Understanding Hazardous Materials: Classification by Class, Division, Group, and Temperature Class
Hazardous materials can be classified based on the following features:
A) Class:
I) Class A - Gas/Vapour
II) Class B - Dust
III) Class C - Fiber
B) Division:
I) Division I - High probability of the presence of the material
II) Division II - Low probability of the presence of the material
C) Group:
Groups are specific to gases and are classified as follows (applicable only in the case of Class A):
Group A
Group B
Group C
Group D
D) Temperature Class:
Temperature Class indicates the ignition temperature of materials and is denoted by T1 to T6:
T1 - 450°C
T2 - 300°C
T3 - 200°C
T4 - 135°C
T5 - 100°C
T6 - 85°C
Examples:
A combination can be Class B, Division I, Group A, T4, indicating a hazardous material that is a dust, with a high probability of presence, belonging to Group A, and having an ignition temperature of 135°C.
Understanding the classification of hazardous materials based on class, division, group, and temperature class helps in identifying and managing potential risks associated with different substances. It plays a crucial role in ensuring safety measures are in place to handle and store hazardous materials appropriately.
