Class 2 - Aerosols & Aerosol Dispensers

Aerosols and aerosol dispensers are defined as "any non-refillable receptacle made of metal, glass, or plastic and containing compressed gas, liquefied or dissolved under pressure, with or without a liquid, paste, or powder, and fitted with a self-closing release device allowing the contents to be ejected as solid or liquid particles in suspension in a gas, as a foam, paste or powder, or in a liquid or gaseous state."

Certain aerosols are forbidden for air transport. If the aerosol dispenser contains gases of Division 2.3, they are forbidden for air transport. Also, if the contents within the aerosol dispenser are assigned to Packing Group I for toxicity or corrosivity, then they are forbidden for air transport, unless shipped under the provisions of an exemption.

Aerosols are designated as Class 2 based on the nature of their contents. The following provisions apply to the classification of aerosols:

• If the contents include 85% or more of flammable components by weight and the chemical heat of combustion is 30 kJ/g or more, then the aerosol must be assigned to Division 2.1.
• If the contents contain 1% or less of flammable components by weight and the heat of combustion is less than 20 kJ/g, then it must be assigned to Division 2.2.
• If the aerosol does not meet the above criteria, then it must be classified in accordance with the tests described in "UN Manual of Tests and Criteria," Part III, section 31.
• Extremely flammable and flammable aerosols are classified in Division 2.1.
• Non-flammable aerosols are classified in Division 2.2.
• Gases included in Division 2.3 cannot be used as a propellant in an aerosol dispenser.
• If any contents in the aerosol dispenser are ejected and classified as Division 6.1, Packing Groups II or III, or as Class 8, Packing Groups II or III, then the aerosol must have a subsidiary risk of Division 6.1 or Class 8, accordingly.

To learn more about Multimodal Shipping visit our Multimodal DOT, IATA & IMDG HAZMAT Shipping Online Training web page.