Dangerous goods require special handling and transportation requirements by professionals such as DG Packaging. If transporting these items, you must familiarize yourself with their proper classification and regulations.
1: Explosives
Explosives can be dangerous goods if they are not properly handled. They can be harmful if mishandled and cause serious injury or death.
2: Flammable Materials
The Singapore authorities have classified flammable materials into three groups, with Group A containing the most dangerous substances. These substances can easily ignite and cause a fire.
The Singapore authority lists some flammable materials, including naphtha, acetone, ethanol, propane, butane, and pentane. It is important to be aware of these substances and keep them away from areas where they could create a fire hazard.
Infectious Waste
When transporting infectious waste, you must ensure it is properly treated and packaged. This will help prevent harmful bacteria from spreading and protect the health of those working with the waste.
3: Oxidizing Materials
Oxidation is a process in which atoms are added to a molecule by a fraction. When materials are exposed to oxygen, an oxidation reaction can occur, leading to the material becoming less stable and more harmful.
Oxidizing materials can release hazardous chemicals that can cause health problems if inhaled or ingested. If they catch on fire, they may also create fire hazards. It is important to be aware of these materials’ dangers and take appropriate precautions when handling them.
4: Corrosive Materials
A wide range of properties can categorize corrosive materials. A few typical ones include alkalis, bases, and acids. If any of these compounds come into touch with the skin or are inhaled, they can all cause tissue harm. Acids and bases, in particular, can result in severe burns if they come into contact with the skin or eyes. If alkalis come into contact with the skin or eyes, they can potentially result in chemical burns.
Hazardous Metals
Some hazardous metals, such as mercury, can be toxic if ingested or inhaled and cause environmental damage if released. Knowing and following the safety guidelines for transporting these metals is important.
5: Toxins or Biological Agents
Dangerous goods are materials that may harm people if transported in an aircraft. These materials can include toxins or biological agents. Toxic materials can cause serious health problems if they come into contact with the skin, eyes, or respiratory system. Biological agents can cause serious injuries or death if inhaled or ingested.
Strict regulations govern the transport of dangerous goods in aircraft. Airlines or courier personnel, such as DG Dangerous Goods, must carefully review each shipment to ensure compliance with all applicable regulations. If the load does not meet all requirements, the airline may refuse to transport it. In some cases, airlines may require dangerous goods carriers to remove the material from their shipments before transporting them in aircraft.
6: Radioactive Materials
A few types of radioactive materials are considered dangerous goods. These materials can hurt humans if they come into contact with them. Some of the most common radioactive materials include cesium, iodine, and plutonium. All three can cause cancer if ingested or inhaled. They can also damage organs if they come into contact with the skin.
7: Hazardous Chemicals
HSBC has released a report that lists Singapore as one of the countries with the highest incidence of hazardous chemicals. The list is based on data from 2013 and covers 88 hazardous chemicals. Of these, 38 are considered very dangerous.
The most commonly found in Singapore are polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), used in many industrial products until they were banned in the late 1970s. PCBs can cause cancer and other serious health problems if they’re ingested or if they’re breathed in.
In addition to PCBs, other common hazardous materials in Singapore include lead and arsenic. Information can cause developmental problems in children, while arsenic can cause skin cancer and other health problems.