Introduction to Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR)
Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR) are rules and standards designed to ensure the safe handling, packaging, transport, and storage of hazardous materials. These rules are crucial for protecting people, property, and the environment from risks associated with the transportation of dangerous goods by air, sea, road, rail, and inland waterways.
The regulations are used globally by industries, shippers, freight forwarders, airlines, and other transport operators to maintain international safety and consistency.
Regulations Cover:
- Classification and labelling
- Packaging and marking
- Documentation
- Training of personnel
- Emergency response procedures
History of Dangerous Goods Regulations
Early Days (Pre-1900s to 1940s)
No global standards. Local rules led to accidents like the 1917 Halifax Explosion.
Post-War (1950s)
UN formed Committee of Experts, created the "Orange Book" model regulations.
Modal Regulations (1960s-1980s)
ICAO (air), IMDG (sea), ADR (road), RID (rail), ADN (inland waterways).
Modern Day (1990s-Present)
Regular updates, mandatory training, special provisions for lithium batteries.
Key Historical Events
1917 Halifax Explosion
One of the earliest known shipping disasters involving explosives, highlighting the need for regulation.
1953 UN Committee Formation
United Nations recognized the need for standardized international rules for dangerous goods transport.
1960s-1980s Modal Regulations
Development of transport-specific regulations based on UN model: ICAO (air), IMDG (sea), ADR (road), RID (rail), ADN (inland waterways).
Key Organizations Involved
UN
Sets the global standard through the UN Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods (Orange Book).
IATA
Develops and maintains the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR) for air transport.
ICAO
International Civil Aviation Organization - Technical Instructions form basis for IATA DGR.
IMO
International Maritime Organization - Maintains the IMDG Code for sea transport.
DOT/OSHA
US Department of Transportation and Occupational Safety and Health Administration regulate US transport and workplace safety.
ADR/RID/ADN
European agreements for road (ADR), rail (RID), and inland waterways (ADN) transport.
Dangerous Goods Classification
The main document of reference used by operators is the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR) guide. The IATA DGR provides operators with information regarding the marking, packaging, labeling and the documents required for dangerous shipments, based on international and national air regulations.
Dangerous goods are classified into hazard classes. Each hazard class is divided into several sections and specific labels are applied to each one of these classes and/or sections. A system of diamond-shaped placards and labels are used to identify dangerous goods. Different colors and symbols, such as a flame for flammables or skull and crossbones for poisons, identify the dangers associated with the product.
Classification System
- 9 main hazard classes
- Some classes have divisions (e.g., Class 1 has 6 divisions)
- Numbering order doesn't imply degree of danger
- Each class has specific labeling and packaging requirements
Class 1 - Explosives
Divisions
- 1.1 - Mass explosion hazard
- 1.2 - Projection hazard
- 1.3 - Fire hazard with minor blast
- 1.4 - No significant hazard
- 1.5 - Very insensitive substances
- 1.6 - Extremely insensitive articles
Examples
Ammunition, fireworks, detonators
Explosives Details
- 1.1: Mass explosion hazard (entire load instantaneously)
- 1.2: Projection hazard but not mass explosion
- 1.3: Fire hazard with minor blast/projection
- 1.4: No significant hazard (effects confined to package)
- 1.5: Very insensitive substances with mass explosion hazard
- 1.6: Extremely insensitive articles (negligible probability of accidental initiation)
Class 2 - Gases
Divisions
- 2.1 - Flammable gases
- 2.2 - Non-flammable, non-toxic gases
- 2.3 - Toxic gases
Examples
Acetylene, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, chlorine
Gases Details
- 2.1: Flammable gases (ignite on contact with ignition source)
- 2.2: Non-flammable, non-toxic gases
- 2.3: Toxic gases (cause death/serious injury if inhaled)
- Includes gases under pressure or in cryogenic form
Class 3 - Flammable Liquids
Divisions
- No subdivisions
Examples
Gasoline, alcohol, perfume, paint
Flammable Liquids Definition
Liquids or mixtures of liquids that give off a flammable vapour at temperatures of not more than 60°C (140°F) closed-cup test or not more than 65.6°C (150°F) open-cup test (flash point). Includes liquid desensitized explosives.
Class 4 - Flammable Solids
Divisions
- 4.1 - Flammable solids
- 4.2 - Spontaneously combustible
- 4.3 - Dangerous when wet
Examples
Matches, sodium, potassium, calcium carbide
Flammable Solids Details
- 4.1: Readily combustible solids, self-reactive substances, solid desensitized explosives
- 4.2: Substances liable to spontaneous heating (pyrophoric, self-heating)
- 4.3: Substances which emit flammable gases when wet (dangerous when wet)
Class 5 - Oxidizing Substances & Organic Peroxides
Divisions
- 5.1 - Oxidizing substances
- 5.2 - Organic peroxides
Examples
Ammonium nitrate, hydrogen peroxide, pool chemicals
Oxidizers & Organic Peroxides
- 5.1: Oxidizing substances (not necessarily combustible but may cause/contribute to combustion of other material by yielding oxygen)
- 5.2: Organic peroxides (thermally unstable, may undergo self-accelerating decomposition, sensitive to impact/friction)
Class 6 - Toxic & Infectious Substances
Divisions
- 6.1 - Toxic substances
- 6.2 - Infectious substances
Examples
Pesticides, mercury, medical waste, viruses
Toxic & Infectious Substances
- 6.1: Toxic substances (cause death/injury if swallowed, inhaled or absorbed through skin)
- 6.2: Infectious substances (contain pathogens like bacteria, viruses, medical waste)
- In case of damage or leakage, immediately notify public health authority
Class 7 - Radioactive Material
Divisions
- No subdivisions
Examples
Uranium, plutonium, medical isotopes
Radioactive Material Definition
Any material containing radionuclides where both the activity concentration and the total activity in the consignment exceed specified values. Excludes:
- Material implanted/incorporated in persons/animals for diagnosis/treatment
- Consumer products with regulatory approval
- Natural material/ores containing naturally occurring radionuclides
Class 8 - Corrosive Substances
Divisions
- No subdivisions
Examples
Acids, batteries, formaldehyde, paints
Corrosive Substances
Substances which by chemical action can cause severe damage when in contact with living tissue or, in case of leakage, will materially damage or destroy other goods or the means of transport.
No subdivisions - all corrosives fall under this single class.
Class 9 - Miscellaneous Dangerous Goods
Divisions
- No subdivisions
Examples
Dry ice, lithium batteries, asbestos, first aid kits
Miscellaneous Dangerous Goods
Any substance which presents a danger during air transport not covered by other classes, including:
- Aviation regulated substances causing discomfort to crew
- Magnetized material (affecting compasses)
- Dry ice (suffocation/cold burn risk)
- Lithium batteries
- Asbestos
- First aid kits
- Internal combustion engines
Dangerous Goods Accepted in the Cabin
Passengers and cabin crewmembers are permitted to carry a limited amount of classified dangerous goods for personal use in their carry-on baggage. The types of items that are authorized onboard the aircraft may vary in each country, depending on the local aviation authority and security regulations.
Permitted Items
- Toiletry articles (perfume, nail polish, remover - limited quantities)
- Small lithium/lithium-ion batteries (in devices)
- Alcoholic beverages (<70% alcohol content)
- Dry ice (limited quantities)
- Required emergency equipment (oxygen, fire extinguishers, CO2 cylinders for life vests)
Note: Quantities and specific items may vary by country and airline policy.
Required Emergency Equipment
Other classified dangerous goods that are permitted in the cabin include required emergency equipment, in accordance with airworthiness regulations:
- Oxygen
- Fire extinguishers
- CO2 gas cylinders to inflate the life vests
Segregation Table For Hazardous Goods
The Hazmat Segregation Table helps determine which classes of dangerous goods can be stored or transported together safely. This is essential for compliance and safety, especially in warehousing and multimodal transport (e.g., ship, truck, air).
Legend
Notes may apply based on quantity, packaging, or mode of transport (e.g., IMDG, IATA, DOT).
| Class | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 - Explosives | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X |
| 2 - Gases | X | ✔️ | X | X | X | X | ✔️ | X | ✔️ |
| 3 - Flammable Liquids | X | X | ✔️ | X | X | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| 4 - Flammable Solids | X | X | X | ✔️ | X | ✔️ | ✔️ | X | ✔️ |
| 5 - Oxidizers | X | X | X | X | ✔️ | X | ✔️ | X | ✔️ |
| 6 - Toxic/Infectious | X | X | ✔️ | ✔️ | X | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| 7 - Radioactive | X | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| 8 - Corrosives | X | X | ✔️ | X | X | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| 9 - Miscellaneous | X | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
Key Segregation Rules
- Class 1 (Explosives): Must be segregated from all other classes
- Class 5.1 (Oxidizers): Must be segregated from flammable materials (Classes 2.1, 3, 4)
- Class 6.1 (Toxic): Generally compatible with most classes except explosives and oxidizers
- Class 7 (Radioactive): Compatible with most classes except explosives
- Class 8 (Corrosives): Must be segregated from flammable gases (Class 2.1) and oxidizers (Class 5.1)