Classification
The responsibility for classifying dangerous goods lies with the person, organization, or government preparing the goods for shipment. Substances are classified according to the main threat they present.
Special rules apply for substances, mixtures, and solutions that carry multiple hazards. In general, the multiple-hazard good must be handled according to its most serious hazard. For example, in a shipment of a good that is both toxic and radioactive, the radioactivity will always be the primary hazard.
For the purpose of understanding, a class is a grouping of dangerous goods that share similar characteristics. There are nine classes. (There is also a classification of "n.o.s." which stands for "not otherwise specified.")
A division is a smaller group of substances within a class.
Some substances may be assigned a packing group, based on its danger level. The three packing groups are:
- Packing Group I: High Danger
- Packing Group II: Medium Danger
- Packing Group III: Low Danger
Criteria for the packing groups are provided for Classes 3 and 4, Division 5.1, Division 6.1, and Class 8.
To learn more about Multimodal Shipping visit our Multimodal DOT, IATA & IMDG HAZMAT Shipping Online Training web page.
THE BEST ONLINE TRAINING EXPERIENCE POSSIBLE
Fast
Your time is valuable. We've designed our site to be as fast as possible.
Easy to use
You'll never get lost or confused with us.
Immediate Access
There's no waiting period. Begin the course as soon as you sign up.
Anywhere Anytime
Internet connection and a computer, tablet, or smartphone.
Up to date
We update our courses as soon as new regulations come out.