Dangerous goods are substances and articles listed in the Australian Dangerous Goods (ADG) Code that have explosive, flammable, toxic, infectious or corrosive properties. They pose a risk to public safety, property or the environment. Learn more about dangerous goods.
Dangerous goods are categorised into nine classes based on their hazards:
- Class 1 (explosives)
- Class 2 (gases)
- Class 3 (flammable liquids)
- Class 4 (flammable solids; substances liable to spontaneous combustion; substances which, on contact with water emit flammable gases)
- Class 5 (oxidizing substances and organic peroxides);
- Division 6.1 (toxic substances)
- Class 8 (corrosive substances)
- Class 9 (miscellaneous dangerous substances and articles)
- or is:
- named or described in Schedule 1 of the Dangerous Goods Safety (Storage and Handling of Non-explosives) Regulations 2007
- sulphur in any form
- determined to be a dangerous good by the department’s Chief Officer in accordance with r. 12A of the Dangerous Goods Safety (Storage and Handling of Non-explosive) Regulations 2007.
Understanding the classification helps ensure appropriate handling, storage, and transportation procedures are followed.
Difference between hazardous chemicals and dangerous goods
The key difference between hazardous chemicals and dangerous goods lies in the type of risks they present:
- hazardous chemicals primarily pose health risks, such as poisoning, respiratory damage, or long-term illnesses.
- dangerous goods pose immediate physical dangers, such as fire, explosions, or corrosion.
Some substances fall under both categories, requiring compliance with both hazardous chemical and dangerous goods regulations. While these frameworks are distinct, measures taken to comply with one often align with the other.