A dangerous goods quick reference guide regarding miscellaneous dangerous substances and articles, outlining do’s and don’ts on handling those Class 9 cargoes.
Class 9 is a catch-all category for dangerous goods that do not fit into other classes but still pose significant risks, including environmental hazards, marine pollutants, or substances requiring elevated temperature transport. Some may act as catalysts or accelerants for fire or explosion, requiring additional risk management.
Examples:
- Internal combustion engines
- Self-inflating life rafts
- Vehicles
- Asbestos
- Elevated temperature substances (e.g., Bitumen)
- Polymeric beads
- PCBs
- Lithium batteries
Dos and Don’ts
Packing
Do…
- Selecting appropriate packaging is important because of the wide range of substances and articles covered under Class 9
- Use only approved packaging or containers for Class 9 cargoes
Don’t…
- Use damaged packaging or containers
Storing
Do…
- Store in a well-ventilated and, where required, temperature-controlled storage facility
- Store with labels forward, heavy cargoes at bottom and correct orientation (arrows up)
- Inspect cargoes regularly to ensure condition remains stable and safe
- Alert the dangerous goods competent person immediately if any problems
- Ensure all employees are trained in emergency response procedures
Don’t…
- Store any Class 9 cargoes that could be a catalyst or accelerant of fire or explosion near to stairways, emergency exits or sources of ignition, such as electrical equipment or water
- Store near to sources of heat, such as a radiator
- Store old or uncollected cargoes, which can become more unstable over time
Transporting
Do…
- Ensure all relevant transport risk assessments are up to date
- Ensure all staff involved in transport have the relevant dangerous goods awareness training
- Contact the DG competent person if you have any questions or queries about transport
- Pack cargoes securely to avoid movement during transportation
- Familiarise yourself with and adhere to the relevant chapters of the CTU Code
Don’t…
- Allow any sources of ignition, such as electrical equipment, near any Class 9 cargoes that could be a catalyst or accelerant of fire or explosion
REMEMBER
Always:
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions
- Remove lithium batteries that show any signs of blistering or bulging, or are hot when not in use, to a quarantine area for further checks
- Communicate clearly with those up and down the supply chain
- Maintain a documented emergency response plan that is regularly tested and, ideally, developed in collaboration with the cargo manufacturer
Never:
- Expose Class 9 cargo to extreme temperatures
- Throw, drop, roll, slide or drag Class 9 cargoes at any point in the supply chain
- Ignore abandoned cargo – it must be safely removed and disposed of