What Goods Are in Hazard Class 5?
Class 5 goods are distinguished by their ability to yield enough oxygen to start and sustain the combustion and burning of other materials. Thus, it’s vitally important to keep them separated from combustibles and to handle them with extreme caution. The category includes both solids and liquids. It has only two subclasses:- Class 5.1: Oxidizing agents. Most class 5 goods fall into this category.
- Class 5.2: Organic peroxides. These chemicals are classified separately because their composition includes both carbon (which acts as a fuel for fires) and oxygen. These two put together form two-thirds of the classic “Fire Triangle”—which means that simply adding heat can cause an organic peroxide to burn intensely. Friction, shock or high temperatures can all be enough to set off many peroxides.
Rules of Shipping for Hazard Class 5
Just like any other class of hazardous goods, hazard class 5 goods require special preparations and procedures to ship safely. When preparing to ship them, keep the following in mind:- Class 5 goods that can be packaged as mailable limited quantity or ORM-D materials can be mailed via domestic post in the U.S. However, there are numerous exceptions that are non-mailable. For more information on packaging requirements, see the Postal Explorer’s information on hazard class 5.
- One key consideration for hazard class 5 goods is that typical multipurpose dry chemical extinguishers should not be used to put out an oxidizer fire. Water extinguishers are preferable for fighting these fires. Be sure to read up on complete extinguisher tips for oxidizer fires before storing or shipping class 5 goods.
- For a full rundown of each individual class 5 substance’s requirements, you’ll need to find its information on the Department of Transportation’s complete hazmat tables. These comprehensive tables will give you the full story on how to safely ship the material, although it’s also important to check all relevant IATA and IMO regulations if you’re shipping via sea or air.
- Last but not least, it’s always important to add the appropriate hazmat labels to your goods when in transit. These labels are required by law and help ensure that hazmat handlers know what they’re dealing with.
Air Sea’s Solutions for Hazard Class 5 Shipping
Air Sea Containers has over 25 years of expertise in hazmat shipping, and we’ve devised some great solutions for shipping hazard class 5 goods, including:- Our popular all-in-one hazmat shipping kits have all the essentials for keeping class 5 goods safe and come with a variety of containers, from jerricans to metal paint cans to UN 4G-rated boxes.
- We offer reusable and non-toxic refrigerant gel packs that are perfect for keeping goods at a safe temperature.
- The Opus biodegradable air cushion system is ideal for cushioning your goods against potentially dangerous shocks, and it’s completely biodegradable with zero residue left behind.
- Our vermiculite is a highly absorbent and cost-effective void fill material that’s a favorite of hazmat shippers due to its inert nature.
- Don’t forget to also pick up some hazard class 5 hazmat labels. They’re available in cost-effective rolls of 500 and are essential for safe and compliant shipping.
Air Sea Organic Peroxide Label, Roll of 500
Hazmat shipping is full of goods that require highly specialized solutions, and class 5 oxidizers are just one such example. No matter what kind of goods you need to ship, Air Sea Containers has the solutions that will enable you to package and transport them safely and efficiently. We love to leverage our expertise in hazmat shipping to help our customers, so please give us a call at (866) 596-9448 or contact us online if you’ve got any questions. We can help you find the hazmat solutions you need!
