At JJX Logistics, we specialise in the safe transportation of all nine ADR classes, a distinction that only a few hauliers in the UK can claim.
Dangerous goods transport requires strict adherence to safety regulations to prevent risk to the vehicle, its occupants and the surrounding environment.
Dangerous cargo can be transported safely when appropriate measures are taken, ensuring they comply with internationally recognised classifications. One such system is the United Nations (UN) hazard classification, which categorises dangerous goods into nine classes based on their properties and risks.
The Nine Classes of Dangerous Goods:
Class 1
Explosive Materials
Explosives pose obvious risks due to their ability to detonate or combust rapidly. This class is further divided into six subdivisions, based on the potential hazards associated with each substance. These include:
Class 1 Sub-Divisions:
- Division 1.1: Substances and articles which have a mass explosion hazard
- Division 1.2: Substances and articles which have a projection hazard but not a mass explosion hazard
- Division 1.3: Substances and articles which have a fire hazard and either a minor blast hazard or a minor projection hazard or both
- Division 1.4: Substances and articles which present no significant hazard; only a small hazard in the event of ignition or initiation during transport with any effects largely confined to the package
- Division 1.5: Very insensitive substances which have a mass explosion hazard
- Division 1.6: Extremely insensitive articles which do not have a mass explosion hazard
Commonly Transported Class 1 Items:
Ammunition/cartridges, Fireworks/pyrotechnics, Flares, blasting caps / detonators, Fuse, Primers, Explosive charges (blasting, demolition etc), Detonating cord, Air bag inflators, Igniters, Rockets, TNT / TNT compositions, RDX / RDX compositions, PETN / PETN compositions.
Class 2
Gases
Gases can be hazardous due to their flammability, toxicity or potential to displace oxygen. When transporting gases, proper containment and pressure regulation are essential to prevent leaks and potential explosions.
Class 2 Sub-Divisions:
- Division 2.1: Flammable gases
- Division 2.2: Non-flammable, non-toxic gases
- Division 2.3: Toxic gases
Commonly Transported Class 2 Items:
Aerosols, Compressed air, Hydrocarbon gas-powered devices, Fire extinguishers, Gas cartridges, Fertilizer ammoniating solution, Insecticide gases, Refrigerant gases, Lighters, Acetylene / Oxyacetylene, Carbon dioxide, Helium / helium compounds, Hydrogen / hydrogen compounds, Oxygen / oxygen compounds, Nitrogen / nitrogen compounds, Natural gas, Oil gas, Petroleum gases, Butane, Propane, Ethane, Methane, Dimethyl ether, Propene / propylene, Ethylene.
Class 3
Flammable Liquids
This class includes liquids or liquid mixtures that emit flammable vapours at specific temperatures. A substance is classified as a Class 3 flammable liquid if its flash point is below 60.5°C (140.9°F). Strict regulations govern the transportation of Class 3 materials, particularly regarding storage, handling and ventilation.
Commonly Transported Class 3 Items:
Acetone / acetone oils, Adhesives, Paints / lacquers / varnishes, Alcohols, Perfumery products, Gasoline / Petrol, Diesel fuel, Aviation fuel, Liquid bio-fuels, Coal tar / coal tar distillates, Petroleum crude oil, Petroleum distillates, Gas oil, Shale oil, Heating oil, Kerosene, Resins, Tars, Turpentine, Carbamate insecticides, Organochlorine pesticides, Organophosphorus pesticides, Copper based pesticides, Esters, Ethers, Ethanol, Benzene, Butanol’s, Dichloropropenes, Diethyl ether, Isobutanes, Isopropyl, Methanol, Octanes.
Class 4
Flammable Solids
Flammable solids pose a fire risk due to their ability to ignite easily. Due to their unpredictable nature, proper containment and isolation are crucial when handling these substances.
Class 4 Sub-Divisions:
- Division 4.1: Flammable solids
- Division 4.2: Substances liable to spontaneous combustion
- Division 4.3: Substances which, in contact with water, emit flammable gases
Commonly Transported Class 4 Items:
Alkali metals, Metal powders, Aluminium phosphide, Sodium batteries, Sodium cells, Firelighters, Matches, Calcium carbide, Camphor, Carbon, Activated carbon, Celluloid, Cerium, Copra, Seed cake, Oily cotton waste, Desensitized explosives, Oily fabrics, Oily fibres, Ferrocerium, Iron oxide (spent, Iron sponge/direct-reduced iron (spent) , Metaldehyde, Naphthalene, Nitrocellulose, Phosphorus, Sulphur.
Class 5
Oxidising Substances and Organic Peroxides
Flammable solids pose a fire risk due to their ability to ignite easily. Due to their unpredictable nature, proper containment and isolation are crucial when handling these substances.
Class 5 Sub-Divisions:
- Division 5.1: Oxidising substances
- Division 5.1: Organic peroxides
Commonly Transported Class 5 Items:
Chemical oxygen generators, Ammonium nitrate fertilizers, Chlorates, Nitrates, Nitrites, Perchlorates, Permanganates, Persulphates, Aluminium nitrate, Ammonium dichromate, Ammonium nitrate, Ammonium persulphate, Calcium hypochlorite, Calcium nitrate, Calcium peroxide, Hydrogen peroxide, Magnesium peroxide, Lead nitrate, Lithium hypochlorite, Potassium chlorate, Potassium nitrate, Potassium chlorate, Potassium perchlorate, Potassium permanganate, Sodium nitrate, Sodium persulphate.
Class 6
Toxic and Infectious Substances
Class 6 materials pose health hazards through ingestion, inhalation or skin contact. Dangerous goods regulations define pathogens as microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, rickettsia, parasites and fungi, or other agents which can cause disease in humans or animals.
Class 6 Sub-Divisions:
- Division 6.1: Toxic substances
- Division 6.2: Infectious substances
Commonly Transported Class 6 Items:
Medical/Biomedical waste, Clinical waste, Biological cultures / samples / specimens, Medical cultures / samples / specimens, Tear gas substances, Motor fuel anti-knock mixture, Dyes, Carbamate pesticides, Alkaloids, Allyls, Acids, Arsenates, Arsenites, Cyanides, Thiols/mercaptans, Cresols, Barium compounds, Arsenics / arsenic compounds, Beryllium/ beryllium compounds, Lead compounds, Mercury compounds, Nicotine / nicotine compounds, Selenium compounds, Antimony, Ammonium metavanadate, Adiponitrile, Chloroform, Dichloromethane, Hexachlorophene, Phenol, Resorcinol.
Class 7
Radioactive Materials
Radioactive materials emit ionising radiation, which can pose serious health and environmental risks. A material falls into Class 7 if its specific activity is greater than 70 kilobecquerels per kilogram. Due to the potential hazards, specialised transport containers and shielding are mandatory when moving these materials.
Commonly Transported Class 7 Items:
Radioactive ores, medical isotopes, Yellowcake, Density gauges, Mixed fission products, Surface contaminated objects, Caesium radionuclides / isotopes, Iridium radionuclides / isotopes, Americium radionuclides / isotopes, Plutonium radionuclides / isotopes, Radium radionuclides / isotopes, Thorium radionuclides / isotopes, Uranium radionuclides / isotopes, Depleted uranium / depleted uranium products, Uranium hexafluoride, Enriched Uranium.
Class 8
Corrosive Substances
Class 8 includes materials that can cause severe damage to living tissue or degrade other materials upon contact. Proper protective gear and reinforced containment are required to minimise risk during transportation.
Commonly Transported Class 8 Items:
Acids/acid solutions, Batteries, Battery fluid, Fuel cell cartridges, Dyes, Fire extinguisher charges, Formaldehyde, Flux, Paints, Alkylphenols, Amines, Polyamines, Sulphides, Polysulphides, Chlorides, Chlorosilanes, Bromine, Cyclohexylamine, Phenol / carbolic acid, Hydrofluoric acid, Hydrochloric acid, Sulfuric acid, Nitric acid, Sludge acid, Hydrogen fluoride, Iodine, Morpholine.
Class 9
Miscellaneous Dangerous Goods
Class 8 includes materials that can cause severe damage to living tissue or degrade other materials upon contact. Proper protective gear and reinforced containment are required to minimise risk during transportation.
Commonly Transported Class 9 Items:
Dry ice / cardice / solid carbon dioxide, Expandable polymeric beads / polystyrene beads, Ammonium nitrate fertilizers, Blue asbestos / crocidolite, Lithium ion batteries, Lithium metal batteries, Battery powered equipment, Battery powered vehicles, Fuel cell engines, Internal combustion engines, Vehicles, Magnetized material, Dangerous goods in apparatus, Dangerous goods in machinery, Genetically modified organisms, Genetically modified micro-organisms, Chemical kits, First aid kits, Lifesaving appliances, Air bag modules, Seatbelt pretensioners, Plastics moulding compound, Castor bean plant products, Polychlorinated biphenyls, Polychlorinated terphenyls, Dibromo difluoromethane, Benzaldehyde.
Why ADR Compliance Matters
The transportation of dangerous goods is governed by strict regulations to ensure safety. Compliance with ADR (European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road) and IATA (International Air Transport Association) regulations is necessary to prevent accidents and ensure legal transportation practices. Proper classification, packaging, labelling and documentation help mitigate risks associated with hazardous materials.
Additionally, TAPA (Transported Asset Protection Association) membership further enhances security protocols for the movement of high-risk cargo. This ensures that best practices are followed in securing shipments from theft or tampering.
Businesses transporting dangerous goods should be aware of their responsibilities and ensure that their logistics partners adhere to all regulatory requirements to guarantee safe and compliant transportation.
Understanding the Classes of Dangerous Goods
Each class presents unique challenges that require specialised handling, compliance and expertise. With decades of experience in dangerous goods logistics, JJX Logistics is one of the UK’s leading hauliers, offering safe and efficient transport solutions for all ADR classes, including temperature-sensitive cargo.
For expert guidance and a trusted logistics partner, contact JJX Logistics today to discuss your dangerous goods transportation needs.
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