The Department of Defense (DOD) ESQD hazard
classification
system
is
based
on
a
system
recommended for international use by the United
Nations Organization (UNO). The UNO system has
nine classes of hazardous material; but, DOD only uses
three of the nine classesClass 1, explosives; Class 2,
Division 3, poison A; and Class 6, poisonous (toxic)
and infectious substances. Table 12-4 identifies each of
the nine classes.
In reviewing table 12-4, you can see that some
items are placed in classes other than Class 1. Since
DOD uses only Class 1 items for explosives, Class 1
assignments have been made. However, to maintain
identity, DOD places these items in Class 1 for storage
only until DOD implements other classes. As an AO,
you are involved with the storage of Class 1 material;
therefore, the information contained in this section only
deal with Class 1 classifications.
DOD Hazard Class 1 is subdivided into divisions 1
through 5, based on the character and predominance of
the associated hazards and the potential for causing
personnel casualties or property damage. These
subdivision are not based upon compatibility groups or
intended use. The division within Class 1 and the
expected hazard for each division is listed in table 12-5.
MASS-DETONATING
HAZARD
MATE-
RIALS (CLASS 1, DIVISION 1).Damage from
mass-detonating
hazard
materials
is
caused
by
concussion or blast or by sympathetic detonation.
Prescribed distances between piles of these materials
and between magazines containing these materials
must be maintained to minimize the possibility of
sympathetic detonation or propagation. Ammunition
and explosives that are considered mass-detonating
hazards are Hazard Class 1, Division 1.
NON-MASS-DETONATING HAZARD, FRAG-
MENT-PRODUCING MATERIALS (CLASS 1,
DIVISION 2).The principal hazards for items
within this division are fragment and blast, either
individually or in combination, depending on such
factors as storage configuration, type of packing, and
quantity. The designated minimum distances are based
upon the limited range of fragments. These are the
distances that must be used for protection of inhabited
buildings and public traffic routes. Since fragment-
producing materials can be grouped according to the
12-6
CLASS
TYPE OF HAZARDOUS MATERIAL
1
2*
3
4
5
6*
7
8
9
Ammunition and explosives, DOT Classes A, B, and C; Blasting Agents
Compressed gases, flammable and nonflammable, Poison gases (Poison A)
Flammable liquids
Flammable solids or substances
Oxidizing materials
Poisonous substances (Poison B); Irritating materials; Etiological agents
Radioactive materials
Corrosive materials
Miscellaneous dangerous substances (other regulated materials)
*Includes ammunition without explosive components which contain toxic chemical agents, and
containers of toxic chemical agents in bulk. Formerly ESQD Class 8.
Table 12-4.United Nations Organization Hazard Classes
