The 9 Classes of Hazardous Materials Guide
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In Brazil, every hazardous product must be classified into one of nine internationally standardized classes before transport. These classes follow the "Orange Book," UN Model Regulations, which was created with the purpose of standardizing hazardous materials transport rules worldwide. Brazil's ANTT Resolution 5.998/22 adopts this international system and establishes how products must be packaged, labeled, documented, and handled during road transport.
Who Classifies Products in Brazil?
Classification responsibility belongs to:
- The manufacturer, or
- The shipper, guided by the manufacturer, or
- The competent authority, when applicable
Classification is based on the product's physical, chemical, toxicological, and environmental characteristics.
The Classification Decision Process
- Document decision
- Keep records for audit
- No special labels needed
- Standard transport applies
QUICK DECISION GUIDE
- Product is Dangerous: Follow the 7-step classification process
- Product is NOT Dangerous: Document determination and proceed with standard transport
THE 9 HAZMAT CLASSES
1.1 Mass explosion 1.2 Projection hazard 1.3 Fire hazard 1.4 Minor hazard 1.5 Insensitive 1.6 Extremely insensitive
2.1 Flammable 2.2 Non-Flammable 2.3 Toxic
4.1 Flammable solids 4.2 Spontaneously combustible 4.3 Dangerous when wet
5.1 Oxidizing Substances 5.2 Organic Peroxides
6.1 Toxic Substances 6.2 Infectious Substances
KEY CLASSIFICATION CONCEPTS
PACKING GROUPS (Classes 3, 4, 5, 6, 8)
Understanding Subsidiary Risks
Many dangerous products have more than one type of hazard. These hazards are identified through the Risk Number (top section of the orange panel) and appear on package labels:
- Primary Risk: The main hazard class (first digit of the risk number)
- Subsidiary Risk(s): Additional hazards (second and third digits, when present)
How to Read the Orange Risk Panel
Example 1: Product with Subsidiary Risk
Primary Class: 8 (Corrosive)
Subsidiary Risk: 6 (Toxic)
Example 2: Highly Flammable Product
Primary Class: 3 (Flammable Liquid)
Subsidiary Risk: None - repeated number indicates high intensity
Example 3: Product WITHOUT Subsidiary Risk
Primary Class: 4 (Flammable Solid)
Subsidiary Risk: None
- When a number is repeated (e.g., 33, 88), it indicates GREATER intensity of the hazard
- When the number is 0 (e.g., 40), it indicates ABSENCE of secondary risk
- The letter X at the beginning means the product reacts dangerously with water - DO NOT use water in emergencies!
- Class labels must be placed close to each other on the packaging when there are subsidiary risks
The Brazilian List of Dangerous Products
Brazil maintains an official list of commonly transported dangerous products with:
- UN Numbers
- Proper shipping names
- Risk classes and subsidiary risks
- Packing groups
- Special provisions
- Limited quantity limits
ABTI Dangerous Products List
GHS, SDS Classification vs. TDG, Transport Classification
What's the Difference?
GHS (Globally Harmonized System) has a broader focus on the chemical product. It evaluates not only hazards during transport, but also other risks related to the use, storage, and safe handling of chemical substances in warehouses, factories, and laboratories. It is the system that guides the preparation of Section 2 of the Safety Data Sheet (SDS, formerly MSDS). Think of it as "what happens inside the factory."
The transport classification, also called TDG (Transportation of Dangerous Goods) is detailed in the Orange Book (UN Model Regulations for the Transport of Dangerous Goods). Its objective is to identify product hazards during movement on highways, railways, airways or waterways. This classification guides emergency responders, carriers, and authorities about the risks that exist during transport. Think of it as "what happens on the road."
| Aspect | GHS (ABNT NBR 14725) | Transport (ANTT 5.998/22) |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Workplace safety - storage & handling | Transport safety - movement on roads/rails/air/sea |
| Focus | Worker protection during daily use | Public safety & emergency response during transport |
| Classification basis | Health, physical, and environmental hazards | Risks during transport (fire, explosion, leakage) |
| Found in | FISPQ/SDS Section 2 (Hazard Identification) | FISPQ/SDS Section 14 (Transport Information), transport documents, labels, placards |
| Number of classes | Multiple hazard categories | 9 main classes |
| Used for | Day-to-day operations inside facilities | Shipping, emergencies, and regulatory compliance |
Practical Example: Acetone
Acetone is a common industrial solvent. Here's how it's classified in BOTH systems:
GHS Classification (Workplace/Storage):
- Flammable Liquid - Category 2
- Eye Irritation - Category 2A
- STOT Single Exposure - Category 3 (narcotic effects)
What this means for workers: Wear safety glasses, use in ventilated areas, avoid prolonged exposure, keep away from heat sources.
Transport Classification (Road Transport):
- UN 1090
- Proper Shipping Name: ACETONE
- Class: 3 (Flammable Liquids)
- Packing Group: II (Medium danger)
What this means for transport: Must use approved packaging, display Class 3 labels, carry emergency response information, follow specific routing restrictions.
Why the Same Product Has Different Classifications
The systems evaluate different risks:
- GHS looks at what happens when workers handle the product daily - chronic exposure, skin contact, inhalation over time
- Transport looks at what happens in an accident - immediate fire risk, explosion potential, environmental damage from a spill
Example: A product might be highly toxic if inhaled daily (important for GHS) but stable during transport (less critical for transport classification). Conversely, a product might be safe for daily use but extremely flammable during transport.
Where to Find Each Classification
- GHS Classification: Section 2 of the FISPQ/SDS (Hazard Identification)
- Transport Classification: Section 14 of the FISPQ/SDS (Transport Information) - but always verify independently
For more information specifically about GHS, access: https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/ghs/
Classification Steps for Brazil
Special Cases in Brazil
Empty and Uncleaned Packaging
Except for Class 7 (radioactive), empty packaging that contained dangerous products must be classified and labeled according to what they last contained.
Format: UN 3509 EMPTY PACKAGINGS, UNCLEANED, 9
Limited Quantities
When transporting small quantities that meet limited quantity limits, certain requirements may be exempted. The document must include the notation "QUANT. LTDA".
Waste Products
Add "WASTE" before the shipping name:
Example: UN 1824 WASTE SODIUM HYDROXIDE SOLUTION 8 II
Why Accurate Classification Matters
- Personal injuries or environmental damage
- Criminal liability under Article 56 of Environmental Crimes Law
- Immediate fines and cargo detention
- Business license suspension
- Reputational damage
Required Documentation in Brazil
Classification information must appear in:
Quick Reference Guide
MANDATORY LEGAL REQUIREMENTS
- Brazil requires transport classification, not just GHS
- Classification must be done before transport
- Both shippers and carriers are responsible for errors
- Documentation must be in Portuguese
- Criminal penalties apply for violations
OPERATIONAL BEST PRACTICES
- Review classifications regularly as regulations update
- Train all personnel on classification requirements
- Maintain documentation for audit purposes
- Verify classifications provided by suppliers
- Consult experts when uncertain
Common Classification Errors
- Using only GHS classification
- Assuming foreign classifications apply in Brazil
- Omitting subsidiary risks
- Wrong packing group designation
- Incomplete product descriptions
- Not classifying empty containers
- Failing to update after formulation changes
Conclusion
The international 9-class dangerous products system, adopted by Brazil through ANTT regulations, ensures consistent hazard communication throughout the transport chain. Despite the complexity of regulations for handling and transporting hazardous materials, companies can achieve compliance quickly with robust processes and proper checks, operating safely and in full compliance.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Classification is mandatory before transport in Brazil
- Transport classification differs from GHS classification
- Both shippers and carriers are legally responsible
- Incorrect classification can result in criminal charges
- When in doubt, consult qualified experts. Hazmat Line can recommend the most suitable professional for your case.
Invest in proper classification and solid processes—your company can achieve full compliance safely and efficiently.