HOW TO SEGREGATE INCOMPATIBLE CLASSES OF
DANGEROUS GOODS
CONTENTS
PART 1
Mixed Storage of Dangerous Goods
PART 2
The 9 Classes of Dangerous Goods
PART 3
The Dangerous Goods Segregation Chart
PART 4
How to read the Dangerous Goods Segregation Chart
PART 5
Best Practices for Safe and Effective Storage of Mixed
Classes of Dangerous Goods
PART 6
Conclusion and Additional Resources
PART 1
Mixed Storage of
Dangerous Goods
Dangerous goods are substances or articles that
Some groups of chemicals can be safely stored
pose a risk to people, property and the environ-
together without producing violent reactions and
ment. Each dangerous substance has its own
others can’t. This conclusion now raises an import-
unique physical and chemical properties. When
ant question:
two or more different chemicals are stored
together in a common store, there’s a possibility
“How do I determine which dangerous
that they will mix. If the chemicals that mix are
substances I can store together and which
incompatible, the result will be a violent reaction.
ones I can’t?”
These dangerous reactions can;
To allow the public to safely store and manage
dangerous goods, national and international
• Emit severe heat
dangerous goods authorities have developed
• Cause fires
regulations and codes of practice for the storage
• Produce pungent toxic gases that induce
and handling of dangerous goods. These regula-
suffocation
• Cause explosions
tions and codes of practice outline an easy and
systematic method for segregating incompatible
classes of dangerous goods. These authorities
With every reaction, foreign by-products are
identified all the substances that pose a risk to
produced. These by-products can harm people,
people, property and the environment and classi-
destroy property and pollute the environment.
fied them into 9 distinct classes. This classification
is based on the chemical and physical properties
There are some chemicals and substances that
of the substances and the risks they present. The
have similar chemical and physical properties.
authorities also went one step further and classi-
These chemicals are compatible and they can be
fied each class into subdivisions based on distinct
stored together.There is no risk of violent reac-
properties of the substances within each class. The
tions when compatible chemicals mix.
9 classes of dangerous goods are defined in greater detail in the next pages.
PAGE 1
PART 2
The 9 Classes of
Dangerous Goods
Class 1 – Explosive Substances
Division 1.4 – Substances and articles that present
no signification hazard; only a small hazard in the
Explosive Substances are defined by the Austra-
event of ignition or initiation during transport with
lian Dangerous Goods Code (ADG Code) as;
any affects largely confined to the package.
Division 1.5 – Very intensive substances which
A solid or a liquid substance (or a mixture of
have a mass explosion hazard.
substances) which is in itself capable by chemical
Division 1.6 – Extremely insensitive articles which
reaction of producing gas at such a temperature
do not have a mass explosion hazard.
and pressure and at such a speed as to cause
damage
to
the
surroundings.
Pyrotechnic
Class 2 – Gasses
substances are included even when they do not
evolve gases.
Gases are defined by the ADG Code as:
• A substance which at 50 0C has a vapour pressure greater than 300 kPa; or
standard pressure of 101.3 kPa.
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Division 1.2 – Substances and articles which have
a projectile hazard, but not a mass explosion
hazard.
tion for each division. The definitions are;
Sub-Divisions
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a mass explosion hazard.
and the ADG code provides an extended defini-
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Division 1.1 – Substances and articles which have
Dangerous gases are divided into three divisions
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Sub-divisions
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• Is a substance completely gaseous at 20 0C at a
Division 1.3 – Substances and articles which have
a fire hazard and a minor blast hazard or a minor
Division 2.1: Flammable Gas - gases which at 20
projectile hazard or both.
degrees C and a standard pressure of 101.3 kPa
PAGE 2
PART 2
The 9 Classes of
Dangerous Goods
are ignitable when in a mixture of 13 per cent or
Liquids, or mixtures of liquids, or liquids containing
less by volume with air; or have a flammable range
solids in solution or suspension (for example,
with air of at least 12 percentage points regardless
paints, varnishes, lacquers, etc., but not including
of the lower flammable limit. Flammability should
substances otherwise classified on account of their
be determined by tests or by calculation in accor-
dangerous characteristics) which give off a flam-
dance with methods adopted by ISO (see ISO
mable vapour at temperatures of not more than 60
10156: 1996). Where insufficient data are available
°C, closed-cup test, or not more than 65.6 °C,
to use these methods, tests by a comparable
open-cup test, normally referred to as the flash
method recognized by the competent authority
point. This class also includes:
may be used.
(a) liquids offered for transport at temperatures at
Division 2.2: Non-flammable, Non-toxic gas -
or above their flash point; and
Gases which:
(b) substances that are transported or offered for
• Are asphyxiant – gases which dilute or replace
transport at elevated temperatures in a liquid state
the oxygen normally in the atmosphere
and which give off a flammable vapour at a
• Are oxidizing – gases which may, generally by
temperature at or below the maximum transpor t
providing oxygen, cause or contribute to the com-
temperature.
bustion of other material more than air does
• Do not come under the other divisions
Sub-Divisions
Division 2.3: Toxic Gases
There are no sub divisions within class 3 flammable
• Are known to be so toxic or corrosive to humans
liquids.
as to pose a hazard to health
• Are presumed to be toxic or corrosive to humans
because they have an LC50 value (as defined in
Class 4 – Flammable solids; substances liable to
2.6.2.1) equal to or less than 5,000 ml/m3 (ppm).
spontaneous combustion; substances that, in
contact with water, emit flammable gases.
Class 3 – Flammable Liquids
Class 4 Flammable solids are divided into three
divisions and the ADG code gives a different
Flammable liquids are defined by the ADG Code
definition for each division. The definitions are:
as:
PAGE 3
PART 2
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definitions for each division. The definitions are:
Division 5.1: Oxidizing substances – substances
which, while in themselves not necessarily combus-
Division 4.1: Flammable solids – solids which,
tible, may, generally by yielding oxygen, cause, or
under conditions encountered in transport, are
contribute to, the combustion of other material.
readily combustible or may cause or contribute to
Such substances may be contained in an article.
fire through friction; self-reactive substances
which are liable to undergo a strongly exothermic
Division
reaction; solid desensitized explosives which may
substances which contain the bivalent -0-0- struc-
explode if not diluted sufficiently;
ture and may be considered derivatives of hydro-
Division 4.2: Substances liable to spontaneous
gen peroxide, where one or both of the hydrogen
combustion – substances which are liable to spon-
atoms have been replaced by organic radicals.
taneous heating under normal conditions encoun-
Organic
tered in transport, or to heating up in contact with
substances which may undergo exothermic self-ac-
air, and being then liable to catch fire.
celerating decomposition. In addition, they may
Division 4.3: Substances which in contact with
have one or more of the following properties:
water emit flammable gases – Substances which,
(i) be liable to explosive decomposition;
by interaction with water, are liable to become
(ii) burn rapidly;
spontaneously flammable or to give off flammable
(iii) be sensitive to impact or friction;
gases in dangerous quantities.
(iv) react dangerously with other substances;
5.2:
Organic
peroxides
are
peroxides
–
thermally
organic
unstable
(v) cause damage to the eyes.
Class 5 – Oxidising Substances; Organic
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Class 6 - Toxic Substances; Infection substances
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Peroxides
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The 9 Classes of
Dangerous Goods
Class 5 dangerous goods are divided into two
Class 6 dangerous goods are divided into two
divisions and the ADG code provides different
divisions and the ADG code provides different
PAGE 4
PART 2
The 9 Classes of
Dangerous Goods
definitions for each divisions. The definitions are:
A radio nucleotide is an atom with an unstable
nucleus which emits excess energy as gamma rays
Division 6.1: Toxic substances – these are
or as alpha or beta particles. Unstable nucleus
substances liable either to cause death or serious
undergo radioactive decay to achieve a more
injury or to harm human health if swallowed or
stable state.
inhaled or by skin contact.
Sub-Divisions
Division 6.2: - Infectious substances - these are
substances known or reasonably expected to
There are no subdivisions for Class 7 - Radioactive
contain pathogens. Pathogens are
material.
micro-organisms
(including
defined
bacteria,
as
viruses,
rickettsiae, parasites, fungi) and other agents such
as prions, which can cause disease in humans or
Class 8 – Corrosives
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Class 7 - Radioactive Material
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animals.
The ADG code defines Class 8 Corrosive substances as:
Class 8 substances (corrosive substances) are
The ADG code defines Class 7 Radioactive
substances which, by chemical action, will cause
material as:
severe damage when in contact with living tissue,
or, in the case of leakage, will materially damage,
Radioactive material means any material contain-
or even destroy, other goods or the means of
ing radionuclides where both the activity concen-
transport.
tration and the total activity in the consignment
exceed the values specified in 2.7.2.2.1 to
Sub-Divisions
2.7.2.2.6.
There are no sub-divisions for class 8 corrosives.
PAGE 5
PART 2
The 9 Classes of
Dangerous Goods
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Class 9 – Miscellaneous Dangerous Goods
The ADG code provides us with 2 definitions of
Class 9 - Miscellaneous Dangerous Goods however there are no sub-divisions:
Class 9 substances and articles (miscellaneous
dangerous substances and articles) are substances and articles which, during transport present a
danger not covered by other Classes.
Genetically modified micro-organisms (GMMOs)
and genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are
micro-organisms and organisms in which genetic
material has been purposely altered through
genetic engineering in a way that does not occur
naturally.
PAGE 6
PART 3
The Dangerous Goods
Segregation Chart
The dangerous goods segregation chart
Classifying dangerous substances into 9
Segregation Chart. The next page has a copy of
distinct classes based on their specific risks, makes
the Dangerous Goods Segregation Chart for you
it easier to identify which classes of dangerous
to use in your workplace. The following page also
goods must be segregated to avoid violent reac-
provides practical instructions on how to use the
tions. This is done by using the Dangerous Goods
chart.
CLASS
2
COMPRESSED GASES
2.1 Flammable
3
4
5
6
8
COMPATIBLE
KEEP
APART
SEGREGATE
FROM
SEGREGATE
FROM
SEGREGATE
FROM
SEGREGATE
FROM
SEGREGATE
FROM
ISOLATE
KEEP
APART
KEEP
APART
KEEP
APART
COMPATIBLE
KEEP
APART
SEGREGATION
MAY BE
NECESSARY
SEGREGATE
FROM
SEGREGATION
MAY BE
NECESSARY
SEGREGATION
MAY BE
NECESSARY
SEGREGATE
FROM
SEGREGATION
MAY BE
NECESSARY
KEEP
APART
SEGREGATE
FROM
KEEP
APART
COMPATIBLE
KEEP
APART
SEGREGATE
FROM
SEGREGATE
FROM
SEGREGATE
FROM
ISOLATE
KEEP
APART
KEEP
APART
SEGREGATE
FROM
SEGREGATION
MAY BE
NECESSARY
KEEP
APART
COMPATIBLE
KEEP
APART
SEGREGATE
FROM
SEGREGATE
FROM
SEGREGATE
FROM
KEEP
APART
SEGREGATION
MAY BE
NECESSARY
SEGREGATE
FROM
SEGREGATE
FROM
SEGREGATE
FROM
KEEP
APART
COMPATIBLE
KEEP
APART
SEGREGATE
FROM
ISOLATE
KEEP
APART
KEEP
APART
SEGREGATE
FROM
SEGREGATION
MAY BE
NECESSARY
SEGREGATE
FROM
SEGREGATE
FROM
KEEP
APART
COMPATIBLE
KEEP
APART
SEGREGATE
FROM
SEGREGATION
MAY BE
NECESSARY
SEGREGATION
MAY BE
NECESSARY
SEGREGATE
FROM
SEGREGATION
MAY BE
NECESSARY
SEGREGATE
FROM
SEGREGATE
FROM
SEGREGATE
FROM
KEEP
APART
*
SEGREGATE
FROM
KEEP
APART
KEEP
APART
ISOLATE
SEGREGATE
FROM
ISOLATE
SEGREGATE
FROM
ISOLATE
SEGREGATE
FROM
SEGREGATE
FROM
COMPATIBLE
KEEP
APART
KEEP
APART
SEGREGATION
MAY BE
NECESSARY
2
2.2 Non-Flammable /
Non-Toxic
FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS
(and Combustible liquids)
3
FLAMMABLE SOLIDS
4.1 Flammable Solids
4.2 Spontaneously
Combustible
4
4.3 Dangerous When Wet
OXIDIZING SUBSTANCES
5.1 Oxidizing Agents
5
5.2 Organic Peroxides
TOXIC SUBSTANCES
6
KEEP
APART
SEGREGATION
MAY BE
NECESSARY
KEEP
APART
KEEP
APART
KEEP
APART
SEGREGATION
MAY BE
NECESSARY
KEEP
APART
KEEP
APART
COMPATIBLE
CORROSIVE SUBSTANCES
8
KEEP
APART
KEEP
APART
KEEP
APART
SEGREGATION
MAY BE
NECESSARY
KEEP
APART
SEGREGATION
MAY BE
NECESSARY
KEEP
APART
KEEP
APART
SEGREGATION
MAY BE
NECESSARY
PAGE 7
*
PART 3
The Dangerous Goods
Segregation Chart
LEGEND:
NOTES:
Dangerous goods of the same Class should
COMPATIBLE
be compatible; consult MSDS or suppliers
about requirements for individual substances.
Dangerous goods of the same Class could be
*
1.
In all cases, the MSDS or supplier of the goods should be consulted.
2.
The segregation of dangerous goods of Division 1.4S may be necessary.
Consult the MSDS of the supplier of the goods.
3.
flammable liquids of Class 3.
incompatible or react dangerously; Consult MSDS
or suppliers about requirements for individual
4.
Dangerous goods of Class 9 should be segregated in accordance
with MSDS.
substances.
5.
SEGREGATION
MAY BE
NECESSARY
Combustile liquids shall be segregated in the same manner as
If the dangerous goods have a Subrisk of another class, then the
segregation requirements for the Subrisk need to be determined and
Segregation of these Classes may be necessary.
the more stringent segregation requirements applied.
Consult the MSDSor supplier.
6.
Where smoke detectors are to be stored, their supplier should be
consulted and any specific storage and handling
KEEP
APART
Dangerous goods of these Classes should be kept
apart by at least 3m. Consult the MSDS or supplier.
recommendations followed.
FIGURE 6./ (in part) SEGREGATION GUIDE 6.3.5
Storage of non-dangerous goods in segregation spaces Non-dangerous
SEGREGATE
FROM
These combinations of dangerous goods should
goods may be kept in segregation spaces, provided that they will not react
segregate by at least 5 m and kept in separate
dangerously with any of the dangerous goods being kept. Non-dangerous
compounds or building compartments.
goods that are combustible (excluding combustible liquids) may be kept in
such spaces, provided that—(a) a hazard assessment, including an assessment
of the additional fire load, has been carried out; and (b) any necessary
ISOLATE
This requirement applies to organic peroxides, for
additional fire protection is provided. NOTE: The volume of any
which dedicated stores or storage cabinets are
non-dangerous goods kept in the segregation spaces needs to be considered
recommended. Adequate separation from other
when calculating the volume of the spillage containment for the store.
buildings and boundaries is required.
PAGE 8
PART 4
How to read the Dangerous
Goods Segregation Chart
How to read the Dangerous Goods
Segregation Chart
The dangerous goods segregation chart lists the
6. Find where the column and the row bisect and
nine different classes/subdivisions of Dangerous
identify the symbol on the bisecting square.
Goods along the top and down the side of the
chart to form a matrix. To use the chart to segre-
7. Go to the legend that is below the chart to iden-
gate dangerous goods, follow the 9 step process
tify the specification for that symbol.
below:
8. The symbol will specify how those two classes of
1. Identify the dangerous goods classification for
dangerous goods must be segregated to minimise
the 2 substances you are seeking to store. (this can
the risk of violent reactions.
be done by consulting the SDS sheet or by identifying the dangerous goods signage on the pack-
9. If you have more than 2 types of dangerous
aging of the substance)
goods in your dangerous goods store, ensure that
you check the compatibility of each type of
2. Identify the column (at the top of the chart) that
dangerous good against the other to ensure that
represents the class of the first substances that
you achieve the correct segregation for all of the
you are seeking to store.
dangerous goods.
3. Locate the row (on the left side of the table) that
This method of segregating incompatible classes
represents the class of the second substance that
of dangerous goods is compliant with the Austra-
you are seeking to store.
lian Dangerous Goods Standards. Complying to
the
Australian
Dangerous
Goods
Standards
4. Put one finger at the start of the column that
removes your financial liability due to non-compli-
represents the class of first substance you are
ance.
seeking to store.
5. Put another finger at the start of the row that
represents the class of the second substance you
are seeking to store.
PAGE 9
PART 5
Best Practices for Safe and
Effective Storage of Mixed
Classes of Dangerous Goods
Best practices for safe and efficient storage of
Mixed Classes of Dangerous Goods
To achieve the greatest level of efficiency and the
• Where practical, dangerous substances should
lowest level of risk when storing different classes
be kept in their original packaging. The original
of dangerous goods in the same store, there’s a
packaging is always compatible with the substance
number of factors that you must adhere to.
within.
• The SDS file must be updated when new chemi-
These critical factors include:
cals are brought into the store.
• Ensure that you identify the dangerous goods
• If the packaging of a dangerous substance
classification for each substance you are seeking
becomes damaged, it must be repackaged imme-
to store.
diately.
• Identify the correct segregation for each class of
• Old or leftover chemicals that no longer have
dangerous goods by using the segregation chart.
any use must be disposed of in a safe and compli-
• Ensure that each class of dangerous goods being
ant manner.
stored is segregated according to the dangerous
goods segregation chart.
Practicing these disciplines on a daily basis
• Ensure that the SDS (Safety Data Sheets) for all
will keep your dangerous goods store in a safe and
substances and chemicals being stored are filed in
efficient state. A safe store will minimise the risk
a water tight wall mounted document storage box.
that your dangerous goods have upon the people,
This box must be easily accessible at all times.
property and environment of your organisation.
• Ensure that all packages of the same substance is
kept in one section of the store.
PAGE 10
PART 6
Conclusion and
Additional Resources
Conclusion and additional resources
To ensure that your dangerous goods store poses
the least amount of risk to people, property and
the environment, it is very important that you;
• Become familiar with the hazardous properties
of each class of Dangerous Goods,
• Learn how to read and apply the Dangerous
Goods Segregation chart
• Adhere to the best practices for storing mixed
classes of dangerous chemicals.
If you found this information helpful and you would
like further resources, go right ahead and
subscribe to the STOREMASTA Dangerous Goods
Storage Blog - blog.storemasta.com.au
Walter Ingles
Dangerous Goods Adviser
PAGE 11