DOT HazMat: Hazard Class and Division – Toolbox Talk

The hazard class is a set of nine number designations that describe the type of hazard associated with a material. You will see this number at the bottom of the label or placard. Class 1 are explosives and are broken down into the following divisions: 1.1 Products with the potential to create a mass explosion, 1.2 Products with the potential to create a projectile hazard, 1.3 Products with the potential to create a fire or minor blast, 1.4 Products with no significant risk of creating a blast, 1.5 Products considered very insensitive that are used as blasting agents, and 1.6 Products considered extremely insensitive with no risk of creating a mass explosion.

Class 2 are gases and have the following divisions: 2.1 Flammable gases, 2.2 Non-flammable gases or non-toxic gases, and 2.3 Toxic gases.

Class 3 are flammable liquids. Alternative placards can be used for combustible, fuel oil, and gasoline.

Class 4 are flammable materials and are broken down into the following divisions: 4.1 Flammable solids, 4.2 Spontaneously combustible, and 4.3 Dangerous when wet.

Class 5 are oxidizers and organic peroxides and are broken down into the following divisions: 5.1 Oxidizing substances and 5.2 Organic peroxides.

Class 6 are poisons and are broken down into the following divisions: 6.1 Toxic substances and 6.2 Infectious substances.

Class 7 are radioactive substances.

Class 8 are corrosive substances.

Finally, Class 9 are miscellaneous substances.

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