July 31, 2025

What is dangerous goods? A guide to transportation and handling

When you work in transportation and logistics, you will inevitably come across the term dangerous goods. But what does it really mean and why is it so important to understand?

Dangerous goods include all materials and products that can pose a risk to people, the environment or property during transportation. It can be anything from chemicals and explosives to batteries and perfume. H. Daugaard has worked in transportation and logistics for more than 100 years. As an SQAS-certified company with specialized facilities, we know how complex and critical the proper handling of dangerous goods is.

‍

What should be considered dangerous goods?

Dangerous goods are divided into nine different classes according to their hazardous properties, and of these nine classes, we at H. Daugaard handle seven of them. These classes help identify how the products should be handled and transported safely.

Class 2: Gases (Only 2.1 Flammable gases & 2.2 Non-flammable, non-toxic gases)

According to dangerous goods regulations, gases are defined as substances that either have a vapor pressure of at least 300 kPa at 50°C or exist exclusively in gaseous form at 20°C under normal atmospheric pressure. This category includes compressed, liquefied and dissolved gases, as well as deep-chilled liquefied gases. It also includes mixtures of gases and vapors from substances in other hazard classes, gas-filled objects and aerosols.

Class 3: Flammable liquids

Flammable liquids are defined in the Dangerous Goods Regulations as liquids or liquid mixtures - possibly with solids in solution or suspension - that can form flammable vapors at temperatures not exceeding 60-65°C (flash point). This also applies to liquids transported at or above their flash point and to substances in liquid form at elevated temperatures if they emit flammable vapors at or below the highest temperature at which they are transported.

Class 4: Flammable solids

Combustible solids include materials that are easily ignited or contribute to fire under transportation conditions. This includes substances that are either highly flammable themselves, can cause fire by friction, or are self-reactive and can undergo a vigorous exothermic reaction without the addition of oxygen. A special subgroup are substances that produce flammable gases on contact with water - and in some cases can even become spontaneously combustible during this reaction.

Class 5: 5.1 Oxidizing substances and 5.2 Peroxides

Oxidizing substances are chemical compounds that, according to dangerous goods regulations, are not necessarily flammable, but through chemical reaction - typically a redox process - release oxygen or promote oxygenation. As such, they can cause or intensify a fire if they come into contact with combustible materials. They therefore pose a significant fire hazard, especially during storage and transportation, where uncontrolled contact with other substances must be avoided. A special subcategory are organic peroxides, which are compounds that are structurally similar to hydrogen peroxide, but with one or both hydrogen atoms replaced by organic radicals. This chemical structure often makes them unstable and highly reactive.

Class 6: (Only 6.1 Toxic substances)

Toxic substances are defined as materials that pose a serious health risk to humans - and in some cases also animals - through ingestion, inhalation or skin contact. These substances can cause acute or chronic damage to health and in the worst case can be fatal, even in small quantities. The classification as toxic depends on the toxicity of the substance, which is measured through tests on exposure and dose.

Class 8: Corrosives

Acidic and basic chemicals that can cause serious damage to skin or materials.

Class 9: Miscellaneous dangerous substances

An umbrella group for substances that do not fit into the other classes but still pose a risk. This class covers a wide range of substances and objects, including environmentally hazardous materials transported at elevated temperatures, various types of articles and substances, genetically modified organisms and microorganisms, as well as - depending on the mode of transport - magnetic materials and substances subject to special rules for air transportation.

Important to know: Even common products like perfume, nail polish or lithium batteries are considered dangerous goods during transportation.

"Our dedicated team and specialized facilities, specifically designed to store and handle dangerous goods, are key to the safety of our processes. At H. Daugaard , we pride ourselves on our expertise, ensuring that documentation and safety requirements are handled with care and professionalism."
‍
- Jan Nielsen, Warehouse Manager

Do you have a responsibility as a shipper of dangerous goods?

Along with knowing the classifications, it's also important to understand the legal and ethical responsibilities you have as a shipper. This responsibility starts when you decide to ship dangerous goods and extends throughout the entire transportation process.

Your responsibility as a sender

You need to ensure proper classification of your products and know exactly what type of dangerous goods you are shipping. Misclassification can have serious consequences. Packaging must be approved for the specific type of dangerous goods and each package must have the correct hazard symbols and information so everyone in the transportation chain knows what they are handling.

Documentation must be complete and correct, including waybills, safety data sheets and other required documents. If you fail to comply with these rules, you risk significant fines and, in the worst case, could be held liable for damage to people, the environment or property.

That's why it's important to work with experienced partners. Our certification ensures that your road transportation follows all applicable standards.

Do dangerous goods need to be documented?

Yes, documentation is a crucial part of dangerous goods transportation. Without proper documentation, transportation cannot take place.

Required documents include:

Waybills (ADR documents) - These contain detailed information about the dangerous goods, including UN number, goods designation and hazard class.

Safety data sheets - Contains important safety information about the product, including first aid and emergency procedures.

Transport documents - Depending on the mode of transport - road, rail or sea - specific documents may be required.

Instructions for drivers - Drivers must have written instructions on what to do in emergency situations.

Tip: It is a legal requirement to keep copies of the documents in the truck. The documentation must be in the correct language(s) and contain all required information. It must also be easily accessible throughout the transportation.

Other important information about dangerous goods

Certain types of dangerous goods have specific temperature and compartmentalization requirements during transportation. Some substances require controlled temperatures with refrigerated or heated transport solutions, and not all hazardous materials can be transported together. There are clear rules about which substances can be combined and which must be kept separate to avoid dangerous reactions.

Transportation may be subject to specific route and time restrictions. Certain roads, tunnels and bridges do not allow the passage of dangerous goods, and in densely populated areas special time periods may apply. It requires careful planning and knowledge of local conditions for safe and legal delivery.

Everyone who handles dangerous goods - from drivers to warehouse workers - must have approved training. When goods cross national borders, there may also be special national rules in addition to ADR regulations. Here you'll benefit from our extensive experience in dangerous goods transportation, helping you navigate all these complex requirements.

Safe handling with the right partner

Ensuring the proper handling of dangerous goods requires the right expertise and experience. Transportation of dangerous goods requires significantly more planning than regular transportation. Special permits must be obtained, routes must be carefully planned, and there may be time constraints. This extra planning time is an investment in safety. However, special permits and time constraints are rare.

Regulations are constantly changing with new technology and updated international standards, which is why it's important that you constantly stay up-to-date. This is why we work with professional partners who make it their mission to keep up with all the changes.

At H. Daugaard , we combine our many years of industry experience with modern facilities and the necessary regulatory permits. We offer advice and can help you identify the best transportation solution for your specific dangerous goods. Our expertise ensures that your transportation is safe, efficient and in compliance with all applicable regulations.

‍