This
class
includes
ammonium
nitrate
fertilizers,
chlorates,
chlorites, and calcium and potassium permanganate.
Class 5.2 - Organic peroxides
In addition to being oxidizing agents, most substances in this class
are also liable to explosive decomposition.
Most will burn rapidly
and are sensitive to heat.
Some are also sensitive to impact or
To reduce this sensitivity to a safe level, they are
carried in a solution, as a paste, wetted with water, or as with an
inert solid.
Even under "safe" conditions, some of these substances may react
dangerously with other substances. Violent decomposition may result
from traces of impurities such as acids, metallic oxides, or amines.
Decomposition may give rise to toxic or inflammable gases.
Some organic peroxides can be particularly dangerous to the eyes,
even after only momentary contact.
You and your personnel should
seek immediate medical attention if such contact occurs.
Some substances may begin to decompose when a certain temperature is
exceeded. In some cases, this may lead to an explosion. To prevent
this, certain organic peroxides have to be transported at a
controlled temperature.
The General Introduction to the IMDG code,
the introduction to Class 5.2, and the individual schedules contain
information on this aspect of hazardous materials handling.
Fire may result in an explosion as well.
Move packages containing
organic peroxides away from the seat of any fire.
If this is not
possible, have your personnel spray packages with large quantities of
water from as far away as practical to cool them. Even when the fire
has been extinguished, packages should be treated with great care,
since organic peroxides which have been exposed to high temperatures
may start a violent decomposition at any time.
In some cases, packages may require a second subsidiary risk label in
addition to the Class 5.2 label (for example, a special Class 1
(explosive) or a Class 3 (inflammable liquid) label).
Class 6 - Poisonous (Toxic*) and Infectious Substances
This class is divided into two subclasses: Class 6.1 - Poisonous
(toxic) substances and Class 6.2 - Infectious substances. Generally,
substances in Class 6.1 may cause serious injury or
* Toxic has the same meaning as poisonous.
19
TR1029
Previous Page
