Dangerous goods quick reference guide - Class 8: Corrosive substances


Class 8 dangerous goods include corrosive substances that chemically damage living tissue and metals. They can react violently, produce heat and gases when mixed with other substances or exposed to temperature deviations. Risks include property damage, cargo damage, injury, environmental harm, insurance invalidation, and potential criminal prosecution.


Examples:


Acids: Sulfuric acid, Hydrochloric acid, Oleum (fuming sulfuric acid), Nitric acid, Hydrofluoric acid.


Alkalis/Bases: Caustic potash (Potassium hydroxide), Caustic soda (Sodium hydroxide), Ammonia anhydrous, some drain cleaners, some bleaches.


Classification is influenced by chemistry (organic/inorganic) and state (liquid/solid).


Key Handling Guidelines: - Packing: Use only approved containers; never use damaged or overfilled packaging; clean containers before refilling; keep spill management equipment nearby; choose packaging material carefully.


- Storing: Store in well-ventilated, temperature-controlled areas; away from heat, ignition sources, and incompatible cargo; close to ground; inspect regularly; train staff in emergency response; alert DG competent person if issues arise.


- Transporting: Keep risk assessments updated; secure cargo; comply with CTU


Code; never assume segregation rules are the same for all modes; avoid exposure to moisture and temperature deviations.


Handling: Never throw, drop, or drag cargo; maintain emergency response plans; communicate clearly across the supply chain.


Dangerous goods quick reference guide - Class 9: Miscellaneous dangerous substances and articles


Class 9 is a catch-all category for dangerous goods that do not fit into other classes but still pose significant risks, including environmental hazards, marine pollutants, or substances requiring elevated temperature transport. Some may act as catalysts or accelerants for fire or explosion, requiring additional risk management.


Examples:


Internal combustion engines Self-inflating life rafts Vehicles Asbestos


Elevated temperature substances (e.g., Bitumen)


Polymeric beads PCBs


Lithium batteries


Key Handling Guidelines: - Packing: Use only approved packaging; select packaging carefully due to the wide variety of substances; avoid damaged containers.


- Storing: Store in well-ventilated, temperature-controlled areas; away from ignition sources, heat, and incompatible cargo; inspect regularly; train staff in emergency response; alert DG competent person if issues arise.


- Transporting: Keep risk assessments updated; secure cargo; comply with CTU Code; never allow ignition sources near cargo that could accelerate fire or explosion; remove lithium batteries showing blistering, bulging, or heat to quarantine for checks.


Handling: Never expose cargo to extreme temperatures; never throw, drop, or drag cargo; maintain emergency response plans; communicate clearly across the supply chain.


THE REPORT | MAR 2026 | ISSUE 115 | 117


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54  |  Page 55  |  Page 56  |  Page 57  |  Page 58  |  Page 59  |  Page 60  |  Page 61  |  Page 62  |  Page 63  |  Page 64  |  Page 65  |  Page 66  |  Page 67  |  Page 68  |  Page 69  |  Page 70  |  Page 71  |  Page 72  |  Page 73  |  Page 74  |  Page 75  |  Page 76  |  Page 77  |  Page 78  |  Page 79  |  Page 80  |  Page 81  |  Page 82  |  Page 83  |  Page 84  |  Page 85  |  Page 86  |  Page 87  |  Page 88  |  Page 89  |  Page 90  |  Page 91  |  Page 92  |  Page 93  |  Page 94  |  Page 95  |  Page 96  |  Page 97  |  Page 98  |  Page 99  |  Page 100  |  Page 101  |  Page 102  |  Page 103  |  Page 104  |  Page 105  |  Page 106  |  Page 107  |  Page 108  |  Page 109  |  Page 110  |  Page 111  |  Page 112  |  Page 113  |  Page 114  |  Page 115  |  Page 116  |  Page 117  |  Page 118  |  Page 119  |  Page 120  |  Page 121  |  Page 122  |  Page 123  |  Page 124  |  Page 125  |  Page 126  |  Page 127  |  Page 128  |  Page 129  |  Page 130  |  Page 131  |  Page 132  |  Page 133  |  Page 134  |  Page 135  |  Page 136  |  Page 137  |  Page 138  |  Page 139  |  Page 140  |  Page 141  |  Page 142  |  Page 143  |  Page 144  |  Page 145  |  Page 146  |  Page 147  |  Page 148  |  Page 149  |  Page 150  |  Page 151  |  Page 152  |  Page 153  |  Page 154  |  Page 155  |  Page 156