The first step to shipping hazardous materials safely is being aware of the many hazmat safety regulations that businesses must follow when doing so. The UN hazmat classification system provides a key framework for safe hazmat shipping through its nine categories of hazardous goods, so any business involved in hazmat shipping should know the detailed regulations that make up the system.
In this final installment of Air Sea Containers’ series on distinguishing dangerous goods, we’ll discuss how to safely ship goods in Hazard Class 9, a miscellaneous category that can sometimes be confusing. Our hazmat experts will provide a quick look at the key regulations and requirements to know, as well as the shipping materials that will help businesses achieve their hazmat safety goals.
What Goods Are in Hazard Class 9?
Hazard Class 9 is a catch-all category for miscellaneous hazardous cargo that does not fit neatly into any other Hazard Class. However, many common materials fall into this category, so businesses shouldn’t dismiss its potential importance. Some common examples of Class 9 goods include:
- Zinc oxide
- Air bag inflator modules
- Lithium ion batteries
- Ammonium nitrate fertilizer
- Asbestos
- Genetically modified organisms and microbes
- Dry ice
The standards for including a material in Hazard Class 9 are detailed in 49 CFR 173.140. They classify as Hazard Class 9 any materials with effects that could potentially impair flight crews’ ability to perform their duties, as well as several other broad categories including:
- Environmental pollutants, including materials classified as marine pollutants
- Materials transported at elevated temperatures
- General hazardous substances and hazardous waste
Note that some Hazard Class 9 materials may also fall into other hazmat categories.
Rules of Shipping for Hazard Class 9
As with other hazmat classes, the best way to learn the detailed shipping regulations for any given Hazard Class 9 material is to use the USDOT hazmat tables. These tables provide a full rundown of vessel stowage restrictions, quantity limits and packaging rules for each individual hazardous substance.
For businesses considering shipping Hazard Class 9 goods by mail, use the USPS Postal Explorer website to learn about what can and can’t be mailed as well as what rules must be followed. USPS hazmat regulations are especially important for businesses that ship devices with lithium ion batteries (such as smartphones and tablets), as the USPS imposes highly specific requirements on the safe shipment of these devices. Make sure to also know any additional regulations that private freight carriers such as UPS or FedEx may impose on the transport of Hazard Class 9 goods.
Many Hazard Class 9 goods aren’t required to carry hazmat labels when shipped within the United States in individual quantities. However, labels are required when Hazard Class 9 goods are shipped in bulk packaging (as defined by 49 CFR 171.8) or when shipping Hazard Class 9 goods internationally. Class 9 goods that fall under the regulations of UN 3077 and/or UN 3082 must also include a sticker identifying them as environmental pollutants (the so-called “dead fish” sticker).
Hazard Class 9 Shipping Materials
Safely shipping Hazard Class 9 cargo requires a versatile and durable selection of shipping materials. Air Sea Containers is proud to offer everything businesses need to ship Hazard Class 9 goods safely:
- Hazard Class 9 Labels and Placards: These durable labels and placards are ideal for identifying Hazard Class 9 goods in transit. Our selection includes special regulated shipping labels for lithium batteries and environmental pollutants.
- Lithium Ion Battery Shipping Kits: The ideal all-in-one solution for businesses shipping lithium ion batteries or devices that contain them. Kits include overpack boxes, ring latch pails, durable poly bags, vermiculite and required shipping labels.
- Hazmat Shipping Kits: A wide variety of complete shipping solutions for hazmat shippers. We offer kits for shipping everything from automotive batteries to aerosol cans, designed at every point to meet UN and DOT specifications.
- Hazardous Waste Shipping Kits: Another shipping solution designed specifically for the needs of hazardous waste shippers.
- Vermiculite: This absorbent mineral is a favorite of hazmat shippers thanks to its extreme absorbency and ability to cushion goods from impacts. Available in multiple grain sizes from Air Sea Containers and asbestos-free.
Air Sea Containers Lithium Battery Shipper Kit
We hope our Distinguishing Dangerous Goods series has been useful and informative to our readers! For information on other Hazard Classes, make sure to visit our blog, and don’t hesitate to call us at (866) 596-9448 or contact us online for answers to all of your hazmat shipping questions.
