Hazardous Materials: The 9 Classes Explained
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According to an article by Infrastructure Report Card, the US manages about 35 million tons of hazardous materials annually. If you work around chemicals or dangerous substances, you’ve probably asked yourself, “How many classes of hazardous materials are there?‘

There are nine classes, and understanding the categories can ensure safe use and transportation. It also helps you provide employees with the correct information and protective equipment to save lives.

Here, we discuss the nine classes of hazardous material and give a few examples. We’ll also explore how safety data sheets (SDS) tools can help you improve compliance.

How Many Classes of Hazardous Materials Are There: The 9 Types Explained

Every class of hazardous materials has unique dangers, from fire hazards and dangerous reactions to toxic spills. Let’s break down each of the nine classes, what they include, and the potential issues they may cause when not handled properly.

Class 1: Explosives

Class 1 includes materials that may explode or cause undesirable reactions, and examples include:

  • Ammunition
  • Explosive chargers
  • Detonating cords
  • Dynamite
  • Fireworks

Explosives are highly sensitive to heat, shock, or friction, so they require strict safety precautions during storage and transport. Improper handling can result in catastrophic accidents, injuries, and even fatalities.

Class 2: Gases

Gases can cause fires or pose physical dangers like asphyxiation or explosion. They are also transported in compressed cylinders, adding another risk due to the high pressure.

Subcategories of Class 2 gases include:

  • Flammable gases
  • Non-flammable gases
  • Toxic gases

Flammable gases can ignite if exposed to sparks or heat. On the other hand, non-flammable gases displace oxygen in the lungs or a room, increasing the risk of suffocation.

If employees inhale toxic gases, even in small amounts, they may suffer severe health effects or even death. Examples include hydrogen sulfide, carbon monoxide, and chlorine.

Class 3: Flammable Liquids

Flammable liquids are dangerous because even their vapors can ignite if they come into contact with heat, sparks, or flames. Examples of flammable liquids include:

  • Acetone
  • Benzene
  • Gasoline
  • Paint thinners

Because flammable liquids burn fast, even a minor accident like a spill can turn into a big industrial fire. It’s vital to store them in approved containers away from heat and flames. Besides, educate your employees so they know how to take appropriate safety measures during emergencies.

Class 4: Flammable Solids

Some flammable solids might ignite by rubbing against another surface or reacting with water.

Examples of Class 4 flammable solids include:

  • Sulfur
  • Magnesium
  • Calcium Carbide

If your company handles flammable solids, you should use online SDS management systems to track them and avoid accidents. Ensure employees follow hazardous material handling guidelines for safety and compliance with HazCom regulations.

Class 5: Oxidizing Substances and Organic Peroxides

 Class 5 hazardous materials do the following:

  • Explosively decompose
  • Burn quickly
  • React dangerously with other chemicals

While the materials don’t burn by themselves, they may fuel a fire and spread it quickly by adding oxygen. They are mostly common in agricultural and healthcare industries, and examples include ammonium nitrate and hydrogen peroxide.

Class 6: Toxic and Infectious Substances

Toxic substances cause serious harm when touched, inhaled, or swallowed. On the other hand, infectious materials may spread disease if they come into contact with open wounds.

Examples of toxic items in this hazardous materials classification are:

  • Phenol
  • Cyanide
  • Arsenic
  • Cresols

Infectious substances include medical waste like lab samples, used needles, and old bandages. Specimens used in research or veterinary medicine fall under Class 6, too.

Class 7: Radioactive Materials

Radioactive materials emit harmful radiation and contaminate the environment. While dangerous, they’re also very useful, especially in medicine and energy production. For example, industries use uranium to generate nuclear power for homes and businesses.

Radiation from Class 7 chemicals may damage living cells, causing illnesses like cancer. Even a small amount of exposure can lead to problems later, calling for strict storage and disposal measures.

Uranium is the most commonly known radioactive material, but there are others like:

  • Radium
  • Iodine
  • Plutonium
  • Thorium

Online SDS management helps your company provide essential information about Class 7 materials. Further, it can ensure your workforce meets strict safety requirements regarding usage and storage.

Class 8: Corrosives

Corrosive materials can destroy living tissues and other substances they come into contact with. Their fumes are also dangerous and may cause mild to severe lung damage when someone inhales them.

Class 8 hazardous materials are common in industrial chemicals and cleaning supplies and may include:

  • Common acids like hydrochloric and sulfuric acid
  • Hydrogen peroxide
  • Bromine
  • Sodium hydroxide

Material safety standards require employees to use protective equipment when handling corrosives. For example, they must wear gloves and goggles to avoid skin and eye contact. You should also use clear GHS labels on the storage containers and provide a safety compliance guide.

Class 9: Miscellaneous Hazardous Materials

Some dangerous materials don’t fit well into the other eight classes. A good example is lithium batteries, which can overheat and catch fires without proper use. They are often found in laptops, electric cars, and phones.

Here are other items in Class 9:

  • Dry ice
  • Magnetized materials
  • Self-inflating life vests

Improving Safety With Online SDS Tools

An online SDS tool provides an efficient way to organize and access safety data sheets. Your employees may use their computer or an SDS mobile app to access the information they need about hazardous chemicals in a few seconds.

Apart from storing SDS, these tools will also help with:

Investing in online SDS solutions will ensure the safe transport of dangerous goods and keep your company compliant.

HazCom Compliance With Kelleher, Helmrich and Associates, Inc (KHA)

Understanding the different classes of hazardous materials helps you address unique dangers. You can invest in employee training and proper storage or handling equipment. The knowledge also ensures compliance with regulatory standards.

Now that we’ve answered- ‘How many classes of hazardous materials are there?‘ you may be looking for tools to help you manage your inventory and keep workers safe.

KHA provides thousands of organizations with SDS services and solutions to enforce safety programs. Our award-winning SDS and HazCom compliance tech improves the management of hazardous materials and controls risks. Check out our site for more details.