How is a dangerous good classified?

A dangerous good is classified through the use of the TDG classification system based on its properties and risks. This system is designed to identify potential hazards associated with the substance, such as its physical, chemical, and health-related characteristics. Classification involves assessing factors like flammability, toxicity, reactivity, and ecological impact.

Understanding the specific properties and risks associated with each substance is crucial for ensuring the safety of transportation, handling, and storage. By categorizing these goods accurately, emergency responders can act appropriately in the event of an incident, minimizing health risks and environmental damage.

Other classification methods, like considering location, weight, price, market demand, or color-coded systems, do not provide a reliable basis for assessing the inherent dangers of the goods themselves. Therefore, these approaches lack the scientific underpinning necessary for establishing safety protocols in transporting hazardous materials.