, contact Sharps Compliance. We offer comprehensive solutions for the management of regulated medical waste, hazardous waste, and unused medications.
