Week 5: Symbols for dangerous goods memories

DANGEROUS SUBSTANCES

Dangerous substances are classified as dangerous goods with  specifically DIAMOND shaped labels

DIAMOND SIGNS 

• Shows nine classes of dangerous goods
• The diamond sign has a distinctive symbol and colour
• Some labels show the Packaging Group (PG) and degree of danger
• PG1-great danger
• PG11-medium danger
• PG111-minor danger

Diamond Signs on packaging identifying substance

NINE CLASSES OF DANGEROUS SUBSTANCES

CLASS 1-EXPLOSIVES (fireworks and cartridges with other explosive substances)

CLASS 2-GASES (flammable gases,non-flammable gases and toxic gases)

CLASS 3-FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS- (with flash points less than 23 degrees Celsius or more)

CLASS 4-FLAMMABLE SOLIDS- (easily ignited and combustible substances)

CLASS5- OXIDIZERS- (oxidizing agents such as hydrogen peroxides or organic peroxides such as ketone peroxide and others)

CLASS 6- (TOXIC and INFECTIOUS SUBSTANCES- (causes death by swallowing or absorbed through the skin includes viruses containing micro-organisms passing onto humans and animals)

CLASS 7- RADIOACTIVE SUBSTANCES- (emit ionising radiation such as used in radioisotopes in medicine)

CLASS 8- CORROSIVES- (solids or liquids which damage living tissue,good or equipment that comes in contact with it)

CLASS 9- MISCELLANEOUS DANGEROUS GOODS- (potentially dangerous items with properties that are relatively minor)

9 Class Symbols of Dangerous Substances

BULK HANDLING

Vessels and pipes which contain hazardous substances must be labelled to identify the risks as well as the colour coding system described in the Australian Standard AS 1345.

MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEETS (MSDS)

MSDS are documents prepared by the manufacturer of the product used in the workplace regarding material safety information.

These sheets tell you:

• Manufactures or suppliers details
• Identification of product
• Use of  product
• Physical description and product properties
• Ingredients of the product
• Health effects or product hazard
• Precautions to be taken during use of the product
• Safe handling and storage information for the product
• And other information (contact person details for more information)