Class 5 - Division 5.1

Oxidizing substances are not necessarily combustible but can yield oxygen that can cause or contribute to the combustion of other material. These substances may be part of an article, and they may take a solid or liquid form.

Substances are classified in Division 5.1 based on the test methods and criteria described in the "UN Manual of Tests and Criteria," Part III, Subsection 34. These tests measure the potential for the substance to increase the burning rate or the burning intensity of a combustible substance. For solids, the substance being tested is mixed with dry fibrous cellulose. The test determines whether the mixture ignites and burns, and then compares the mean burning time with that of a reference mixture. The burning rate determines the packing group the substance is assigned to. For liquids, the test measures the pressure rise time during combustion.

Examples of oxidizing substances include:

• Chemical oxygen generators
• Nitrates
• Nitrites
• Chlorates

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