Which Items Are Considered Hazardous for Shipping Purposes?

Selling online has become a popular business venture for many aspiring entrepreneurs. Given the potential customer base that you can cultivate by selling online, it’s easy to understand why it has become so popular.

Before diving deep into that type of business, you should know that selling goods online is not always that simple. For instance, taking additional steps to secure goods may be necessary before you can ship them out.

Fail to take those precautionary measures, and you could put others in danger. That is the case with hazardous materials.

Let’s use this opportunity to learn more about those hazardous materials.

What Are Hazardous Materials?

Just from the term “hazardous materials” alone, you can probably deduce what they are all about. Those are items that are considered dangerous.

Still, that definition may be considered a bit too vague. That may not offer enough clarification for the items you’re looking to sell.

So, how can they be identified as hazmat?

Per this article from Northeastern University, hazardous materials are items that can endanger members of the public or the people tasked with transporting them.

If you’re still unclear if a particular item is considered hazardous, you can check relevant Material Safety Data Sheets. Hazardous products will also be labeled using special logos and other marks.

What Are the Classes of Hazardous Materials?

Hazardous materials are divided into nine different classes. Let’s discuss those classes in greater detail so you can determine if the items you’re shipping need to be handled with additional care.

• Class 1: Explosives – The first class is reserved for explosives. Any type of item that can cause even a minor explosion will be included in this category.
• Class 2: Compressed Gases – Items that use compressed gases are considered class 2 hazards. Many of these compressed gases are often contained in cylinders.
• Class 3: Flammable Liquids – This category accounts for a large variety of products. Even alcoholic drinks may be included here.
• Class 4: Flammable Solids – Flammable solids are also considered hazardous. These include matches, alkali metals, and metallic powders.
• Class 5: Oxidizers and Organic Peroxides – Oxidizers and organic peroxides pose a threat to other people because they are highly flammable. Bromates, chromates, and nitrates are some common examples of class 5 hazards.
• Class 6: Toxic Materials – You also have to be careful whenever you’re shipping any items that are considered poisonous. Numerous items can be included in this category.
• Class 7: Radioactive Materials – In all likelihood, you probably aren’t shipping any radioactive materials. Nevertheless, they are regarded as hazardous items.
• Class 8: Corrosive Materials – Corrosive materials must also be handled with utmost caution. Items that fall into this category include hydrochloric acid and caustic soda.
• Class 9: Miscellaneous – Lastly, we have the miscellaneous category. This category is reserved for items seen as dangerous but don’t fall into the aforementioned classifications.

How Should You Handle the Shipping of Hazardous Materials?

If you’re handling common types of hazardous materials that must be shipped, you must be as cautious as possible.

Use appropriate packaging and containers for those products. You can also wrap them in multiple layers to keep them even more secure.

While you’re at it, consider consulting with professionals if you need to ship those types of items. They can provide pointers on how to ship those items without any issues.

Working with hazardous materials may be a necessity if you’re an online seller. Don’t be intimidated by the prospect of handling and shipping those items. As long as you’re following proper procedure, the entire process is one you should be able to complete safely.

Categorised in: Hazmat Shipping