Dangerous goods

Dangerous goods are substances, mixtures or articles that, because of their physical, chemical (physicochemical) or acute toxicity properties, present an immediate hazard to people, property or the environment.

Types of substances that are classified as dangerous goods include:

• explosives
• flammable liquids and gases
• corrosives
• chemically reactive or acutely (highly) toxic substances.

They are divided into nine classes some of which are divided into divisions according to the nature of the hazard.

The criteria used to determine whether substances are classified as dangerous goods are contained in the Australian Dangerous Goods Code (ADG code). The ADG code contains a list of substances classified as dangerous goods.