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UN HAZARD CLASS FOR SAFE TANSPORTATION
OF HAZARDOUS CHEMICALS
1.0
Introduction
The rapid increase in the transportation of hazardous chemicals has enhanced the
accident potential during transit. In transit, the goods would be subjected to
impact, vibration, compression and other adverse effects and exposure to
harmful environment. These and other factors such as improper packing of the
contents, poor storage may also lead to release of chemicals to the environment
resulting in emergencies like fire, explosion, toxic release, etc. Apart from
pollution of land, water and air, such emergencies have potential to cause
injuries and death, property damage and environmental degradation. Availability
of information on the hazards and control measures at the time of emergency is
vital for minimizing the effect of such accidents.
This article is intended to provide the first hand knowledge about the hazard
information system as implemented in India and its status of implementation.
2.0
Hazard Information Systems
The movement of hazardous substances by any mode of transport presents in
general, a greater risk of accidental release than in a static installation. It is also
probable that appropriate information will not be readily available in a transport
accident. The need for essential information to be clearly displayed in a transport
emergency has always been accepted by both industry and the emergency
services. The basis of many emergency information systems adopted in various
parts of the world has been a combination of hazard classification and United
Nations substance identification.
2.1
U.N. Classification for Hazard and Substance Identification
The classification of chemical hazards as recommended by the UN Committee
of Experts on the Transport of Dangerous Goods has been widely adopted for
conveyance of hazardous chemicals for all modes of transport. Hazard types are
segregated into nine basic classes represented numerically from 1 to 9. Many of
these classes are further separated into divisions and subdivisions according to
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appropriate criteria. The criteria adopted for the classification of hazards into
divisions may vary from United Nations recommendations according to the
mode of transport and the regulatory body concerned.
Each United Nations hazard class (with the exception of Class 9) has a distinct
diamond – shaped label bearing a pictogram for quick hazard recognition. Each
label also has a characteristic background colour (Colour Scheme as per UN
classification of Dangerous Goods).
Each United Nations hazard class (with the exception of Class 9) has a distinct
diamond – shaped label bearing a pictogram for quick hazard recognition.
Each label also has a characteristic background colour (Colour Scheme as per
UN classification of Dangerous Goods).
Hazard Class
Hazard Type
Background Colour
Pictogram
Example
1
Explosives
Orange
Exploding Bomb
Tri-nitro-toluene
Hazard Class
Hazard Type
Background Colour
Pictogram
Example
2.1
Flammable Gas
Red
Flame in white
Liquefied Petroleum Gas
Hazard Class
Hazard Type
Background Colour
Pictogram
Example
2.2
Non-flammable, non-toxic gases
Green
Gas cylinder in white or black
Nitrogen kept under pressure
Hazard Class
Hazard Type
Background Colour
2.3
Toxic gases
White
Class-2
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Pictogram
Example
Skull on cross bone
Carbon-monoxide
Hazard Class
Hazard Type
Background Colour
Pictogram
Example
3
Flammable Liquids
Red
Flame in white
Petrol
Hazard Class
Hazard Type
Background Colour
Pictogram
Example
4.1
Flammable Solids
White with vertical red strips
Flame on circle in black
Sulphur
Hazard Class
Hazard Type
Background Colour
Pictogram
Example
4.2
Substances liable to spontaneous combustion
Half white and half red
Flame in black
White Phosphorous
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Hazard Class
Hazard Type
Background Colour
Pictogram
Example
4.3
Substances which in contact with
gases
Blue
Flame in white
Calcium-carbide
Hazard Class
Hazard Type
Background Colour
Pictogram
Example
5.1
Oxidising Substances
Yellow
Flame on circle in black
Magnesium di oxide
Hazard Class
Hazard Type
Background Colour
Pictogram
Example
5.2
Organic Peroxides
Yellow
Flame on circle in black
Benzoyl peroxide
Hazard Class
Hazard Type
Background Colour
Pictogram
Example
6.1
Poisonous Substances
White
water emit flammable
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Hazard Class
Class-6.1
Hazard Type
Background Colour
Pictogram
Example
6.2
Poisonous Substances to be kept away from the eatables
White
St. Andrew's cross posed on wheat ear
Methylparathion
Hazard Class
Hazard Type
Class-7
Background
Colour
Pictogram
Example
6
Infectious Substances
White
Three crescent signs superimposed on a circles
Anthrex spores, the chemicals used in biological weapons
Hazard Class
Hazard Type
Background Colour
Pictogram
Example
7
Radioactive Substances
Upper Yellow Lower White
Trifoil in black
Uranium
Hazard Class
Hazard Type
Background Colour
Pictogram
Example
8
Corrosive Substances
Upper White lower Black
Human hand away from chemicals
Chlorine, Ammonia
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In addition to the pictogram, hazard-warning diamonds may also bear an
approved inscription quoting the hazard and /or the United Nations hazard
class number. The basic principle however, is that the shape, colour and
pictogram convey a clear message of danger, thus overcoming language
difficulties. With international acceptance, the value of such labelling system
when displayed on vehicles and packages is clear because
1. It provides a warning to the general public to keep away.
2. In an accident situation the emergency services are provided with an
indication of the primary hazard likely to be encountered.
2.2
Substance Identification
The classification of hazardous chemical product is considered by the
group of reporters of the UN Committee of Experts on the basis of
information submitted in a prescribed form by manufactures. If such data
meets appropriate criteria, the product is assigned a four-digit
identification number and added to the United Nations list.
2.3
ADR/RID
The international movement of hazardous chemicals by road or rails
across most frontiers in Europe is controlled by the ADR or RID
regulations. These regulations require the display of hazard information
panels. The panels have an orange background and display two separate
numerical codes. The lower code is the United Nations number, which
identifies the substance. In the upper section a two or three digit hazard
identification number id displayed.
The first digit of this hazard identification number indicates the primary
hazard viz.
2. Gas
3. Flammable liquid
4. Flammable solid
5. Oxidizing substance or organic peroxide
6. Toxic substance
7. Corrosive
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Secondary hazards are indicated by the second and third digits. They are :
0. No meaning
1. Explosion
2. Possibility of gas being given off
3. Flammable risk
4. Oxidizing risk
5. Toxic risk
6. Corrosive risk
7. Risk of violent reaction from spontaneous decomposition of selfpolymerization.
An intensification of the primary hazard is indicated when the first and
second digits are the same. For example, 33 means a highly flammable
liquid (flash point < 21oC); 66, a very dangerous toxic substance; and 88,
a very dangerous corrosive substance. When the first two digits are 22, a
refrigerated gas is indicted. The combination 42 indicates a solid which
may give off a gas on contact with water. When the hazard identification
number is preceded by the letter X, the application of water to the product
is absolutely prohibited.
30 cm
X 423
2 257
40 cm
The above example provides the following information in numerical form :
1. The substance is potassium metal.
2. It is flammable solid which may given off a gas and possess a flammable
risk.
3. It must not be allowed to come into contact with water.
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3.0
HAZChem
Till sometime back firemen had no way of knowing what to except when using a
particular medium of extinguishment on unknown chemicals in a fire, spillage or
any emergency to which they were called. Incorrect actions resulted in disasters.
In one instance, water sprayed on calcium carbide stocks resulted in an
explosion. In another instance, water jet aimed at the point of leak from a
chlorine pipeline accentuated chlorine leak because of corrosive effects of
chlorine and water combination. Availability of information on the hazardous
nature of substance and required control measure helps the emergency
management personnel to take quick and correct decisions.
The HAZChem code (also called Emergency Action Code) gives vital
information to fire brigade and other emergency services on the action to be
taken to combat spillage, leakage or fire in an emergency involving a hazardous
substance. In UK, a joint committee on fire brigade operations listed about
39,000 chemicals with recommended action which fire fighters should tame in
controlling the emergency. The Chemical Information Retrieval and Updated
System (CIRUS) maintained by the London Fire Brigade monitors the
HAZChem code data and updates the code on a continuous basis.
The HAZChem code consists of a number from 1 to 4 and any one of the letters,
P, R, S,T, W, X, Y, Z followed at times by the letter E. The numbers signify the
extinguishing medium to be employed as given in table 1.
Table 1
1
2
3
4
JETS
FOG
FOAM
DRY AGENT
The letters signify 4 aspects viz.
i)
Method of controlling spillage
a) by diluting or
b) by containing
ii)
Personal protective equipment to be worn by fire fighters
iii) Reactive nature of Chemical, and
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iv)
Need for evacuation.
The fire services personnel should carry the HAZChem code, scale and
Notes for Guidance as given in Table –3.
For example for ethylene oxide with UN number 1040 containing not more than
0.2% nitrogen the HAZChem code is 2PE and would be decoded as:
2- Fog equipment is recommended (through extinguishing agents corresponding
to higher number may also be used). P- Can be violently (V) reactive .Full body
clothing with breathing apparatus is necessary. The substance may be diluted
and washed to drain.
E- Consider evacuation as first priority.
For motor spirit with UN number 1203, the HAZChem code is 3YE, and this
would mean
3- Use Foam only.
Y- Can be violently (V) reactive: Breathing apparatus plus protective gloves to
be used in case of fire. The personal protective equipment is not a requirement in
case of spillage. Any spillage of the substance should be contained.
E- Consider evacuation as a first priority.
It is important to not here that the objective of the HAZChem code is not to
identify the chemical carried in the vehicle. The purpose of HAZChem code is
only to provide guidance on the basic approach to dealing with an emergency.
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Table 2
HAZChem Code Scale for Fire / Spillage
P
R
S
S
T
T
W
X
Y
Y
Z
Z
V
V
V
V
E
FULL
BA
BA for FIRE ONLY
BA
BA for FIRE ONLY
FULL
BA
BA for FIRE ONLY
BA
BA for FIRE ONLY
DILUTE
CONTAIN
Notes for Guidance
FOG
In the absence of fog equipment a
fine spray may be used.
DRY AGENT
Water must not be allowed to come
into contact with the substance at risk.
V
Can be violently or even
explosively reactive.
FULL
Full protective clothing with BA.
DILUTE
May be washed to drain with
large quantities of water.
CONTAIN
Prevent, by any means available,
spillage from entering drains or
water course.
CONSIDER EVACUATION
In interpreting the HAZChem code, the following points mentioned in the
Manual of Firemen ship, Book 12, Part 2 will be useful:
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
If necessary, a fire fighting medium represented by a higher number than
that shown may be used, but not represented by a lower number.
Where the letter appears as orange on black, police and other non-fire
service personnel need to wear breathing apparatus only for a fire and not
for a spillage, but firemen are required to wear it in both cases.
Letter E indicates that the officer in charge should consider civil
evacuation of the area.
It does not make evacuation obligatory or inevitable. The Indian Chemical
Manufactures Association (ICMA), in their publication “Code for Safe
Transportation of Hazardous Substances by Road” recommends that at least the
area within a radius of 300m should be considered for evacuation wherever ‘E’
appears in HAZChem code.
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With reference to point (ii) above, it is to be mentioned that according to the
HAZChem coding allocated by the Joint Action Committee on Fire Brigade
Operations and confirmed by the Health & Safety Executive of United
Kingdom, which were published by the Chemical Industries Association, the
letters in the HAZChem code, that signify ‘BA for FIRE only’ should be in
ORANGE on BLACK. In the absence of specific reference to the color of this
letter in the Central Motor Vehicle Rules, 1989, letters in WHITE on BLACK
are commonly used in our country to signify ‘BA for FIRE only’.
4.0
HAZChem Code – Application in Our Country
In India, it is mandatory for the vehicles transporting hazardous chemicals to
display Emergency Information Panel (EIP) with details and at places as
specified under Rule – 134 of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989.
One practical problem encountered with the use of EIP is the selection of the
substance identification number and the HAZChem code to be incorporated in
the EIP when a tanker transports different chemicals in different compartments.
The solution in such case is to incorporate the word “Multi-load” in the sections
of EIP earmarked for “UN Number” and “HAZchem” and to label each
compartment separately with the UN number and HAZChem code
corresponding to the chemical in the compartment.
As to the level of compliance to this statutory requirement, it is quite
disheartening to note the lack of concern shown by both the consignors /
transporter as well as the various regulatory agencies involved. A study carried
out by Central Road Research Institute (CRRI) covering 200 hazardous
material carriers reaffirms the above view. According to the study, only 7% of
the carriers were displaying Emergency Information Panel in the prescribed
format with correct details. The maximum incorrectness was observed in the
marking of the HAZChem code followed by the U.N. number. Although the
sample taken for study seems too small to generalize the observations, the study
is still indicative of the nature of commissions or omissions made by the carriers
and chemical manufactures in complying with the statutory provision concerning
Emergency Information Panel.
After the investigation of a multiple road mishap involving a hazardous
substance carrier, a passenger bus and a tractor – trailer assembly that took place
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near Chennai a few years back. Chemical spill from the tanker resulted in a
devastating fire, which burnt down all three vehicles and also charred 55 persons
to death. Subsequent investigation revealed that the EIP contained details
pertaining to petrol while the actual product carried was benzene.
Following deficiencies in respect of the Emergency Information Panels on
hazardous goods carriers was further observed:
1. Display of EIP not in accordance with the provisions laid down in the Central
Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989 (CMVR). The EIP as per CMPR should be
displayed at three locations on a carrier viz; extreme back and both sides of
the vehicle with class label on front of the vehicle (refer Fig 1). However, in
utter disregard to the statutory provisions invariable EIP is displayed at the
centre (close to manhole) on sides of tankers which is prone to get spoiled
during loading and unloading operations.
2. The information given in the EIP does not match with the chemical being
transported. This may be due to:
 Carelessness in adhering, to CMVR requirements by the Consignor.
 Driver of the vehicle not affixing on the EIP, the stickers for class label,
UN number HAZChem, etc. supplied by the consignor the time of loading
a chemical in the vehicle.
 Deliberate action on the part of consignor / transporter to mislead
professional thieves and thus avoid pilferage of costly chemicals enroute.
Many drivers reported that hazardous goods carriers are forcibly stopped,
the driver is threatened and miscreants steal costly products.
 Lack of driver training
3. With reference to UN class label, instead of correct fire symbol in red, a
flower or some vague picture is painted.
4. Drivers keep many TREM cards belonging to chemicals transported earlier,
in the vehicle cabin. This specially leads to confusion when the driver
/cleaner runs away after an accident and emergency action is to be taken.
5. The size of EIP, inside boxes and letters / numbers does not match the
specifications given in CMVR, 1989.
6. The EIP which gets obliterated in course of time is not repainted and remains
unclear or invisible.
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7. Some tankers do not carry any hazardous chemical, but display EIP of a
hazardous chemical which the tanker transported earlier.
Table 4
HAZCHEM CODES FOR SELECTED CHEMICALS
(Source: Code for Safe Transportation of Hazardous substances by Road,
Indian Chemical Manufactures Association, ICMA)
UN No.
1049
1066
1001
1002
1038
1072
1075
1077
1086
1090
114
1134
1170
1188
1198
1202
1203
1204
1208
1219
1223
SUBSTANCE
Hydrogen, compressed
Nitrogen, compressed
Acetylene, dissolved
Air compressed
Ethylene, refrigerated
liquid
Oxygen, compressed
Petroleum gases, liquefied
Propylene (Propene)
Vinyl cholride, inhibited
Acetone
Benzene (Benzol)
Chlorobenzene
(Monochloro – Beenzene)
Ethanol (Ethyl alcohol)
Ethylene glycol
monomethly ether (Methly
glycol)
Formaldehyde solutions
(for example : Formalin),
flash point not more than
61o C
Gas Oil (Diesel)
Motor Spirit (Include
Gasoline or Petrol)
Nitroglyerin (Glyeraly
traintiate) solution in
alcohol containing not more
than 1% nitroglycerin
Hexane and its isomers
Isopropanol (Isopropylalcohol)
Kerosene (Paraffin)
EAC (HAZChem
Code)
2SE
2T
2SE
2T
2WE
UN Hazard Class
Main Risk
Subsidiary
Risk
2
3
2
2
3
2
2
3
2S
2WE
2WE
2Y3
3WE
2Y
2SE
2
2
2
2
3
3
3
5.1
3
3
3
-
2S
2SE
3
3
-
3Z
3
-
3YE
2SE
3
3
-
3YE
3
-
2SE
3Y
3
3
-
2PE
3
-
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UN No.
1230
1255
1256
1267
1294
1299
1350
1381
1428
1719
1789
1830
1846
SUBSTANCE
Methanol (Methyl alcohol,
Wood alcohol, Columbian
spirits)
Naphtha, petroleum
Naphtha, solvent
Petroleum crude oil
Toluene (Toulon)
Turpentine
Sulphur
Phosphorus, white or yellow
dry or under water or in
solution.
Sodium, metal
Caustic alkali liquids,
Hydrochloric acid
Sulphuric acid
Carbon Tetrachloride
EAC (HAZChem
Code)
3YE
UN Hazard Class
Main Risk
Subsidiary
Risk
3
6.1
3W
3WE
3YE
3Y
2Z
2WE
4W
3
3
3
3
3
4.1
4.2
6.1
2R
2R
2P
2Z
4.3
8
8
8
6.1
-
Source: Loss Prevention News; October- December Issue of 1998
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