Dangerous goods and hazardous materials are very commonly used in almost every industry. While both the terms are often interchangeably used, as a business owner, it is very important to know that they are not the same. Right from their definition, classification, classes, to their regulation, everything is significantly different. No matter if you are into dangerous good packaging, maintain a warehouse with such materials, involved in shipping, or are responsible for crating such products, it is very important to understand the differences between the two. It is only by understanding the differences that you can take adequate measures to offer better safety to your employees and keep up with the regulations. 5 of the most essential differences between DGs and hazmat are as follows- 1. Classification of the two The classification of dangerous goods is done on the basis of their immediate chemical or physical effects, like corrosion, explosion, fire, poisoning, or affects to the people or the environment. Hazardous materials, on the other hand, are classified only by the health effects which can be long-term or immediate. 2. Definition of dangerous goods and hazardous materials Goods or substances that pose a risk to safety, health, environment or property are known as dangerous goods. These goods can cause serious injury, death, or severely damage the property or environment. Hazardous materials are defined as substances that pose serious risk mostly to the human health, safety, and property. Exposure to these substances could result in irritation, poisoning, cancer, congenital disabilities, chemical burns, etc. 3. Legislation in the US The dangerous goods and hazardous materials are covered under a different law in the US. Both the legislation focus on how the risks associated with DGs and hazmat can be controlled. However, many of the hazardous materials also meet the definition of dangerous goods. In such cases, one needs to comply with both the legislation and their regulations. Organizations like IATA, FMCSA, OSHA, DOT and even the UN has regulations for using such goods and materials. 4. Common examples of DGs and hazmat Dangerous products are classified into nine different classes. They include flammable solids, flammable liquids, explosive gases, oxidising agents, toxic substances, corrosive substances, radioactive materials, organic peroxides and miscellaneous dangerous goods and articles. Hazardous materials are generally corrosives, irritants, or toxins. Some general examples include pesticides, acids, heavy metals, and asbestos. 5. Material safety data sheet Even the MSDS of DGs and hazmat are different. As a manufacturer or supplier of hazardous materials or dangerous goods, it is a legal obligation to provide the required MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) to the client/customer if requested. The MSDS offers more information than the standard product label. If you are involved in dangerous goods or hazardous goods packaging, manufacturing, or transportation, the detailed safety instructions on the MSDS can be beneficial. Businesses that struggle to understand the difference between DGs and hazmat, their legislation, safe storage, and transportation methods can consider hiring dangerous goods consultants. The consultants offer a host of services to not only help you keep up with all the legal obligations but also provide enhanced safety to the employees. When it comes to the transport of hazardous substances, the terms “dangerous goods” and “hazardous substance” are not infrequently used synonymously by mistake. In fact, these terms derive from different definitions, so they must be strictly separated. We have briefly summarized here which further subdivisions there are and where the legal differences lie for dangerous goods and hazardous substances. What is a hazardous substance?When the term hazardous substance is used, it refers to mixtures, substances and products that have hazardous properties and can have a negative impact on people or the environment. These include acute chronic damage as well as flammable, explosive or environmentally hazardous representatives. In addition, there are substances to which a limit value can be assigned as well as mixtures and articles that meet the criteria of Regulation (EC) No. 1272/2008 (CLP). In addition, those whose production generates hazardous and explosive substances. TheHazardous Substances Ordinance (GefStoffV) provides the basis for the substance definition. It also specifies that substances are considered hazardous if they can be absorbed into the body by inhalation, orally, dermally or subcutaneously. This plays a crucial role in hazardous materials management in particular. Due to this rather broad definition, there are a number of substances, mixtures and articles that are to be classified as hazardous substances. These occur not only in industry and manufacturing, but also surround us regularly in everyday life. Examples of such substances include the following:
What is a dangerous good?This contrasts with dangerous goods, which in turn are defined differently. Thus, dangerous goods include substances and objects that pose a threat to public safety, order, and the life and health of humans and animals – in connection with a transport or carriage of these substances. The basis for this definition is the Dangerous Goods Transport Act (§ 2 GGBefG). The difference between dangerous goods and hazardous substances is therefore that dangerous goods are in a transport and special protective measures are necessary. For this purpose, these goods are divided into dangerous goods classes and marked with warning signs, GHS symbols and UN numbers. The reason behind this is quite simple: Should an accident or damage occur on the road, this is the only way to take the right measures immediately. Definition of dangerous goods according to the Transport of Dangerous Goods ActThe GGBefG stipulates in § 2 establishes the following wording as a precise definition of dangerous goods: “Dangerous goods within the meaning of this Act are substances and objects which, due to their nature, properties or condition, may pose a risk to public safety or order, in particular to the general public, to important common property, to human life and health, and to animals and property, in connection with their transport”. However, transportdoes not only include the actual process of moving the goods, but also the taking over, delivery, temporary stays, packing, unpacking, manufacturing and importing of these substances. In addition, combined transport and a transshipment fall within this definition. This is specified in line 2 of § 2. Transport of dangerous goods according to ADR and RIDThe regulations for the transport of dangerous goods are correspondingly strict and are subject to several legal requirements at once. Particularly important are the provisions of the ADR(European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road), where, in addition to classification and labeling, documentation and construction and testing requirements during transport are regulated. Important markings are mainly these:
In addition, there is a labeling obligation according to RID (Reglement concernant le transport international ferroviaire de marchandises dangereuses) if the dangerous goods are transported on rails. The different classes of dangerous goodsAccording to ADR, dangerous goods are also divided into nine different dangerous goods classes. This classification also helps to determine the hazardous nature of the substances for transport so that correct action can be taken in the event of damage. Incidentally, there is no difference here between dangerous goods and hazardous substances, since both must be classified in such a class. Dangerous goods class 1The first class of dangerous goods includes explosive substances that can explode rapidly by sparking or fire and/or are considered to be mass explosive. In addition, there are substances with the risk of forming splinters and explosive fragments or detonating due to a change in air pressure. 6 subclasses are differentiated. Fireworks, for example, can be cited as well-known examples. Dangerous goods class 2Dangerous goods class 2 includes gases and gaseous substances that may be considered spontaneously flammable and partially toxic. If high pressure occurs, severe hazards sometimes result. A capital letter is also used as an identifier. Examples of representatives of dangerous goods class 2 are propane gas, hydrogen or hairspray. Dangerous goods class 3Dangerous goods class 3 substances are highly flammable and liquid. As a definition, the liquid state occurs at 20°C and 1.013 bar. In addition to the classification in this class, there are other classification codes that show additional properties. Dangerous goods class 3 substances include, for example, alcohol, gasoline and some liquefied metals. Dangerous goods class 4Dangerous goods class 4 includes solid substances and objects that have self-igniting properties and can become a hazard if they come into contact with air or water. A distinction is made between subclasses 4.1 (flammable solids, self-reactive and desensitized explosives), 4.2 (spontaneously combustible substances) and 4.3 (substances which, in contact with water, emit flammable gases). Examples include sulfur, zinc dust and coal. Dangerous goods class 5Dangerous goods class 5 includes flammable substances that do not necessarily have to be flammable themselves. However, they have the potential to set other materials on fire during transport. Here, too, there are subclasses: Division 5.1 includes flammable substances, while Division 5.2 is reserved for organic peroxides. Typical examples are oxygen, hydrogen peroxide and dibenzoyl peroxide. Dangerous goods class 6In the dangerous goods class 6 it becomes toxic– all substances that can harm the human organism after an entry fall into this category. In addition to pathogens, pesticides are also found in this group. Dangerous goods class 6 is divided into subgroup 6.1 (toxic substances) and subgroup 6.2 (infectious substances). These include hospital waste and arsenic. Dangerous goods class 7Dangerous goods class 7 is reserved for radioactive materials. They emit radioactive radiation, so they can cause serious damage to health. Three categories are distinguished (I-WHITE, II-YELLOW and III-YELLOW), which must be made visible during transport. Examples of representatives of dangerous goods class 7 are uranium, plutonium and various medical instruments such as X-ray equipment or nuclear medical imaging equipment for scintigraphy. Dangerous goods class 8Hazardous goods class 8contains corrosive substances. These have a harmful effect on both people and objects. In most cases, the damage is irreversible. In addition, there are also substances that can form a corrosive vapor or mist. These include, for example, sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid and caustic soda. Dangerous goods class 9The last of the bunch is dangerous goods class 9. All hazardous substances and articles that do not fall into any of the other categories are grouped here. Thus, chemical and toxicological hazards as well as physical hazards are represented. Common examples include airbags, asbestos and dry ice. Is a hazardous substance also dangerous goods?In principle, it can be said that there is a lot of overlap in the case of hazardous substances and dangerous goods. However, they are not exactly the same – external circumstances contribute to the fact that affiliation can change. For example, hazardous materials law only applies on the company’s own premises, while dangerous goods law applies to incoming and outgoing goods. Consequently, a hazardous substance is only a dangerous good if it is in transport or otherwise carried. On the other hand, a hazardous material is always a hazardous substance – just outside the company’s own premises. Legal information on the difference between dangerous goods and hazardous substancesThe fact that “hazardous material” and “dangerous goods” do not always describe the same substance is also evident from a legal point of view. Thus, there are different regulations that apply to hazardous materials law and dangerous goods law. These look like the following: Hazardous Substances LawThe law on hazardous substances covers both thehandling and storage of substances on the company’s own premises. In addition to appropriate employee protection and environmental protection, this also includes water pollution control. Thus, hazardous substances law is also considered occupational health and safety law, which is why it is administered by the Federal Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs (BMAS). Dangerous Goods Law & CLP RegulationHazardous goods law, on the other hand, regulates all legal requirements and obligations in the transport and carriage of corresponding hazardous goods. Therefore, it is a traffic law that falls under the jurisdiction of the Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure (BMVI). The CLP Regulation, which specifies not only the correct classification and labeling, but also the packaging, is decisive. Crucial difference: dangerous goods and hazardous substancesAlthough every hazardous material is a hazardous substance, not every hazardous substance is considered a hazardous material – the difference is made by whether the substance is in transit or not. On this basis, not only different labels apply, but also different legal requirements. This is one of the reasons why it is essential to know the difference between hazardous goods and hazardous substances! FAQ |