Hazardous materials, often referred to as HAZMAT, encompass a range of substances including chemicals, gases, explosives, batteries, magnets, and fertilizers, which can be in solid, liquid, or gaseous form. These materials are stringently categorized into nine classes as they pose a potential risk to human health, property, or the environment due to their chemical or physical properties.
The classification is useful for communicating the hazards through the transportation chain and ensuring that proper handling and shipping procedures are followed.
The classifications include:
Klasse 1: Explosieven
Klasse 2: Gassen
Klasse 3: Ontvlambare vloeistoffen
Klasse 4: Brandbare vaste stoffen
Substances liable to spontaneous combustion
Substances emitting flammable gases with water contact
Class 5: Oxidizers/organic peroxides
Klasse 6: Giftige en besmettelijke stoffen
Klasse 7: Radioactief materiaal
Klasse 8: Bijtende stoffen
Class 9: Miscellaneous hazardous materials
Miscellaneous hazardous substances like lithium batteries
Generally, the suppliers play a crucial role in identifying whether a product falls under HAZMAT, the relevant proper shipping procedures, and should provide complete and accurate documentation for these materials.
