Hazard class 3: Flammable liquids
Substances and Articles of Class 3 do not have any divisions.
The dangerous goods regulations predominantly define flammable liquids as a liquid or a mixture of liquids that have a flash point of not more than 60° C, however diesel fuel, gasoil, heating oil (light) including synthetically manufactured products that have a flashpoint above 60° C but not more than 100° C shall also be deemed substances of the Class 3 flammable liquids list.
Class 3 Flammable Liquids can also be liquid substances and molten solid substances that have a flashpoint of more than 60° C, and which are transported whilst heated at temperatures equal to or higher than their flashpoint and liquid desensitized explosives, these being explosive substances which are dissolved or suspended in water or other liquid substances.
When transporting Class 3 flammable liquids by sea, the IMDG Code requires that the flash point is shown as part of the dangerous goods description.
Packing groups
Although Class 3 dangerous goods do not have any other divisions, flammable liquids have been assigned a packing group which indicates the degree of danger.
Packing Group I: Substances presenting high danger
Packing Group II: Substances presenting medium danger
Packing Group III: Substances presenting low danger
| Packing Group | Initial Boiling Point | Flashpoint (closed cup) |
| Packing Group I | Initial boiling point≤ 35º C | |
| Packing Group II | Initial boiling point > 35º C | Flashpoint < 23º C |
| Packing Group III | Initial boiling point > 35º C | Flashpoint ≥ 23º C - ≤ 60º C |
Reason for regulation
Flammable liquids give off a flammable vapour which, when mixed with air, can ignite or explode.Based on their flashpoint and boiling point, they can be extremely flammable, highly flammable or flammable.
Examples of Commonly Transported Flammable Liquids
Acetone, adhesives, paints / lacquers / varnishes, alcohols, perfumery products, gasoline / petrol, diesel fuel, aviation fuel, heating oil, kerosene, resins, tars, turpentine, ethanol, benzene, butanols, isopropanol, methanol, octanes.
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As a seasoned expert in the field of dangerous goods transportation and regulations, I bring forth a wealth of knowledge and hands-on experience in navigating the intricacies of transporting hazardous materials. My understanding extends beyond the mere surface, delving into the nuances of classifications, regulations, and safety measures governing the transportation of substances that pose a threat to public safety.
Now, let's dissect the information provided in the article:
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Class 3 Dangerous Goods - Flammable Liquids:
- Class 3 includes substances that are flammable liquids. These can be pure liquids, mixtures of liquids, or even molten solid substances.
- The defining characteristic is a flash point of not more than 60°C. However, certain exceptions, such as diesel fuel, gasoil, and heating oil with flashpoints between 60°C and 100°C, fall under this classification.
- Flammable liquids also encompass substances with flashpoints above 60°C but are transported while heated to temperatures equal to or exceeding their flashpoint. Additionally, liquid desensitized explosives are included in this category.
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Transportation by Sea and the IMDG Code:
- When transporting Class 3 flammable liquids by sea, the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code mandates the inclusion of the flash point in the dangerous goods description.
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Packing Groups:
- Although Class 3 dangerous goods do not have divisions, flammable liquids are assigned packing groups to indicate the degree of danger.
- Packing Group I: High danger, with substances having an initial boiling point ≤ 35º C.
- Packing Group II: Medium danger, with substances having an initial boiling point > 35º C and a flashpoint < 23º C.
- Packing Group III: Low danger, with substances having an initial boiling point > 35º C and a flashpoint ≥ 23º C - ≤ 60º C.
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Reason for Regulation:
- Flammable liquids release flammable vapors that, when mixed with air, can ignite or explode.
- The regulation is based on the flashpoint and boiling point, categorizing these liquids as extremely flammable, highly flammable, or flammable.
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Examples of Commonly Transported Flammable Liquids:
- The article provides a list of substances falling under Class 3, including but not limited to acetone, adhesives, paints/lacquers/varnishes, alcohols, perfumery products, gasoline/petrol, diesel fuel, aviation fuel, heating oil, kerosene, resins, tars, turpentine, ethanol, benzene, butanols, isopropanol, methanol, and octanes.
This comprehensive overview not only establishes my expertise in the subject matter but also serves as a valuable resource for individuals seeking a deeper understanding of the classifications, regulations, and examples related to Class 3 flammable liquids in the context of dangerous goods transportation. If you have any further questions or require clarification, feel free to reach out.
