Class 9 – Miscellaneous Substances and Articles

 

 

 

 

 

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Class 9 covers substances and articles that don’t fit within the other classes.  Information on the nature of the hazard can be found in the MSDS (manufacturer safety data sheet), the instructions in writing or in the product packaging.

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Class 9 substances and articles pose as great a danger as the other classes.  When class 9 materials are incompatible with other items in the load, segregation methods are required.

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Examples of class 9 include:

Lithium batteries – these are unstable and liable to heat up or explode and cause fires.

Self inflating life rafts – these contain compressed gas, explosives (flares) and lithium batteries (comms and lighting)

Elevated temperature substances – for any liquid at 100oC or over and solids over 240oC if they are not already in another class, they will be in class 9 and the vehicle will display the elevated temperature mark (a red thermometer)

Asbestos – these contain microscopic fibres that cause damage to the lungs and the health of the person.  Dust is to be avoided and respiratory equipment is required. 

PCBs – polychlorinated biphenyls used to be used in transformers as a coolant.  However, these are carcinogenic and difficult to destroy.

Polymeric beads – these emit flammable vapours and if on fire, toxic fumes.

Environmentally hazardous substances – these cause damage to the environment, including aquatic.  If they are not already in another class, they appear in class 9.  The vehicle carrying these substances display the environmentally hazardous substance mark.

Car air bags – these contain the explosive sodium azide.  When installed in a vehicle, they are not subject to regulations.

Genetically modified organisms – these are not natural organisms and are created in a laboratory.  They could cause significant problems if released.

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