Published on 6 years ago

Dangerous Goods – Class 5: Oxidizing Substances; Organic Peroxides

Dangerous goods – class 5 are divided to 2 sub-divisions, oxidizing substances and organic peroxides. Oxidizers are defined by dangerous goods regulations as substances which may cause or contribute to combustion, generally by yielding oxygen as a result of a redox chemical reaction. Organic peroxides are substances which may be considered derivatives of hydrogen peroxide where one or both hydrogen atoms of the chemical structure have been replaced by organic radicals.

Sub-Divisions

Division 5.1: Oxidizing substances

Division 5.1: Organic peroxides

Reason for Regulation

Oxidizers, although not necessarily combustible in themselves, can yield oxygen and in so doing cause or contribute to the combustion of other materials. Organic peroxides are thermally unstable and may exude heat whilst undergoing exothermic autocatalytic decomposition. Additionally, organic peroxides may be liable to explosive decomposition, burn rapidly, be sensitive to impact or friction, react dangerously with other substances or cause damage to eyes.