Labelling

It is vital for the shipper to correctly identify and label any package containing dangerous goods intended for transport. Correct labelling makes it obvious to any handler what kind of dangerous good is contained within the package and how to appropriately handle the package.

There are two types of labels for packaging containing dangerous goods intended for transport:

i. Hazard Labels

Hazard labels are required for all packages of Dangerous Goods with few exceptions. This type of label identifies the class, and in some cases, the division, of the dangerous good. Hazard labels are diamond in shape. The label must be a minimum dimension of 100 x 100 mm. Hazard labels for each class are illustrated in the Comprehensive List of Classes below. 

 

ii. Handling Labels

Handling labels provide information about how dangerous goods must be handled and stowed. They differ from class labels in that they are square in shape. All handling labels for air transport are displayed at the end of this module.  

 

Comprehensive List of Classes and Divisions

Now that we have had an overview of what Classification and Labelling is about, we can take a more comprehensive look at the 9 classes and various divisions of dangerous goods. We will look at the definition of each class, along with some examples of each type of dangerous good. 

Class 1 Explosives

Explosive articles and substances are assigned to one of six divisions depending on the type of hazard they present, and to one of 13 compatibility groups. The compatibility groups identify the kinds of explosive articles and substances that are deemed to be compatible. Table 3.1.A of the Dangerous Goods Regulations contains a description of these compatibility groups.

Explosives are a restricted class, meaning only those explosive articles/substances listed in the “List of Dangerous Goods” in the IATA DGR may be accepted for air transportation. However, the competent authority () retains the right by mutual agreement, to approve transport for special purposes.

The type of packaging will have a decisive effect on the hazard and therefore on the particular division allocated.

Class 1 is further divided into six divisions:

Division 1.1		Articles and substances having a mass explosive hazard. e.g. Gun powder, dynamite, stun grenades
Division 1.2		Articles and substances having a projection hazard but not a mass explosion hazard. e.g. flares and some types of fireworks
Division 1.3		Articles and substances having a fire hazard, a minor blast hazard and/or a minor projection hazard but not a mass explosion hazard. e.g. sparklers
Division 1.4		Articles and substances presenting no significant hazard. e.g. car air bags, party poppers, caps in kids guns
Division 1.5		Very insensitive substances having a mass explosion hazard such as the ones used for mining exploration.
Division 1.6		Extremely insensitive articles that do not have a mass explosion hazard.

 

Class 2 Gases

This class comprises compressed gases, liquefied gases, gases in solution, refrigerated liquefied gases, mixtures of gases, mixtures of one or more gases with one or more vapours of substances of other classes, articles charged with gas and aerosols.

This class has 3 divisions:

	Division 2.1 Flammable gas These are compressed gases which, when mixed with air in certain proportions, may be ignited when momentarily exposed to a source of ignition. e.g. Butane, Hydrogen, Propane, LPG
	Division 2.2 Non-flammable, non-toxic gases Gases transported at not less than 280 kPa at 20 C, or as refrigerated liquids, and which are asphyxiant, oxidizing or do not come under the other divisions. e.g. Carbon dioxide, Fire extinguisher, Scuba diving tanks
	Division 2.3 Toxic gas Most toxic gases are forbidden for carriage by air. These gases can be so toxic or corrosive to humans as to pose a hazard to health. e.g. cyanide Aerosols of low toxicity may be permitted.

 

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