UN/DOT Hazardous Materials Testing
Accurate Classification of Dangerous Goods for Transport
We provide a variety of tests for the transportation classification of dangerous goods as prescribed by the United Nations (UN) and U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations. Our GLP- and ISO 17025-compliant testing laboratories are equipped to handle powders, liquids, aerosols, gases, and vapors, including those classified—or believed to be—toxic, highly active, or controlled.
DEKRA is recognized for our extensive knowledge and experience, as well as first-rate testing facilities. Our collaborative approach focuses on delivering timely and effective solutions to protect people, properties, and the environment.
Comprehensive Testing for Transport of Dangerous Goods
Our testing of dangerous goods for transportation is based on the UN classification system and includes several recommended methods and procedures.
UN Class 1 (Explosives)
- Drop impact test – Determines sensitivity to impact
- Friction sensitivity test – Determines sensitivity to friction
- Thermal stability test – Determines thermal stability of a substance
- Koenen test – Determines the effect of heating under confinement
- Time/pressure test – Determines the effect of ignition under confinement
UN Class 2 (Aerosols)
- Heat of combustion test – Conducted per ASTM D240
- Ignition distance test – Determines flammability of a spray aerosol
- Enclosed space ignition test – Conducted per ASTM D3065 and UN Section 31, it determines flammability of a spray aerosol
- Flame projection test – Conducted per ASTM D3065
- Aerosol foam flammability test
UN Class 3 (Flammable Liquids)
- Flash point test – Conducted using multiple ASTM methods, including D92, D93, and D3278
- Fire point test – Conducted per ASTM D92
- Sustained combustion test – Conducted per UN test L.2 or ASTM D4206
UN Class 4 (Flammable Solids and Self-Reactive Substances)
Division 4.1 (Self-Reactive Substances, Organic Peroxides, Polymerizing Substances, and Flammable Solids)
- H.1 United States SADT (self-accelerating decomposition temperature) test
- H.2 adiabatic storage test – Determines the SADT
- H.4 heat accumulation storage test – Determines the SADT
- N.1 burning rate test – Conducted per UN/DOT Test N.1 to determine the ability of a substance to propagate combustion
Division 4.2 (Self-Heating Solids, Pyrophoric Solids, and Liquids)
- N.2 pyrophoric solids test – Conducted per UN/DOT Test N.2
- N.3 pyrophoric liquids test – Conducted per UN/DOT Test N.3
- N.4 self-heating substances test – Conducted per UN/DOT Test N.4 to determine the ability of a substance to undergo oxidative self-heating
Division 4.3 (Dangerous When Wet)
- N.5 Dangerous when wet test – Conducted per UN Test N.5 to determine whether reaction with water produces flammable or toxic gases
UN Class 5 (Oxidizing Substances and Organic Peroxides)
Division 5.1 (Oxidizing Substances)
- O.1 solid oxidizing substance test – Conducted per UN Test O.1
- O.2 liquid oxidizing substance test – Conducted per UN Test O.2
- O.3 solid oxidizing substance test – Conducted per UN Test O.3
Division 5.2 (Oxidizing Peroxides)
- Organic peroxide testing
UN Class 8 (Corrosives)
- Corrositex® skin test – Conducted per UN/DOT to determine dermal corrosion
- C.1 metal corrosivity test – Conducted per UN Test C.1 or ASTM G31
UN Class 9 (Miscellaneous Hazardous Materials)
- U.1 substances liable to evolve flammable vapors – Determines if expandable or plastic molding compounds evolve flammable vapors to determine UN2211 designation
All tests are performed in accordance with the methods described in the UN and DOT recommendations on the transport of dangerous goods.
Why DEKRA?
As the partner for safety at home, at work, and on the road, DEKRA is one of the largest safety organizations in the world. Today the company employs more than 44,000 specialists worldwide focused on increasing safety in all areas of life, including safety consulting, automotive inspections, and product certification. DEKRA operates in over 60 countries delivering a safer world through consulting, inspections, testing, certification, auditing, and training.
DEKRA North America is a recognized leader in process safety, including dust testing and analysis. Our team of experts characterizes potential hazards, conducts dust explosion testing, and mitigates combustion and fire hazards in order to protect people, facilities, and communities.
