Class 3 Dangerous Goods: Flammable Liquids

Class 3 dangerous goods refer to flammable liquids. Because they pose a significant risk, their handling and transport must strictly follow Canadian transportation regulations. For any business, understanding this classification is essential to prevent incidents, protect your team, and ensure public safety.

What Is a Class 3 Dangerous Good?

Class 3 dangerous goods include any substance that can ignite easily when exposed to heat or an open flame. These products are extremely common and often part of everyday life: gasoline, solvents, alcohol, paint, varnish, or resins.

Their primary hazard is the flash point, the minimum temperature at which a liquid releases enough vapour to ignite. The lower the flash point, the higher the fire risk. For class 3 products, the flash point is 60.5°C (140°F) or lower.

Packaging Groups

Unlike other dangerous goods, Class 3 does not include subclasses like Class 1 explosives. Instead, they are divided into three packaging groups based on their level of danger:

• Group I: Extremely flammable liquids and vapours (initial boiling point ≤ 35°C)
• Group II: Highly flammable liquids and vapours (initial boiling point > 35°C and flash point < 23°C)
• Group III: Flammable liquids and vapours (initial boiling point > 35°C and flash point between 23°C and 60°C)

How to Identify a Class 3 Material

Safety Data Sheet (SDS)

Every chemical product must have a mandatory Safety Data Sheet (SDS). This document includes:

• The hazard class according to the Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG)
• Regulations The UN number (e.g., UN 1203 for gasoline, UN 1993 for miscellaneous flammable liquids)
• The packaging group (I, II, or III) indicating the hazard level
• The flash point, which determines how easily vapour may ignite. If the flash point is below 60°C, the product is very likely classified as a Class 3 flammable liquid.

Pictogram

Class 3 materials are identified by a red diamond with a black flame. This symbol must appear on:

• The product container
• Shipping documents
• Transport vehicle placards

Official UN Numbers

Canada’s TDG Regulations include a complete list of dangerous goods and their classifications. Here are some examples:

• UN 1203 : Gasoline
• UN 1993 : Flammable liquid, n.o.s.
• UN 1263 : Paints
• UN 1219 : Isopropanol
• UN 1987 : Denatured alcohol

Common Products Classified as Flammable Liquids

Examples of regulated Class 3 liquids include:

• Acetone
• Adhesives and glues
• Paints, lacquers, varnishes
• Various alcohols (butanol, methanol, ethanol)
• Perfume products
• Gasoline, fuel oil, diesel
• Heating oil, kerosene
• Resins, tar, turpentine
• Benzene, butanol, isopropanol, methanol, octanes
• Thinners and strippers
• Essential oils
• Perfumes and aftershaves

Risks and dangers

Flammable liquids present three main types of risks:

Fire and Explosion

A small amount of vapour can form an explosive mixture in the air. Contact with a flame, spark, or even static electricity may trigger a major fire.

Health

Inhaling vapours or skin contact with certain toxic substances can cause headaches, respiratory irritation, or burns.

Environmental

In the event of a spill, these substances can contaminate soil, waterways, and groundwater. Cleanup must always be performed by trained professionals. Prevention relies on staff training, approved equipment, and strict compliance with TDG regulations.

Laws and Regulations

In Canada, the Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG) Regulations govern all aspects of handling, packaging, and transporting flammable liquids. They require:

• Identification by the correct UN number
• Use of approved containers
• Proper danger placards (red diamond, number 3)
• Shipping documents describing the product and the emergency plan
• Mandatory training for employees handling these materials

In Québec, additional provincial regulations reinforce federal safety requirements, especially for storage, signage, and environmental response plans.

Transport and Storage

As mentioned earlier, transporting Class 3 dangerous goods requires strict procedures, and only accredited companies may handle their transportation. In addition to required labels and regulatory documents, specific rules must be followed:

1. The vehicle temperature must remain stable.
2. Flammable liquids must be separated from corrosive or oxidizing materials.
3. Heat sources, smoking areas, and sparks must be avoided.

For storage, liquids must be kept in standardized, resistant, leakproof containers. These containers must be stored in a dedicated, ventilated room. Spill containment systems must also be in place, and staff must be properly trained in safe handling and storage procedures.

Applying these measures significantly reduces the risks associated with flammable liquids.

Enviro Urgence: Your Trusted Partner for Class 3 Dangerous Goods Transport

At Enviro Urgence, we apply our TDG compliance expertise and technical know-how to ensure your safety. Whether you handle flammable liquids, solvents, or fuels, our team provides transport, containment, and cleanup services with precision and reliability 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Contact us to schedule the transport of your dangerous goods or to request a full compliance assessment.