Hazard Class… Some Common Questions You Should Be Asking

May 22, 2013 | clas·si·fi·ca·tion Noun: The action or process of classifying something according to shared qualities or characteristics.

As we teach here at TCA, the transportation of hazardous materials involves a thorough understanding of the components behind those materials. This understanding relies on one of the more underestimated process – the classification portion.  Each day, there are thousands of household products that most of us do not realize are hazardous. Cleaners, paints, hairsprays, batteries, cooking supplies such as extracts, baking sprays, and many more products are all considered a hazard when transported.

How do we arrive at the conclusion of whether these products are hazards? A lot of consideration takes place… Here are some things to think about when considering whether your products could be hazardous:

Is the product flammable?

Is the product a corrosive (What is its Ph level)?

Is the product explosive?

Does this product have a health hazard associated with it?

What are the ingredients that make up this product?  (Are those ingredients hazardous?)

What mode of transportation will be used to ship this product?

You should be able to answer those questions with confidence prior to packing and having your product shipped. Additionally, if your products do pose a hazard, what steps are you taking to make sure they are handled properly and in compliance while being transported?