Appendix

DOT Hazard Class

Definition

Examples

Hazards

Storage

Class 1

Explosive/Shock Sensitive

Thermodynamically unstable material, may explode when brought in contact with a source of ignition (or which are more sensitive to shock and friction than dinitrobenzene)

picric acid, 2,4-dinitro-phenol, organic azides

Explosion caused by shock or chemical reaction.

Follow manufacturer's recommendation. Discard before expiration date. Store minimum quantities.

Class 2: Gases

Flammable Gas

Gas with a flash point less than 140° F.

carbon monoxide, hydrogen, oxygen, acetylene

Ignites easily, burns rapidly.

Store away from ignition sources and oxidizers.  Secure with a double chain to prevent falling.  Store oxygen away from flammable gases.  Check connections regularly to avoid leaking. 

Non-Flammable Gas (including compressed gas) 

Non-flammable, purified gas in a pressurized tank.

nitrogen, carbon dioxide, neon

toxic atmosphere, oxygen displacement

Store upright, secure with a double chain to prevent falling. Check connections regularly to avoid leaking. 

Poisonous Gases:

Gases liable to cause death or serious injury to human health if inhaled

fluorine, chlorine, hydrogen cyanide

toxic atmosphere, oxygen displacement

Store upright, secure with a double chain to prevent falling. Check connections regularly to avoid leaking. 

Class 3

Flammable Liquid

Liquid with a flash point less 140° F.

diethyl ether, carbon disulfide, methanol, acetone, acetaldehyde

Ignites easily, burns rapidly.

Store in flammable storage cabinet, away from ignition sources and oxidizers.  Quantities should not exceed 10 gallons.

Class 4

Flammable Solid

Solid that burns readily.

sodium, calcium, potassium, calcium carbide, nitrocellulose, magnesium, aluminum alkyls, white phosphorus

Ignites easily, burns rapidly.

Store in flammable storage cabinet, away from ignition source and oxidizers.

Class 5.1

Oxidizer

Agents that react with reducible material to initiate or promote combustion.

nitric acid, bromine, calcium hypochlorite, ammonium nitrate, hydrogen peroxide, potassium permanganate

Fire or explosion.

Store away from organics and flammables.  Do not store directly on wooden shelves or paper.  Store chlorine separately from acids.

Class 5.2

Organic Peroxide

Any organic compound that forms unstable peroxides when exposed to air.

diethyl ether, benzoyl peroxides, cumene hydroperoxide

Explosion resulting from formation of concentrated peroxide crystals.

Dispose before expiration date.  If there is no marked expiration date, label with receipt date and maintain for no more than 1 year or 6 months after opening.

Class 6.1

Poison /

Toxic /

Highly Toxic

Chemicals that cause damage to target organs (liver, lungs, reproductive system, etc.) if inhaled, ingested, or absorbed through the skin. Toxic chemicals have an LD50 of 50 - 500 mg/kg, single oral dose for rats. Highly toxic chemicals have an LD50 of < 50 mg/kg, single oral dose for rats

chloroform, chromic acid, phenol, acetonitrile, potassium cyanide, mercuric chloride, pesticides, methylene chloride 

Acute or toxic effects that may be local, systemic, or both.

Store in a secure, sealed container below shoulder level. Use only in designated areas.  Store away from incompatibles.

Class 6.1

Bio-hazardous substances

Material of biological origin that could be infectious / pathological etc

Bacterial /virus cultures, pathology specimens, used intravenous needles

Acute or toxic effects that may be local, systemic, or both

Store in a secure, sealed containers / cabinets

Class 7:

Radioactive

substances or a combination of substances which emit ionizing radiation

uranium, plutonium

Exposure may lead to genetic effects

Follow norms recommended by relevant regulatory bodies

Class 8: Corrosive

substances that can dissolve organic tissue or severely corrode certain metals

Organic Acids

Compound with pH of 1-7, containing carbon.

phenol, acetic acid

Tissue damage, violent reaction with strong bases.

Segregate from mineral acids, oxidizing acids and bases.

Inorganic Acids

Compound with pH of 1-7, not containing carbon.

hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, boric acid

Tissue damage, violent reaction with strong bases.

Segregate from organic acids, oxidizing acids and bases.

Caustics

Compound with pH of 7-14.

sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide

Tissue damage, violent reactions with strong acids.

Segregate from mineral acids, organic acids, and oxidizing acids.

Class 9: Miscellaneous

Water Reactive

Reacts violently when exposed to water producing heat or toxic gases.

sodium metal, acid anhydrides, metal anhydrides

Explosion, fire, toxic atmosphere

Store away from water, including sprinkler heads, sinks and drains, per manufacturers’ instructions.

Pyrophoric

Ignites spontaneously in air.

Phosphorus, lithium

Fire

Store under inert atmosphere per manufacturers instructions.

Carcinogen

Chemicals that cause cancer in humans or animals models.

formaldehyde, benzene

Carcinogenesis

Store in a secure, sealed container below shoulder level.  Use in only designated areas with approved controls. Store away from incompatibles.

Cryogen

Liquefied or solidified gases at low temperatures.

liquid nitrogen, dry ice

Tissue damage (frost bite), oxygen displacement, tank rupture

Store in approved containers. Store in well ventilated areas. (Do not store dry ice in cold rooms.)  Design transfer lines such that liquids cannot be trapped in a non-ventilated part of the system.

Sensitizer

Substances that can cause an allergic reaction of the skin or respiratory system.

glutaraldehyde, isocyanates

Allergic reaction

Store in secure container taking into account other hazards associated with the substance.

Controlled Substances

Substances specifically controlled by law

narcotics

Theft

Store in a secure, locked location.  Maintain a current inventory.