9 Classes of Dangerous Goods According to the IMDG Code & Types of ISO Tanks

There are 9 classes of dangerous goods according to the IMDG Code, namely:

• bahan peledak (explosives),
• gas terkompresi (compressed gases),
• cairan mudah terbakar (flammable liquids),
• padatan mudah terbakar (flammable solids),
• bahan oksidasi (oxidizing substances),
• bahan beracun (toxic substances),
• bahan infeksius (infectious substances),
• bahan radioaktif (radioactive materials),
• bahan korosif (corrosive substances).

The International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code, or IMDG Code, is a global guideline for the safe transport of hazardous materials. The code was created to improve safety in handling dangerous goods, including:

• enhancing the safety of transporting dangerous goods,
• protecting the marine environment,
• facilitating the unrestricted movement of hazardous cargo,
• ensuring the safety of crew members.

The IMDG Code was developed by the International Maritime Organization (IMO). IMO is a specialized agency of the United Nations (UN) with a mission to promote safe, secure, environmentally sound, efficient, and sustainable shipping.

1. Explosives

Explosives are Class 1 in the 9 classes of dangerous goods according to the IMDG Code. These substances can produce explosions when exposed to heat, shock, or friction. The transport and shipment of explosives require strong and durable packaging materials.

Some examples of explosives listed in the IMDG Code include:

• Division 1.1: Substances and articles with a mass explosion hazard, such as dynamite, TNT (trinitrotoluene), RDX (Royal Demolition Explosive), and PETN (pentaerythritol tetranitrate).
• Division 1.2: Substances and articles with a projection hazard but without a mass explosion hazard, such as explosive ammunition, small arms ammunition, and fireworks.
• Division 1.3: Substances and articles with a fire hazard but without a mass explosion hazard, such as ammunition without explosive charges and detonators.
• Division 1.4: Substances and articles that present no significant hazard, including certain types of fireworks, safety matches, and airbag inflators.
• Division 1.5: Very insensitive substances with a mass explosion hazard, such as nitroguanidine-based propellants.
• Division 1.6: Extremely insensitive articles with no mass explosion hazard, including certain types of explosive devices.

2. Compressed Gases

Compressed gases are classified as Class 2 in the 9 classes of dangerous goods according to the IMDG Code, covering both compressed and liquefied gases. Examples of compressed gases listed in the IMDG Code include:

• Division 2.1: Flammable gases, such as propane and butane.
• Division 2.2: Non-flammable gases, such as oxygen, nitrogen, and carbon dioxide.
• Division 2.3: Toxic gases, such as chlorine and ammonia.

3. Flammable Liquids

Flammable liquids are categorized as Class 3 in the 9 classes of dangerous goods according to the IMDG Code. This class includes liquids with a flash point not exceeding 60 degrees Celsius, typically used as fuels or combustible substances.

Examples of flammable liquids include:

• gasoline,
• diesel,
• kerosene,
• acetone,
• ethanol,
• methanol,
• butanol,
• toluene,
• xylene,
• hexane.

4. Flammable Solids

Flammable solids are categorized as Class 4 in the 9 classes of dangerous goods according to the IMDG Code. This class includes substances that are highly susceptible to ignition from fire, friction, or even contact with water.

Examples of flammable solids include:

• aluminum powder,
• coal,
• iron sulfide,
• dry zirconium,
• celluloid film,
• white phosphorus,
• matches,
• magnesium powder,
• dry sodium,
• dry potassium.

5. Oxidizing Substances

Oxidizing substances are classified as Class 5 in the 9 classes of dangerous goods according to the IMDG Code, which include oxidizing agents and organic peroxides.

Examples of oxidizing substances include:

• Oxidizing agents: sodium chlorate, hydrogen peroxide solution, and ammonium nitrate.
• Organic peroxides: benzoyl peroxide, cumene hydroperoxide, and di-tert-butyl peroxide.

6. Toxic Substances

Toxic substances are classified as Class 6 in the 9 classes of dangerous goods according to the IMDG Code, consisting of poisonous materials that endanger human life and infectious substances that can cause disease.

Examples of toxic substances include:

• Toxic materials: hydrogen cyanide, chloroform, mercury compounds.
• Infectious substances: medical waste containing pathogens, cultures of infectious agents.

7. Infectious Substances

Infectious substances are classified as Class 6.2 within the 9 classes of dangerous goods according to the IMDG Code. These materials contain pathogens capable of causing disease in humans or animals.

Examples of infectious substances include:

• Pathogenic microorganisms: cultures of tuberculosis bacteria.
• Diagnostic specimens: blood samples used for disease testing.
• Biological products: vaccines containing live pathogens.
• Genetically modified microorganisms: bacteria modified for research purposes.
• Toxins: botulinum toxin.
• Infectious waste: medical waste containing infectious materials.
• Carcasses and animal parts: carcasses of animals infected with communicable diseases.
• Laboratory animal carcasses and parts: remains of experimental animals used in research.

8. Radioactive Materials

Radioactive materials are categorized as Class 7 in the 9 classes of dangerous goods according to the IMDG Code. This class includes substances that emit ionizing radiation, which can be hazardous to human health and safety.

Examples of radioactive materials include:

• uranium hexafluoride,
• plutonium,
• technetium-99m,
• irradiated nuclear material,
• radioactive waste,
• americium-241,
• cesium-137,
• thorium,
• neptunium,
• Californium-252.

9. Corrosive Substances

Corrosive substances are classified as Class 8 in the 9 classes of dangerous goods according to the IMDG Code. These materials can cause severe damage to living tissue, other cargo, or transportation equipment through chemical reactions.

Examples of corrosive substances include:

• sulfuric acid,
• hydrochloric acid,
• sodium hydroxide,
• nitric acid.

Types of ISO Tank Containers Based on the 9 Classes of Dangerous Goods According to the IMDG Code

ISO tank containers serve as reliable portable tanks for transporting dangerous goods. Built to ISO standards, these tanks feature strong, durable constructions made from stainless steel, carbon steel, or composite materials. Each ISO tank container is also equipped with an ISO-standard steel frame.

Additional components required in an ISO tank container include insulation layers and an outer protective layer to safeguard the cargo inside the tank from external impacts.

ISO tank containers typically have a transport capacity ranging from 14,000 to 26,000 liters, with some models capable of carrying up to 36,000 liters.

Each class within the 9 classes of dangerous goods according to the IMDG Code must be transported using the appropriate type of ISO tank container. In other words, a single type of ISO tank cannot be used to transport multiple categories of hazardous materials.

For example, portable tanks T1 to T22 are used for transporting hazardous liquid and solid cargo from Class 1 and Class 3 through Class 9, except Class 7, as well as certain large quantities of non-hazardous liquids.

Portable tank T23 is typically used for Class 4.1 hazardous materials and Class 5.2 organic peroxides. Portable tank T50 is designed for transporting non-refrigerated liquefied gases and chemicals under pressure, while portable tank T75 is used for refrigerated liquefied gases and chemicals under pressure.

To learn more and get recommendations for the ideal ISO tank container for your cargo, you can fill out the online form available on the KontainerIndonesia.co.id website.