Hazardous and easily inflammable substances

Hazardous and easily inflammable goods which may not be sent with a postal consignment

 

Explosives and blasting agents

 

Definition

Any chemical compound, mixture or device capable of producing an explosive or pyrotechnic effect with substantial instantaneous release of heat and gas. All explosives are prohibited.

 

For example

nitro-glycerine, blasting caps, fireworks, igniters, fuses, flares, ammunition etc.
 

Gases (compressed, deliquescent or dissolved)

Definition

Non-volatile gases, which may not be vaporised at room temperature; dissolved gases which are compressed; gas which have been dissolved in a solvent. Prohibited gases are

• compressed, flammable gases: hydrogen, ethane, methane, propane, butane, pocket lighters, balloons for gas cookers, blow torches etc
• toxic compressed gases: chlorine, fluorine etc
• non-flammable compressed gases: carbon dioxide, nitrogen, neon, fire-extinguishers containing these gases etc.
• aerosols

 

Flammable liquids

 

Definition

Liquids, mixtures of liquids or liquids containing solids in solution or suspension which form flammable vapours. All liquids with a flashing point of less than 55 ºC in a closed container are prohibited.

 

For example

acetone, benzene, cleaning compounds, petrol, lighter fuel, paint thinners and removers, petroleum, solvents etc

Flammable solids

 

Definition

Solid materials which are liable to cause fire by friction, absorption of water, spontaneous chemical changes or retained heat from manufacturing or processing, or which can be easily ignited and burn vigorously.

 

For example

matches, calcium carbide, cellulose, nitrate products, metallic magnesium, nitro-cellulose based film, phosphorous, potassium, sodium, sodium hydride, zinc powder, zirconium hydride etc.
 

OXIDISING MATERIALS AND ORGANIC PEROXIDES

 

Definition

These substances are pyrophoric, but not always, and they may cause or contribute to combustion of other substances. They may also be liable to explosive decomposition, react dangerously with other substances and be hazardous to your health.

 

For example

bromides, chlorates, components of fibreglass repair kits, nitrates, per-chlorates, permanganates, peroxides etc.
 

TOXIC AND CONTAGIOUS SUBSTANCES, OTHER CLINICAL AND MEDICAL WASTE

 

Definition

Toxic substances are those which are liable either to cause death or serious injury or to harm human health, if swallowed, inhaled or by skin contact. Infectious substances are those which are known or can reasonably be expected to contain microorganisms or toxins to cause diseases.

 

For example

arsine, beryllium, cyanide, fluoride, hydrogen, selenite, salts of mercury, iprite, nitrogen dioxide, pathogenic material, rat poison, serum, vaccines etc.
 

RADIOACTIVE MATERIAL

 

Definition

All materials of which the specific activity exceeds 74 kilo- Becquerel per kilogram (0,002 Mikrocurie per gram). All radioactive materials are prohibited.

 

For example

fissile material (uranium 235, etc); radioactive waste material, uranium or thorium ores etc.
 

CORROSIVE SUBSTANCES

 

Definition

Substances which can cause severe damage to living tissue, other freight or transport vehicles, by its chemical action.

 

For example

aluminium chloride, caustic soda, corrosive cleaning fluid, rust remover/ protection, corrosive paint remover, electrical batteries, hydrochloric acid, nitric acid, sulphuric acid etc.
 

MISCELLANEOUS HAZARDOUS GOODS

 

Definition

Substances and article which during transport present a danger or hazard not covered by other classes.

 

For example

asbestos, dry ice, magnetised material with a magnetic field strength of 0.159 A/m or more at a distance of 2.1 metres from the package etc.