Due to the abundance of chemicals found in commercial and household products we use every day, it can be easy to forget that many of these can actually be considered dangerous goods. Pesticides, paints and even some household cleaners can all be categorised as dangerous goods. Yet we spray them, inhale them, and sometimes even touch them with our bare hands on a regular basis without feeling any actual danger or threat.
So what exactly are dangerous goods, and really, how dangerous can they be?
Dangerous Goods Defined
Dangerous goods are essentially goods which are harmful to people, property, the environment and other living organisms when handled incorrectly. These goods can come in the form of pure substances or mixtures; some are inherently dangerous upon contact while others become dangerous only when handled haphazardly or combined with other substances.
Dangerous goods can often be referred to as hazardous materials or hazardous substances. According to Safe Work Australia, the classification of hazardous substances is distinct from dangerous goods, with the former being substances that can adversely affect health (poison, burn or irritate) and the latter being goods that are hazardous to people, property or environment (explosive, corrosive or flammable). But most substances considered hazardous can also be considered dangerous goods.
Classification of Dangerous Goods
Understandably, there are many different legislations and regulations for handling, using, transporting and disposing dangerous goods; the most widely applied being the United Nations Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods.
In general, there are 9 basic classifications for dangerous goods, each with their own distinct warnings and symbols. These are:
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Explosives –
These are substances which may detonate as a result of a chemical reaction. These cover substances which may lead to mass explosion, blast or projection, and fire. Examples of explosives include dynamite, flares, fireworks, rockets and air bag inflators.
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Gases –
Gases can be dangerous when placed under pressure. Many types of gases are also corrosive, poisonous or flammable. Common types of gases include aerosols, fire extinguishers, lighters, refrigerants and petroleum.
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Flammable Liquids –
These include alcohols, adhesives, different kinds of fuels, paints and even perfume.
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Flammable Solids –
Flammable solids can spontaneously combust or cause fire when exposed to certain substances like water or air, or conditions such as heat and friction. Examples of flammable solids are matches, naphthalene (used in moth balls) and various metals and metal powders.
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Oxidising substances –
These substances may be prone to explosion and burning at an accelerated rate, and can be extremely dangerous when in contact with the skin, eyes or other chemicals. Oxidising substances include various nitrates and chlorates.
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Toxic and Infectious Substances –
Toxic substances are those that can cause serious illness or death when ingested, inhaled or come into contact with the human body. Infectious substances are those that usually contain disease-causing or life-threatening pathogens, such as fungi, bacteria, viruses and parasites. Examples of toxic and infectious substances include medical and biological cultures and waste, dyes, cyanide, chloroform, lead and mercury.
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Radioactive Material –
Radiation emitted by radioactive material can be severely harmful to humans. Radioactive material includes uranium products and other contaminated objects.
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Corrosives –
Corrosives are extremely dangerous because of their ability to damage or disintegrate objects upon contact. Acids, batteries and formaldehyde are examples of corrosives.
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Miscellaneous Dangerous Goods –
These are goods which do not fall under any of the previous categories but may potentially cause harm when mishandled. Some examples of miscellaneous dangerous goods include dry ice, vehicles, magnetised objects, asbestos and first aid kits.
Transporting Dangerous Goods
Makers of dangerous goods often have to have these transported for purposes of selling, testing or disposal. Many organisations and defence departments require the transport of dangerous substances on a regular basis as well.
The transport of dangerous goods cannot be done by simply any aircraft charters, but specialised land, sea or air freight forwarders that have the knowledge, skills and experience in handling and transporting dangerous substances. Many aircraft charters, such as Skyforce Aviation, specialise in the transport of dangerous goods and are relied upon by various companies including The Australian Department of Defence for their services.
Transporting dangerous goods is not to be taken lightly; even if the dangerous goods and substances are only in small quantities, these can still pose great threats to health, life and the environment.
Debra Wright blogs about a plethora of topics including air freight forwarders and other fields. Debra considers Skyforce Aviation as one of the leaders of Aircraft charter Companies.