Classification and transportation standards of dangerous powders (UN number and MSDS)

The following is a detailed description of the classification and transportation standards of dangerous powders (UN number and MSDS) for reference:

I. Classification of dangerous powders
According to the United Nations “Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods” (TDG) and international general standards (such as GHS), dangerous powders are usually divided into the following 9 categories according to their main hazards:

1. Explosives (Class 1)
   UN number: such as UN0029 (black powder), UN0084 (nitrocellulose powder), etc.

Characteristics: easy to cause explosion due to friction, impact or high temperature.

Common substances: powders containing nitro and azide groups.

2. Flammable solids (Class 4.1)
   UN number: such as UN1325 (flammable organic solid powder, such as sulfur), UN3175 (flammable metal powder, such as magnesium powder, aluminum powder).

Characteristics: easily ignited by fire and burns quickly.

Subdivision: Self-reactive substances (such as UN3221~UN3240) and self-heating substances (such as UN3088).

3. Spontaneous combustion substances (Class 4.2)
   UN number: such as UN1383 (pyridine metal powder), UN3178 (activated carbon powder).

Characteristics: Can spontaneously combust when in contact with air.

4. Release flammable gas in contact with water (Class 4.3)
   UN number: such as UN1396 (zinc powder), UN3208 (metal hydride powder).

Characteristics: Produces flammable gas (such as hydrogen) in contact with water or humid environment.

5. Oxidizer (Class 5.1)
   UN number: such as UN1479 (ammonium nitrate powder), UN1507 (potassium permanganate powder).

Characteristics: Contact with other substances may cause violent oxidation reactions.

6. Toxic substances (Class 6.1)
   UN number: such as UN1546 (arsenic compound powder), UN2811 (organic toxic solid).

Characteristics: Inhalation or contact may cause poisoning.

7. Infectious substances (Class 6.2)
   UN number: such as UN2814 (culture powder containing pathogens).

Applicable scenarios: medical or biological laboratories.

8. Corrosive substances (Class 8)
   UN number: such as UN1759 (corrosive solids, such as sodium hydroxide powder), UN3260 (acidic solid powder).

Characteristics: corrosive to skin, metal, etc.

9. Miscellaneous dangerous goods (Class 9)
   UN number: such as UN3077 (environmentally hazardous solid powder), UN3172 (powder containing asbestos).
10. Transportation standards and UN numbers
    The transportation of dangerous powders must comply with the following international/domestic regulations:

United Nations UN number: a unique code to identify the substance (such as UN1325).

Packaging level (PG): divided into Ⅰ (high risk), Ⅱ (medium risk), Ⅲ (low risk) according to the hazard.

Transportation method requirements:

Air transport: comply with the “International Air Transport Dangerous Goods Regulations” (IATA-DGR).

Ocean transport: comply with the “International Maritime Dangerous Goods Regulations” (IMDG Code).

Land transport: China must comply with the “Dangerous Goods Road Transport Regulations” (JT/T 617).

Packaging specifications:

Anti-leakage, anti-static (such as metal powders need to use conductive packaging).

The label must indicate the UN number, hazard category, emergency code, etc.

3. MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) requirements
   The MSDS must contain 16 GHS standard contents, including the following:

Part 1: Chemical identification (name, UN number, CAS number).

Part 2: Hazard classification (such as GHS pictograms, signal words).

Part 9: Physical and chemical properties (particle size, solubility, flash point, etc.).

Part 14: Transport information (UN number, packing group, special requirements).

Emergency treatment measures (such as avoiding inhalation in case of leakage, using dust mask).

IV. Examples of common hazardous powders
Substance name UN number Classification Packing group
Sulfur powder UN1325 Class 4.1 Flammable solid PGⅢ
Aluminum powder (uncoated) UN1396 Class 4.3 Flammable in contact with water PGⅡ
Potassium permanganate UN1490 Class 5.1 Oxidizer PGⅡ
Sodium cyanide powder UN1680 Class 6.1 Toxic substance PGⅠ
V. Precautions
Mixed substances: The overall hazard needs to be tested (such as the mixture may create new risks).

Special provisions: Some powders need to be transported in “excepted quantities” (EQ) or “limited quantities” (LQ).

Compliance: Before shipping, make sure the MSDS and labeling comply with the latest version of GHS or local regulations (such as China GB 30000 series).

If you need UN numbers or MSDS templates for specific substances, further information is available!