We come into contact with hazardous materials (hazmat goods) – or potentially hazardous materials – every day of our lives.<\/p>\n
Hazmat (sometimes referred to as hazmat or hazardous materials) are those that have the potential to cause harm or damage to people, animals, property or the environment.<\/p>\n
For the sake of companies involved in using, storing or transporting hazmat goods,\u00a0dangerous goods regulations\u00a0classify substances within 9 hazard categories. These are:<\/p>\n
Class 1. Explosives<\/p>\n
Class 2. Gases<\/p>\n
Class 3. Flammable Liquids<\/p>\n
Class 4. Flammable Solids; Substances liable to spontaneous combustion; substances, which, in contact with water, emit flammable gases<\/p>\n
Class 5. Oxidizing Substances and Organic Peroxides<\/p>\n
Class 6. Toxic and Infectious Substances<\/p>\n
Class 7. Radioactive Materials<\/p>\n
Class 8. Corrosives<\/p>\n
Class 9. Miscellaneous Dangerous Substances and Articles, including Environmentally Hazardous Substances<\/p>\n
Within each of the above-mentioned hazard classes there are dozens – if not more – of individual goods and substances. Some that you would expect, including petrol, infectious substances, radioactive materials and aggressive chemicals. There are, however, a long list of items included within\u00a0dangerous goods regulations\u00a0that are less typical and even include some common everyday household items., such as paint and adhesives, lithium batteries (used in laptops, mobiles and handheld devices), dyes (found in hair and beauty products) and fireworks.<\/p>\n
The severity of the risk posed by the hazardous material or substance will affect any limitations or restrictions placed upon them. For example, hazmat that have high levels of risk may only be permitted for transport in small quantities, or may even be forbidden completely.<\/p>\n
When transported, hazardous materials are usually accompanied by diamond\u00a0hazard labels, which indicate the type of substances contained within containers.<\/p>\n