What are Class 9 Miscellaneous Dangerous Goods?

You may have heard about Class 9 Dangerous Goods, but you may also not fully understand what they are. This broad range of substances and articles encompasses a varied range of chemical products that don’t fall into the other DG classes. With items including lithium-ion batteries, dry ice and certain types of asbestos, Class 9 Miscellaneous Dangerous Goods are still subject to safety regulations and the requirements to ensure safe handling and storage.

Defining Class 9 DG

Class 9 Dangerous Goods refer to miscellaneous hazardous materials and substances that do not fall into any of the specific hazard classes from 1 to 8. These materials are classified as dangerous goods because they pose a risk during transportation, but they don't fit the criteria of the other classes.

Examples of Class 9 Miscellaneous Dangerous Goods

With a varied range of substances and articles falling within this DG class, it’s not always easy to identify something as a Class 9 Dangerous Good.

Some examples of Class 9 Miscellaneous Dangerous Goods include:

• Magnetised materials
• Genetically modified micro-organisms
• Plastic moulding compound
• Polychlorinated bithenyls
• Polymeric beads, expandable
• Aviation regulated liquid NOS
• Aviation regulated solid NOS
• White asbestos
• Zinc dithionite
• Air bag inflators
• Benzaldehyde
• Blue asbestos or brown asbestos
• Carbon dioxide solid (dry ice)
• Lithium-ion batteries

Class 9 good include such varied articles and substances including some types of asbestos, dry ice and lithium-ion batteries.

What Requirements and Regulations Apply to Class 9 Miscellaneous Goods?

The ADG Code is developed by the National Transport Commission (NTC) in collaboration with each Australian state and territory. It outlines the requirements and guidelines for the transport of dangerous goods by road and rail.

Within this Code, Class 9 includes substances and articles are defined as dangerous goods that exhibit properties that may present dangers during transportation — but are not covered by the other eight classes.

For miscellaneous dangerous goods, the ADG Code provides specific requirements for their transportation including packaging, labelling, placarding, and documentation.

When looking at detailed guidance for the storage and handling of Class 9 goods, see the Australian Standard AS NZS 4681 - The storage and handling of class 9 (miscellaneous) dangerous goods and articles.

This Class 9 Standard offers general information about Miscellaneous Dangerous Goods, with scope including minor storage, package stores and bulk storage.

Requirements include provision for staff training, safe storage, ventilation, segregation and fire protection – to name some of the requirements.

REMEMBER: Not all Class 9 goods are covered by the requirements of the Australian Standard AS NZS 4681. See the Standard for full details.

Transport of Class 9 Miscellaneous Substances and Articles

It's important to note that the transportation of dangerous goods, including Class 9 materials, is regulated by international and national transportation authorities. The regulations ensure proper packaging, labelling, and handling to reduce the risks associated with transporting these materials.

Shippers and carriers must comply with these regulations to ensure the safety of the transport process and protect people and the environment.

Understanding Your Class 9 Dangerous Goods

The storage of any type of dangerous goods requires careful consideration and planning to ensure that all hazards are controlled.

As the requirements for Class 9 storage are broad, we recommend conducting your own onsite risk assessment to determine the exact hazards present in your workplace.

Consider not only your Class 9 substances and articles, but how other dangerous goods at your workplace may react with these chemical products.

Segregation of incompatible chemicals and materials is essential for any type of DG storage situation, so read your safety data sheets and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your Class 9 Miscellaneous Dangerous Goods.

These documents will help you better protect your workplace and community from the serious hazards associated with your Class 9 goods.

Requirements Applying to Class 9 Storage

The storage of Class 9 Dangerous Goods includes general guidelines as laid out in the Standard.

These include, but are not limited to:

• Storage area must have adequate natural or mechanical ventilation
• If liquids are stored – or articles containing liquids – spillage containment must be provided
• The storage area must be sufficiently lit to ensure a safe work environment
• All Dangerous Goods Signage and labels must be visible
• Construction Requirements – General
• Storage structure must be non-combustible
• Storage must be resistant to attack by the Class 9 goods stored
• Shelving must be constructed so that residues can’t build up in corners or along ledges
• Housekeeping tasks must be able to be conducted easily in the storage area
• Stores must be secured against unauthorised entry

REMEMBER: As these requirements are general and encompass a broad range of dangerous goods, it’s imperative that you seek professional advice on the storage of your goods or conduct a risk assessment to ensure that all hazards are actively controlled.

Are Lithium-ion Batteries Class 9 Dangerous Goods?

Lithium-ion batteries are included in Class 9 due to their potential to pose risks during transportation, such as fire hazards and the release of flammable gases.

When transporting lithium-ion batteries, whether by road, rail, air, or sea, specific regulations and guidelines must be followed to ensure the safety of the transport process. These regulations typically cover packaging requirements, labelling, documentation, and other safety measures to mitigate the potential hazards associated with lithium-ion batteries.

Storage of Class 9 Batteries

When storing lithium-ion batteries, there are general guidelines in the Standard for Class 9 Dangerous Goods. However, to properly protect your workplace against battery fires and other hazards associated with Li-ion batteries, we recommend following manufacturer’s instructions and abiding by the guidelines in your safety data sheets.

Battery fires must be considered when carrying any type of lithium-ion battery.

Lithium-ion batteries are a volatile energy source, which require careful handling and storage to ensure that they don’t cause a fire or explosion – particularly when they are put on charge.

Considerations for storage exceed the existing standard, and include a temperature-controlled environment, dangerous goods segregation, exclusion of ignition sources, non-combustible storage, safe charging and more.

Understanding the Classes of Dangerous Goods

Now that you’ve read our overview of Class 9 Dangerous Goods, why not explore our eBook to learn about all the hazard classes? Most workplaces use more than one class of dangerous goods - which can lead to issues with chemical incompatabilities and further hazards. By understanding the 9 classes of dangerous goods – from Class 1 Explosives to Class 9 Miscellaneous Goods – you can increase the awareness and safety of your staff - and decrease your risk. Grab your free eBook today to find out more.