DOT Class 1: Explosives
DOT Class 1 covers explosives: substances and articles that are designed to function by explosion, or that can detonate or burn so fast that they behave like explosives, such as ammunition, detonators, fireworks and blasting agents. Class 1 is split into six divisions, 1.1 to 1.6, that describe how the explosion would act.
How it is defined
- Class 1 includes explosive substances, explosive articles (such as cartridges and detonators) and pyrotechnic substances and articles (such as fireworks and flares).
- The six divisions rank the way the hazard shows up: mass explosion, projection hazard, fire with minor blast, minor hazard, very insensitive substances that can still mass-detonate, and extremely insensitive articles.
- In addition to the division number, each Class 1 material is assigned a compatibility group letter (A to S) that controls which explosives can be loaded or stored together. The shipping description shows both, for example 1.4S.
- Explosives are classified by authorized testing and approval, not by the shipper's own judgment. The Hazardous Materials Table and the approvals attached to a product control how it can be shipped.
Summary of 49 CFR Parts 171 to 180. The regulations and the Hazardous Materials Table (49 CFR 172.101) control any shipment.
Label and placard
- Colors
- Orange background, black symbol and numbers
- Symbol
- Exploding bomb for divisions 1.1, 1.2 and 1.3; the division number for 1.4, 1.5 and 1.6
The label and placard are orange. For divisions 1.1 to 1.3 they show an exploding bomb and the division and compatibility group; for 1.4 to 1.6 they show the division number and the compatibility group.
Packing groups
Class 1 materials do not have packing groups. They are controlled by division and compatibility group instead. How packing groups work.
Common examples
- Ammunition and cartridges
- Detonators and detonating cord
- Fireworks and flares
- Blasting agents and commercial explosives
- Airbag inflators and seat belt pretensioners in some forms
How it relates to GHS
The GHS explosives class (the exploding bomb pictogram, GHS01) lines up broadly with DOT Class 1. Older GHS revisions (and OSHA HazCom) use unstable explosives and divisions that map to Class 1 divisions; newer UN GHS revisions group explosives into Categories 1, 2A, 2B and 2C instead. The two systems are tested and assigned under separate rules, so do not assume the same material has an identical rating in both.
DOT classes and GHS classes are assigned under different rules, so a product can have different severity labels in each. See also all GHS hazard classes.
Safe handling reminders
- Never ship, store or handle explosives without the approvals, training and security measures the regulations and licensing require.
- Keep away from heat, sparks, friction and impact, and store only with compatible explosives.
- Follow the specific storage and quantity limits set by the authority having jurisdiction.
Where to find it on an SDS
In Section 14 look for a Class 1 entry, the division and compatibility group (such as 1.4S), the UN number and any special provisions or required approvals. Look in Section 14: Transport information. Hazard classification for the workplace is in Section 2. You can also see how a UN number points to a response guide on the UN and NA numbers page.
Divisions in Class 1
Frequently asked questions
What is a DOT Class 1 material?
A DOT Class 1 material is an explosive: a substance or article designed to explode, or one that can detonate or burn so rapidly that it acts like an explosive. Ammunition, detonators, blasting agents and fireworks are common examples.
What are the six divisions of Class 1?
1.1 mass explosion hazard, 1.2 projection hazard, 1.3 fire hazard with minor blast or projection, 1.4 minor hazard, 1.5 very insensitive substances with a mass explosion hazard, and 1.6 extremely insensitive articles with no mass explosion hazard.
What color is a Class 1 placard?
Orange. It shows an exploding bomb for divisions 1.1 to 1.3 and the division number for 1.4 to 1.6, with a compatibility group letter.
General reference only. It does not replace the supplier's SDS or the current federal regulations.