How to identify dangerous goods?

1, Definition of dangerous goods
Dangerous goods, also known as hazardous materials, refer to substances and items that have hazardous characteristics such as explosiveness, flammability, toxicity, infectivity, corrosiveness, and radioactivity, and are prone to cause personal injury, property damage, or environmental pollution during transportation, storage, production, operation, use, and disposal, requiring special protection. These substances or items, due to their unique physical and chemical properties, may cause serious safety accidents if not handled properly.
2, Key steps for identifying hazardous materials
1. Observe the appearance and labels
Appearance features: Dangerous goods often have unique appearance features, such as bright colors, special shapes, and tight packaging. For example, flammable liquids are usually stored in sealed containers with clear flammable markings on them; Corrosive substances may be packaged in special materials that are corrosion-resistant.
Labels and markings: Dangerous goods packaging usually has clear labels and markings, which contain information such as the name, hazard category, warning language, protective measures, etc. of the dangerous goods. For example, the United Nations Dangerous Goods Number (UN Number) is an internationally recognized dangerous goods identification code that allows for quick understanding of the nature and transportation requirements of dangerous goods.
2. Refer to the Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
A Safety Data Sheet (SDS) is an important document regarding the safe use of chemicals, which provides a detailed description of the physical and chemical properties, health hazards, environmental impacts, first aid measures, fire protection measures, leak handling, and other related aspects of chemicals. For unfamiliar chemicals, reviewing their SDS can provide a comprehensive understanding of their hazards and enable appropriate protective measures to be taken.
3. Utilize professional tools and software
With the development of technology, more and more professional tools and software are being applied to the identification and management of hazardous materials. For example, some mobile applications can quickly obtain safety information of chemicals by scanning their barcodes or entering their names; Some professional chemical databases provide rich chemical information resources and query functions.
4. Consult professionals
When unsure whether a substance is hazardous or when there are doubts about its danger, professionals such as chemical engineers, safety consultants, or staff from relevant departments should be consulted in a timely manner. They can provide accurate judgments and suggestions based on their professional knowledge and experience.
3, Practical identification methods and precautions
1. Pay attention to odor and color
Some dangerous goods have special odors or colors, such as irritating odors, foul odors, or bright colors. These characteristics can serve as a preliminary basis for judgment, but it should be noted that not all hazardous materials have a distinct odor or color.
2. Understand common types of hazardous materials
Familiarity with the types and characteristics of common hazardous materials, such as flammable liquids, corrosive substances, toxic gases, etc., helps to quickly identify hazardous materials and take corresponding protective measures.
3. Adhere to safety operating procedures
When handling any substance, it is necessary to strictly follow the safety operating procedures and wear appropriate personal protective equipment (such as protective goggles, protective clothing, gloves, etc.) to prevent accidental injuries.
4. Maintain vigilance and caution
For any unknown or uncertain substance, one should remain vigilant and cautious, avoiding blind contact or handling. During the processing, attention should be paid to observing the changes and reactions of substances in order to promptly detect and deal with potential hazards.