June 13, 2024
BY charles

Class 8 Corrosive Substances: A Hazardous Materials Guide

Definition and Characteristics of Class 8 Corrosives

What are Class 8 Corrosives?

Class 8 corrosives are liquids or solids that destroy human skin completely at the point of contact within a set time.
They are hazardous waste and need special handling and disposal.
Examples of Class 8 corrosives are hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid and nitric acid.

Classification and Regulations

Hazardous Materials Classification

There are 9 generally accepted classes of hazardous materials, Class 8 is one of the most dangerous and most common.
Class 8 corrosives are classified based on their ability to harm humans, animals or the environment.

Handling and Storage

The federal government has 5 agencies that write hazardous materials regulations, EPA, OSHA, DOT, PHMSA and NRC and set guidelines for carriers of Class 8 hazardous materials and other hazardous materials in commerce..

Safe Handling

Corrosive Storage

Class 8 corrosives must be stored in specific corrosion resistant containers.
The container must be chemically resistant to the properties of the material inside.
Storage cabinets must have close-fit doors made from corrosion resistant material and a lining that is corrosion resistant.

Transporting Class 8 Corrosives

Class 8 corrosives must be transported according to regulations and guidelines.
The material must be classified into one of 3 packing groups based on the severity of the hazard.
Other shipping requirements are to generate a shipping manifest and comply with the law.

Hazardous Waste Management

Disposal of Class 8 Corrosives

Disposing of corrosive liquids legally and responsibly is governed by federal and state laws.
U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) prohibit disposing of corrosive liquids as regular waste.
Proper disposal of hazardous waste is key to being in compliance with the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA).

Frequently Asked Questions for Class 8 Hazardous Materials

What is DOT class 8 corrosive material?

The DOT (Department of Transportation) class for Class 8 corrosive materials is for substances that can cause severe damage to skin, eyes and other tissue and corrode metals. This is part of a larger regulatory framework to ensure safe transportation of hazardous materials, requires specific labeling, packaging and handling procedures to mitigate the risks.

What will Class 8 corrosive liquids do?

Class 8 corrosive liquids can cause severe damage to living tissue, skin and eyes and cause serious injuries such as burns, permanent tissue damage and even blindness on contact. They can also corrode metals and other materials and compromise the integrity of containers, pipelines or structural members they come into contact with. Because they can cause so much damage they need to be handled, stored and transported carefully.

What is a hazard class 8 placard?

The hazard class 8 placard is a standardized label used in the transportation of hazardous materials to indicate the presence of corrosive substances. This label is part of a regulatory system to inform emergency responders and handlers of the risks and to take necessary safety precautions. It has a black and white symbol of materials dripping from a test tube onto a hand and a metal surface with the number 8 on it.

Do you need placards for class 8?

Yes, class 8 requires placards. Regulations require vehicles transporting Class 8 corrosive materials to display specific placards to alert others of the hazards. These placards are important for transport personnel, emergency responders and the public as it provides immediate recognition of the corrosive nature of the contents so proper precautions can be taken during transport and in case of an accident.

What packing group is class 8?

Class 8 corrosives are divided into 3 packing groups based on the severity of the hazard. Packing Group I is for high hazard, Packing Group II for medium hazard and Packing Group III for low hazard. The packing group determines the specific packaging requirements and handling procedures to ensure safe transportation of these hazardous materials.

What are Class 8 dangerous goods labels?

Class 8 dangerous goods labels are labels used to mark packages containing corrosive substances during transport. These labels have the Class 8 hazard symbol and provides critical information about the hazard. They are to inform handlers, transporters and emergency responders of the contents and to take necessary safety precautions to prevent accidents and manage emergencies.

What are the 9 classes of dangerous goods?

The 9 classes of dangerous goods are categories used to classify hazardous materials based on their characteristics. These classes are: 1) Explosives, 2) Gases, 3) Flammable Liquids, 4) Flammable Solids, 5) Oxidizing Substances, 6) Toxic and Infectious Substances, 7) Radioactive Materials, 8) Corrosives, 9) Miscellaneous Dangerous Goods. Each class has its own labeling and handling requirements to ensure safety during transport and storage.

How are corrosives classified?

Corrosives are classified based on their ability to cause destruction or irreversible damage to living tissues and metals. This classification considers the substance’s pH level, concentration and reactivity. Regulatory bodies classify corrosives as Class 8 which includes acids, bases and other chemicals that pose significant risks. The classification helps in ensuring proper handling, storage and transportation to mitigate these risks.

Conclusion

Summary

Class 8 corrosives need extra attention because it can cause full thickness destruction of human skin.
Label, store, transport and dispose all hazardous waste including Class 8 corrosives properly.
Contact a licensed and experienced hazardous waste management professional to comply with federal, state and local regulations.