Dangerous Goods
Common DG items in Humanitarian Action
ItemCommon IssuesExample ItemPossible UN IDs
Batteries
  • Depending on battery type, may be banned or have limited capability to transport on commercial aircraft.
  • Some battery types are refillable, and may leak harming handlers or reacting to nearby objects or substances.
  • Damaged or swollen batteries are forbidden in air transport.
Lithium ionUN3480, UN3481
Sealed lead acidUN3028, UN2800, UN3090
Refillable lead acidUN2794, UN3171
Lithium metalUN3090, UN3091
Biological Hazards
  • Heavily restricted on some forms of transport.
  • May require specialised documentation. Requires specialised storage.
Blood/medical samplesUN3291
Live infectious substancesUN2814, UN2900
Medical wasteUN3291
Water Purification
  • Some products that contain NaDCC as an active ingredient may count as DG if they contain a sufficiently large percentage, or are shipped in a sufficient size or sufficient quantities (Example: Aquatabs above 1.67 grams per tablet). Always check SDS from the manufacturer before shipping.
  • Keep away from products bearing the 4.3 hazard label.
HTH Calcium HypochloriteUN1748, UN2208, UN2880
NaDCCUN2465
Sodium HypochloriteUN1791
Cleaning Agents
  • If packaging is compromised, may irritate or harm persons handling them.
  • May react to objects and substances stored nearby, causing slow damage or violent energetic reactions.
  • Shade and good ventilation is necessary.
  • When a large quantity must be stored or stowed, if possible, separate in smaller storing quantities.
  • Keep away from products bearing the class 3, division 4.2 hazard labels and in general from any flammable products.
Alcohol bases hand sanitiserUN1987
Chlorine based cleaning solutionsUN1017, UN1908
Compressed Gas
  • Compressed gas cylinders are considered DG even when completely depressurised or empty when transported by air.
  • Compressed gas cylinders may rupture, when stored for long periods of time, or in an unsafe manner.
OxygenUN1002, UN1702
Fire extinguisherUN1044
PropaneUN1978, UN1995 
Liquid Fuel
  • Highly combustible depending on the type.
  • Fuel is often inappropriately stored in a high temperature or unventilated rooms, or centrally located in a warehouse.
  • Shade and good ventilation is necessary.
  • Keep away from substances bearing the division 5.1 hazard label.
Diesel/Gas oilUN1202
Gasoline/PetrolUN1203
KeroseneUN1223
Aviation Fuel/A-1 jet fuelUN1863
Mechanical Equipment and Fluids
  • Vehicles and generators can be considered DG for air shipping because they contain fuel or other potentially hazardous fluids, all of which usually must be below a minimum level or completely drained before transporting in an air craft or sea shipping container.
Automobiles/VehiclesUN3166, UN3171, UN1202, UN2800
EnginesUN3528, UN3529, UN3530, UN3166
GeneratorsUN3166
Oxygen GeneratorUN3356
FreezersUN2857, UN3159
AntifreezeUN3082
CoolantsUN1202
Chemical Fertilizers
  • May be highly explosive depending on chemical composition.
  • Storage in high temperature, lowly ventilated areas, or near other reactive substances might cause serious harm.
Multiple 
Building Related Materials
  • Require proper declaration and documentation for most forms of transport, and is often highly regulated by air transport
PesticidesMany
SealantsMany
PaintsUN1950, UN1263
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