Dangerous Goods Class 3: Flammable Liquids

The official definition of Dangerous Goods Class 3: Flammable Liquids is any liquids that have 60 degrees Celsius (141 degrees Fahrenheit) flash point or below. When the flash point temperature is surpassed, the liquids will get ignited and cause fire hazards. The definition can also apply on any materials with liquid forms that have 37 degrees Celsius flash point (100 degrees Fahrenheit) on lower.

Flammable Liquids Types and Examples

Several types of liquids don’t follow the previous definitions, but still be classified in the same Dangerous Goods Type. They are:

• All types of mixture with one or more liquid components that have flash points of 60.5 degrees Celsius or higher. This flammable component must make up at least 99 percent of the mixture.
• All types of liquids with flash points higher than 35 degrees Celsius and fire points higher than 100 degrees Celsius.
• All types of liquids with flash points higher than 35 degrees Celsius, but without any combustion quality.
• Any flammable liquids that are not included in the previous descriptions but mentioned by formal or authoritative guidelines.

Examples of this type of dangerous goods are gasoline, fuel oil, rubbing alcohol, paint (or paint-related materials), cigarette lighter liquids, acetone, and rubbing alcohol. Some natural ingredients with flammable qualities, such as witch hazel oil, are included.

Placard Symbols for Flammable Liquids

Flammable liquids are extremely dangerous, able to cause extensive fire hazards that are hard to contain. All containers used to transport must bear placards or stickers depicting the content. The formal symbols are using black or white flame on a red background, often with the text “Flammable Liquids” on the placard.

Several alternative symbols for flammable liquids carry the words “Combustible”, “Fuel Oil”, or “Gasoline” on them. Combustible liquids refer to any substances that don’t meet the above criteria but with flash points between 60 degrees Celsius and 93 degrees Celsius. Meanwhile, placards with “Fuel Oil” ad “Gasoline” are used for non-bulk transport.

How to Transport Flammable Liquids

Regardless of countries, the transport of flammable liquids must follow safe, strict, and standardized methods. They include:

1.      Using Proper Tanks or Containers

All suppliers must use proper tanks or containers to transport the liquids. They must be in good condition, with standardized and approved designs. They must have at least one pressure vent and emergency vent to reduce the internal pressure during heat or fire exposure.

2.      Tasking People with HAZMAT Training

Flammable liquids weigh less than 440 lbs. (200 kg) or less than eight gallons in volume can be transported by people with HAZMAT training. However, all containers must bear proper placards indicating their content.

3.      Applying Strict HAZMAT Regulations

Transporting flammable liquids in bulk requires strict regulations, such as HAZMAT bill landing and complete emergency responses. Every container must be properly labelled based on international standards.

4.      Employing Skilled, Certified People in Transportation

Everyone involved in the transportation must have extensive HAZMAT training and skills. The driver must have a valid driver’s license and in healthy condition, physically and psychologically. In addition to safety requirements and precautions, all employees involved in the transportation process must undergo repeat health examination and regular training. All containers for flammable liquids must also undergo routine inspections, and the damaged ones must be immediately discarded.