Learn about the IMO classification for dangerous goods
In the dynamic world of transportation, safety is not just an option, but an obligation.
Have you ever wondered what the IMO classification for dangerous goods means and how it can affect your business?
At KENSA Logistics, we understand the challenges this entails, so we have designed a simple guide that explains each aspect. The idea is to forget about technicalities and ensure that your operation complies with all the international safety standards required.
Are you ready? Then, keep reading the article.
What is the IMO Classification?
As mentioned, when it comes to the transportation of products, safety and regulatory compliance are key aspects that cannot be overlooked.
This is why the International Maritime Organization (IMO) establishes a universal classification and labeling for dangerous goods transported by sea.
This globally recognized system aims to prevent accidents, environmental damage, and safeguard the health of people during the transportation of these substances.
It is divided into nine classes, each with a unique number and code, which are displayed on the seals attached to the packages.
By understanding and applying this method, your company complies with regulations, avoids fines or penalties, and most importantly, protects the safety of employees, communities, and the environment in general.
IMO classification for dangerous goods
The IMO classification according to the International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code (IMDG) includes the following 9 classes:
Class 1: Explosives
This refers to substances or objects that can cause significant damage if they undergo a chemical reaction. Common examples include fireworks, bombs, fuses, and rockets.
Subdivisions of Class 1:
1.1 Explosive substances and articles.
1.2 Substances and articles that can project but not explode.
1.3 Substances and articles with a minor explosion or fire hazard.
1.4 Substances and articles with minimal risk.
1.5 Insensitive substances.
1.6 Very insensitive articles.
Class 2: Gases
This includes a variety of gases that pose significant hazards during handling and transportation.
Subdivisions of Class 2:
2.1 Flammable gases. They can easily ignite in the presence of an ignition source, such as heat or a spark.
2.2 Non-flammable and asphyxiating gases. They support combustion more than air, increasing the risk of fire.
2.3 Toxic gases. They cause acute or chronic health effects, such as irritation, poisoning, or even death, depending on exposure and concentration.
Class 3: Flammable Liquids
These include liquids with a flashpoint of 38°C or less, posing a significant fire risk. Therefore, they must be handled with extreme caution during transportation and storage.
Subtypes of class 3:
- Flammable liquids. They ignite in the presence of an ignition source, such as gasoline, kerosene, alcohol, and organic solvents. Their combustion can be rapid and violent, increasing the risk of fire and explosion.
- Insensitive explosive liquids. These materials detonate under certain conditions, such as crude oil and stabilized flammable liquids.
Class 4: Flammable substances or solids
These materials must be handled with caution due to their ability to ignite easily and produce fire.
Subtypes of class 4:
Class 4.1 Flammable solids. They ignite in the presence of an ignition source. Common examples include white phosphorus, magnesium, and certain alkali metals.
Class 4.2 Substances prone to spontaneous combustion. This can occur due to internal chemical reactions or specific environmental conditions. Includes oxidizable vegetable oils and certain metals in powder form.
Class 4.3 Substances that emit flammable gases upon contact with water. Examples include alkali metals, alkaline earth metals, metal hydrides, phosphides, and carbides.
Class 5: Oxidizing substances and organic peroxides
This includes oxidizing elements and organic peroxides, each with its own set of associated risks and hazards.
- Oxidizing Substances.
These are chemicals that can cause or contribute to combustion upon contact with other substances.
Common examples include hydrogen peroxide, potassium nitrate, and sodium chlorate. It is essential to handle these substances with caution to avoid ignition or the spread of fire.
- Organic Peroxides.
These are chemical compounds containing the peroxide functional group (-O-O-). These ingredients are reactive and can decompose spontaneously at high temperatures, releasing oxygen and free radicals that cause an explosion.
Class 6: Toxic and infectious substances
These pose significant health risks due to their toxicity or ability to cause infections. They are divided into two main groups, each with its own characteristics and associated risks.
Subtypes of class 6:
Class 6.1 Toxic substances. These can cause severe health damage through contact, inhalation, or ingestion. They are poisonous, corrosive, or irritating to the skin and mucous membranes.
Examples include industrial chemicals, hazardous pesticides, and pharmaceuticals identified with a white label with a black skull and crossbones, indicating toxicity risk.
Class 6.2 Infectious substances. These contain pathogenic agents, such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites, that cause infectious diseases in humans or animals.
Therefore, they pose a significant public health risk and must be handled with care to prevent the spread of diseases.
Their labels are white with three crescents over a black circle, along with the number six at the bottom, indicating the risk of infection.
Class 7: Radioactive substances
These refer to elements that emit ionizing radiation, posing risks to human health and the environment. They are divided into four main categories, each with its own characteristics and levels of radiation.
- Categories of radioactive substances:
I Radiation greater than 0.5 millirem/h. These elements are marked with a label showing a black trefoil on a white background, along with the word "radioactive" and the number seven at the bottom.
II Radiation between 0.5 and 1 millirem/h. The transport index must not exceed this figure, indicating the need to control and limit radiation exposure during transport.
III Minimum radiation of 200 millirem/h on the surface. The elements are marked with a label yellow on the top and white on the bottom, showing a black trefoil and the word "radioactive," along with details about the content, activity, and quantity.
IV Fissionable material. Containers transporting these elements are marked with a white label showing the word "fissionable" and the number seven, along with a warning indicating "critical care index" at the bottom.
Class 8: Corrosives
These refer to substances that cause corrosion on the skin, tissues, and mucous membranes, chemical burns, irritation, and even permanent injuries.
They are identified by a white label with a black illustration showing two test tubes pouring their contents onto a piece of metal and a hand. It also has the number eight at the bottom, highlighted in black for easy identification.
Class 9: Miscellaneous dangerous goods
This encompasses all elements that pose a safety risk but do not fit into any of the previously mentioned categories.
They are identified with a white label. At the top, there are several black vertical bars, indicating the diverse nature of the hazardous materials included in this category. At the bottom is the number nine, identifying the class.
Transport dangerous goods with KENSA Logistics
At KENSA Logistics, we understand the importance of ensuring safety in the transportation of dangerous goods.
With years of experience in the sector, we are proud to offer top-quality service that complies with all international regulations and standards.
Our highly trained and specialized team is ready to handle any type of dangerous goods, from chemicals to radioactive materials, with the highest standards and professionalism.
Don't risk the safety of your products or the reputation of your company. Trust us for the transportation of dangerous goods and discover the peace of mind that comes from working with the best in the business.
Contact us today for more information and advice.