A dangerous goods quick reference guide regarding corrosive substances, outlining do’s and don’ts on handling those Class 8 cargoes.
Class 8 dangerous goods include corrosive substances that chemically damage living tissue and metals. They can react violently, produce heat and gases when mixed with other substances or exposed to temperature deviations. Risks include property damage, cargo damage, injury, environmental harm, insurance invalidation, and potential criminal prosecution.
Examples:
Acids: Sulfuric acid, Hydrochloric acid, Oleum (fuming sulfuric acid), Nitric acid, Hydrofluoric acid.
Alkalis/Bases: Caustic potash (Potassium hydroxide), Caustic soda (Sodium hydroxide), Ammonia anhydrous, some drain cleaners, some bleaches.
Classification is influenced by chemistry (organic/inorganic) and state (liquid/solid).
Dos and Don’ts
Packing
Do…
- Recognise that the choice of packaging is important because different corrosives react with different materials
- Use only approved packaging or containers for Class 8 cargoes
- Ensure spill management equipment is close by during packing
Don’t…
- Use damaged packaging or containers
- Refill containers without cleaning in line with industry standards
- Overfill containers
Storing
Do…
- Store in well-ventilated and, where required, temperature-controlled storage facilities
- Store close to ground to minimise effects of leaks or spills
- Store with labels forward, heavy cargoes at bottom and correct orientation (arrows up)
- Inspect cargoes regularly to ensure condition remains stable and safe
- Ensure all employees are trained in emergency response procedures
- Alert the dangerous goods competent person immediately if any problems, such as a suspected leak
Don’t…
- Store near to stairways and emergency exits
- Store near to sources of heat, such as a radiator
- Store near to sources of ignition, such as electrical equipment
- Move cargoes unnecessarily in the storage facility
- Store near other cargoes that may react with it
- 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 transport
- Familiarise yourself with and adhere to the relevant chapters of the CTU Code
Don’t…
- Assume segregation requirements for all transport modes are the same
REMEMBER
Always:
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions
- Communicate clearly with the entire supply chain
- Maintain a documented emergency response plan that is regularly tested and, ideally, developed in collaboration with the cargo manufacturer
Never:
- Expose Class 8 cargoes to temperature and deviations, particularly if air freight
- Expose Class 8 cargoes to moisture and water
- Throw, drop, roll, slide or drag Class 8 cargoes at any point in the supply chain
- Ignore abandoned cargo – it must be safely removed and disposed of