Extended Operational and Trade Vocabulary

IMDG Code, Classes, Packing and Segregation glossary (page 3)

The dangerous-goods vocabulary anchored in the IMDG Code: the hazard classes, packing groups and provisions, segregation tables, the EmS fire and spill schedules, acceptance checks under IMDG 1.4, and on-deck accessibility for firefighting. Grounds each term in the IMDG Code provision that governs the carriage of packaged dangerous goods.

1120 defined terms.

Showing 250 on this page (page 3 of 5).

L

Linseed Oil: Drying oil; risk of self-heating when soaked into rags.
Liquefied Gas: Gas which when packaged under pressure is partially liquid at temperatures above minus 50 degrees Celsius.
Liquefied natural gas: Natural gas cooled to approximately minus 162 degrees Celsius at atmospheric pressure, reducing its volume by a factor of approximately 600.
Liquefied petroleum gas: Propane, butane, or mixtures thereof carried at low temperature, elevated pressure, or both, depending on vessel type.
Lithium Battery Mark: Rectangular mark with black border, UN number text, hazard symbol and contact phone number, required for many UN 3480, 3481, 3090, 3091 consignments.
Lithium Ion Batteries Contained in Equipment: UN 3481, Class 9.
Lithium Ion Batteries Packed with Equipment: UN 3481, Class 9, see SP188 and SP230.
Lithium Ion Batteries Standalone: UN 3480, Class 9.
Lithium Metal Batteries Contained in Equipment: UN 3091, Class 9.
Lithium Metal Batteries Packed with Equipment: UN 3091, Class 9.
Lithium Metal Batteries Standalone: UN 3090, Class 9.
Load: Quantity of dangerous goods placed in a CTU, regulated under IMDG and CTU Code.
Loaded Compartment: Cargo space where dangerous goods have been placed, recorded in the manifest.
Loading Plan: Stowage plan that for dangerous goods must comply with IMDG stowage and segregation tables.
Logbook: Vessel record of fishing activity and catch.
Low Specific Activity: LSA, classification of Class 7 material in subcategories LSA-I, LSA-II and LSA-III under IMDG 2.7.1.5.
LPG: Propane, butane; carried fully refrigerated, semi-refrigerated, or pressurized.
LSA: See Low Specific Activity.

M

Magazine Vessel: Vessel specifically designed for transport of large quantities of Class 1 explosives.
Magnesium Phosphide: UN 2011, Class 4.3 with Class 6.1 subsidiary risk.
Magnesium Powder Coated: UN 1418, Class 4.3 with Class 4.2 subsidiary risk depending on form.
Manifest: Cargo manifest filed with authorities.
Manufacture: Stage at which UN packagings are built and stamped with required marks.
Marine Pollutant: IMDG marking for substances harmful to marine environment.
Marine Pollutant Mark: Pictogram of fish and tree on packages, freight containers and tank containers carrying marine pollutants.
Maritime Safety Committee: MSC, IMO body that adopts amendments to SOLAS and IMDG.
Mass Explosion: Explosion that affects virtually the entire load instantaneously, definition for Class 1.1 substances.
Material safety data sheet: MSDS or SDS for hazardous materials.
Materials Test Report: MTR, supporting documentation for portable tank steels referenced by IMDG 6.7.
MAWP: Maximum Allowable Working Pressure for portable tanks, defined in IMDG 6.7.
MEGC: Multiple Element Gas Container, assembly of cylinders or tubes for transport of compressed gas under IMDG 6.7.5.
Mercury: Heavy metal listed in IHM Table A, found in switches, lamps, and thermometers.
Mercury Compounds Solid NOS: UN 2025, Class 6.1.
Mercury Fulminate Wetted: UN 0135, Class 1.1A primary explosive.
Metal Drum: Packaging codes 1A1, 1A2, 1B1, 1B2 with packing group performance markings.
Metal Hydrides Water Reactive NOS: UN 1409, Class 4.3.
Methane Compressed: UN 1971, Class 2.1 flammable gas.
Methane Refrigerated Liquid: UN 1972, see LNG entry.
Methanol: IBC Category Y; flammable; common chemical tanker cargo.
Methyl Acetate: UN 1231, Class 3 flammable liquid Packing Group II.
Methyl Alcohol: Synonym for methanol, see UN 1230.
Methyl Bromide: Fumigant under IMSBC and IMO MSC.1/Circ.1264.
Methyl Chloride: UN 1063, Class 2.1 flammable liquefied gas.
Methyl Ethyl Ketone: MEK, UN 1193, Class 3 flammable liquid Packing Group II.
Methyl Isocyanate: UN 2480, Class 6.1 with Class 3 subsidiary risk, Packing Group I.
Methyl Methacrylate Monomer Stabilized: UN 1247, Class 3 flammable liquid Packing Group II.
Methyl Tert Butyl Ether: MTBE, UN 2398, Class 3 Packing Group II.
Methylamine Anhydrous: UN 1061, Class 2.1 flammable gas.
Methylamine Aqueous Solution: UN 1235, Class 3 with Class 8 subsidiary risk.
MFAG: Medical First Aid Guide for Use in Accidents Involving Dangerous Goods; IMO publication supplementing IMDG Code.
Mixed Acid Spent: UN 1826, Class 8 with Class 5.1 subsidiary risk.
Mixed Class Container: CTU containing more than one class of dangerous goods, requiring all relevant labels on each side and end of the CTU.
Mixture: Solution or mechanical mixture of substances, IMDG provides classification rules in 2.0.3.
Model Regulations: UN Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods Model Regulations, the Orange Book that underlies IMDG.
Molybdenum Pentachloride: UN 2508, Class 8 corrosive solid Packing Group III.
MSDS: Material safety data sheet for chemicals carried in ER stores.
Multimodal Dangerous Goods Form: MDGF.
Multimodal transport: Transport using two or more modes under one contract.

N

N.O.S.: Not Otherwise Specified, qualifier for generic UN entries such as UN 1992 Flammable Liquid Toxic NOS.
Naphtha Solvent: UN 1256 or UN 2553 depending on composition, Class 3 flammable liquid.
Naphthalene Crude: UN 1334, Class 4.1 flammable solid.
Naphthalene Molten: UN 2304, Class 4.1 flammable solid carried molten, may invoke elevated temperature mark depending on temperature.
NCAGE Code: NATO Commercial and Government Entity Code, occasionally needed for military shipments carried under IMDG.
Net Explosive Quantity: NEQ, mass of explosive substance in a Class 1 article or package, used for stowage and segregation calculations.
Net mass: Mass of cargo excluding container tare and packaging.
Net Quantity per Package: Maximum amount per inner or outer packaging per IMDG 3.4 and column 7a of the Dangerous Goods List.
New Construction: Vessel built after a given SOLAS reference date, subject to stricter dangerous goods structural fire protection.
NFPA: National Fire Protection Association, US standards body whose 704 diamond is not equivalent to IMDG labeling.
Nickel Carbonyl: UN 1259, Class 6.1 with Class 3 subsidiary risk, Packing Group I.
Nicotine Compounds Solid NOS: UN 1655, Class 6.1.
Nitric Acid: UN 2031, Class 8 with Class 5.1 subsidiary risk depending on concentration.
Nitric Oxide Compressed: UN 1660, Class 2.3 with Class 5.1 and 8 subsidiary risks.
Nitrogen Compressed: UN 1066, Class 2.2 non flammable non toxic gas.
Nitrogen Refrigerated Liquid: UN 1977, Class 2.2 cryogenic gas.
Nitroglycerin Desensitized: UN 0143 desensitized with not less than 40 percent water or non volatile desensitizer, Class 1.1D.
Nitromethane: UN 1261, Class 3 flammable liquid Packing Group II.
No Smoking: Stowage condition implicit during dangerous goods handling, reinforced by EmS schedules.
Non Refillable Receptacle: Pressure receptacle designed for single use, IMDG 6.2 with marking restrictions.
Nuclear Material: Subset of Class 7 substances regulated also by national nuclear safeguards regimes.
Number of Packages: Mandatory data field on the DG declaration in addition to type of packages.

O

Octanitrocubane: Not regulated under IMDG as a standard UN entry; included only to caution against fictional entries.
Octolite Dry: UN 0266, Class 1.1D explosive substance.
Octyl Trichlorosilane: UN 1801, Class 8 corrosive liquid Packing Group II.
Offshore Container: Container designed for transport between vessels and offshore installations, must still meet IMDG container requirements when carrying dangerous goods.
Oil spill: Accidental release of petroleum into the marine environment.
On Deck Only: Stowage requirement for certain Class 5.2 organic peroxides and Class 1 substances per column 16a entries.
Open top container: Container with removable tarpaulin roof.
Operational Suitability: Requirement that packaging be suitable for the substance and intended transport conditions, IMDG 4.1.1.
Orange Book: Informal name for the UN Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods Model Regulations.
Organic Peroxide: IMDG Class 5.2; temperature-controlled stowage.
Organic Peroxide Type A: Type forbidden from transport in any packaging.
Organic Peroxide Type B: Allowed only in packagings up to 25 kg with safety devices.
Organic Peroxide Type C: Allowed in packagings up to 50 kg without explosion or detonation.
Organic Peroxide Type D: Allowed in IBCs subject to special provisions.
Organic Peroxide Type E: Suitable for IBCs and portable tanks under defined conditions.
Organic Peroxide Type F: May be transported in portable tanks when meeting acceptance criteria.
Organic Peroxide Type G: Not subject to Class 5.2 provisions but may still meet criteria of another class.
Organochlorine Pesticide Solid Toxic: UN 2761, Class 6.1.
Orientation Arrows: Black or red arrows on two opposing vertical sides indicating upright orientation for liquid inner packagings.
Outer Packaging: Outermost protective component of a combination packaging.
Overpack: Enclosure used by a single consignor to consolidate one or more packages into one unit for handling.
Overpressure Test: Pressure test on packagings and IBCs to verify integrity under IMDG 6.1 and 6.5.
Oxidizer: Class 5.1 substance that yields oxygen and can support combustion of other materials.

P

Package: Complete product of packing operation consisting of packaging and contents prepared for transport.
Packaging Code: Three or four character UN code such as 1A1, 4G, 6HG2 describing material and type of packaging.
Packaging Group I: Substances presenting high danger, marking letter X covers Packing Groups I, II and III.
Packaging Group II: Substances presenting medium danger, marking letter Y covers Packing Groups II and III.
Packaging Group III: Substances presenting low danger, marking letter Z covers Packing Group III only.
Packaging Mark: Embossed or printed UN code with country and manufacturer reference required on every UN packaging.
Packing certificate: CTU Code packing certificate.
Packing Instruction: Code P001 to P906 and similar in IMDG Chapter 4.1 specifying allowed packagings for each UN entry.
Packing Provisions Column: Column 8 of the Dangerous Goods List, referencing packing instructions.
Pail: Common term for small jerricans or open head plastic drums; IMDG uses formal packaging codes.
Pallet: ISO 6780 standard pallet sizes.
Paper Bag: Packaging code 5M1 multi wall and 5M2 multi wall water resistant.
Paper Sack: Synonym for paper bag, used in some IMDG packaging entries.
Paraformaldehyde: UN 2213, Class 4.1 flammable solid.
Particulate Filter: Component of respiratory protection used during dangerous goods incidents, referenced in EmS.
Passenger ship: SOLAS-defined ship carrying more than 12 passengers.
Permitted Packagings: Packagings allowed by the assigned packing instruction for an UN entry.
Peroxide Test: UN Manual of Tests and Criteria Part II tests used to characterize Class 5.2 substances.
Personal protective equipment: Helmets, harnesses, gloves, eyewear, and clothing issued to wind technicians.
Pesticide Liquid Flammable Toxic NOS: UN 3021, Class 3 with Class 6.1 subsidiary risk.
Pesticide Liquid Toxic NOS: UN 2902, Class 6.1.
Petroleum Crude Oil: UN 1267, Class 3 flammable liquid with packing group by flash point and boiling point.
Petroleum Distillates NOS: UN 1268, Class 3 flammable liquid with packing groups I, II or III.
Petroleum Gases Liquefied: UN 1075, Class 2.1.
pH: Negative logarithm of hydrogen ion activity, central to ocean acidification studies.
Phenol Molten: UN 2312, Class 6.1 toxic substance Packing Group II.
Phenol Solid: UN 1671, Class 6.1 toxic solid Packing Group II.
Phenol Solution: UN 2821, Class 6.1.
Phosgene: UN 1076, Class 2.3 toxic gas with Class 8 subsidiary risk, Packing Group I.
Phosphine: UN 2199, Class 2.3 with Class 2.1 subsidiary risk.
Phosphorus Pentachloride: UN 1806, Class 8 corrosive solid.
Phosphorus Pentasulfide: UN 1340, Class 4.3 with Class 4.1 subsidiary risk.
Phosphorus Trichloride: UN 1809, Class 6.1 with Class 8 subsidiary risk.
Phosphorus White Dry: UN 1381, Class 4.2 with Class 6.1 subsidiary risk.
Phosphorus White Molten: UN 2447, Class 4.2 with Class 6.1 subsidiary risk and elevated temperature mark.
Phthalic Anhydride: UN 2214, Class 8 corrosive solid Packing Group III.
Picric Acid Wetted: UN 1344 if at least 30 percent water Class 4.1, or UN 0154 dry Class 1.1D.
Pipeline: Mode for petroleum and gas not covered by IMDG; receipt at ports under terminal regulations.
Plastic Drum: Packaging code 1H1 single walled with non removable head or 1H2 with removable head.
Plastic IBC: Rigid plastic IBC code 31H1 with structural equipment in contact with substance or 31H2 freestanding.
Plastic Jerrican: Codes 3H1 non removable head and 3H2 removable head.
Plastic Receptacle in Steel Drum: Composite packaging code 6HA1 or 6HA2 with rigid or flexible plastic inner.
Plate Heat Exchanger: Heat exchanger using stacked plates with gaskets for compact heat transfer.
Pneumatic Test: Pressure test using gas, used cautiously on pressure receptacles per IMDG 6.2 with safety measures.
Poisonous Gas: Common term for Class 2.3 toxic gas.
Polychlorinated Biphenyls: UN 2315 liquid or UN 3432 solid, Class 9 with environmental concerns.
Polyester Resin Kit: UN 3269 liquid or UN 3527 solid, Class 3 or 4.1 depending on the base substance.
Polymerizing Substance: Substance liable to polymerize with significant heat release, Class 4.1 generic UN 3531, 3532, 3533, 3534.
Portable Tank: Multimodal tank designed to be filled and discharged without removal from the structural framework, IMDG Chapter 6.7.
Portable Tank Approval: Type approval and individual certification under IMDG 6.7.2.18 and 6.7.2.19.
Portable Tank Instruction: T1 to T75 in IMDG 4.2.5, specifying minimum requirements for portable tanks per substance.
Portable Tank Special Provisions: TP1 to TPxx in IMDG 4.2.5.3 modifying or supplementing portable tank instructions.
Potassium: UN 2257, Class 4.3 metallic potassium.
Potassium Chlorate: UN 1485, Class 5.1 oxidizer Packing Group II.
Potassium Cyanide Solid: UN 1680, Class 6.1 Packing Group I.
Potassium Hydroxide Solid: UN 1813, Class 8 corrosive solid Packing Group II.
Potassium Permanganate: UN 1490, Class 5.1 oxidizer Packing Group II.
PPE: See Personal Protective Equipment.
Pre Shipment Testing: Lithium battery requirement under UN Manual of Tests and Criteria Part III Sub Section 38.3 referenced in SP188.
Pressure Drum: Welded steel transportable pressure receptacle with water capacity between 150 and 1000 liters.
Pressure Receptacle: Cylinder, tube, pressure drum, bundle of cylinders or closed cryogenic receptacle.
Pressure Relief Device: Spring loaded valve, bursting disc or fusible plug fitted to pressure receptacles, MEGCs and portable tanks per IMDG.
Pressure Vessel: General term for a pressure receptacle designed to contain a fluid above atmospheric pressure.
Primary Hazard: Main hazard class assigned to a substance, distinct from subsidiary risk.
Primary Packaging: Term sometimes used for inner packaging in pharmaceutical industries, equivalent to inner packaging under IMDG for Class 6.2 triple packaging system.
Primary Receptacle: First receptacle in the triple packaging system for Category A infectious substances.
Print on Package: UN packaging code plus performance level letter and country code, indicating compliance with IMDG 6.1.
Probable: Term avoided in classification; IMDG decisions rest on standardized test data.
Propane: LPG component; carried at -42 C fully refrigerated.
Propanol: UN 1274, Class 3 flammable liquid Packing Group II or III by isomer.
Propellant Liquid: UN 0495, Class 1.3C.
Propellant Solid: UN 0498 Class 1.1C or UN 0499 Class 1.3C.
Proper Shipping Name: PSN, the technical name assigned to a UN entry in capital letters in column 2 of the Dangerous Goods List.
Propionic Acid: UN 1848, Class 8 corrosive liquid Packing Group III.
Propionyl Chloride: UN 1815, Class 3 with Class 8 subsidiary risk.
Propyl Acetate: UN 1276, Class 3 flammable liquid Packing Group II.
Propylene Compressed: UN 1077, Class 2.1.
Propylene Oxide: UN 1280, Class 3 flammable liquid Packing Group I.
PSN: See Proper Shipping Name.
Public Health Hazard: Considered for Category A infectious substances under Class 6.2.
Pumpable Liquid: Property considered when assigning portable tank instructions to viscous liquids.
Pyrophoric Liquid Organic NOS: UN 2845, Class 4.2 Packing Group I.
Pyrophoric Solid Inorganic NOS: UN 3200, Class 4.2 Packing Group I.

Q

Qualified Inspector: Person authorized to perform periodic inspection of pressure receptacles per IMDG 6.2.
Quality Assurance Program: System maintained by packaging manufacturers under IMDG 6.1.1.4 to ensure consistent test compliance.
Quantity Limit per Inner Packaging: Column 7a value in the Dangerous Goods List for LQ.
Quantity Limit per Outer Packaging: Maximum outer packaging mass for LQ shipments, often 30 kg.
Quaternary Ammonium Compound Solution NOS: UN 1903 series; check the current Dangerous Goods List for specific UN numbers and classes.
Quinoline: UN 2656, Class 6.1 toxic liquid Packing Group III.

R

Radioactive Material: Substance with activity concentration and total activity above values in IMDG 2.7.2.2.
Radioactive Material Excepted Package Articles Manufactured from Natural Uranium: UN 2909, Class 7 excepted.
Radioactive Material Excepted Package Empty Packaging: UN 2908, Class 7 excepted.
Radioactive Material Excepted Package Instruments or Articles: UN 2911, Class 7 excepted.
Radioactive Material Excepted Package Limited Quantity of Material: UN 2910, Class 7 excepted.
Radioactive Material Fissile NOS: UN 2918, Class 7.
Radioactive Material Low Specific Activity LSA-I: UN 2912, Class 7.
Radioactive Material Low Specific Activity LSA-II: UN 3321, Class 7.
Radioactive Material Low Specific Activity LSA-III: UN 3322, Class 7.
Radioactive Material Special Form NOS: UN 2974, Class 7.
Radioactive Material Surface Contaminated Objects SCO-I: UN 2913 (also covers SCO-II), Class 7.
Radioactive Material Type A Package: UN 2915, 3327 fissile excepted, or 3332 special form, Class 7 by content.
Radioactive Material Type B(M) Package: UN 2917, Class 7.
Radioactive Material Type B(U) Package: UN 2916, Class 7.
Radioactive Material Type C Package: UN 3323, Class 7.
Radionuclide: Atom with unstable nucleus, basis for activity classification under IMDG 2.7.
Receptacle: Containment vessel for receiving and holding dangerous goods.
Reduced Capacity Tank: Portable tank with capacity below 1000 liters fitted with additional requirements per IMDG.
Reefer container: Refrigerated container with integral plant.
Refrigerated Liquefied Gas: Liquefied gas at very low temperature, Class 2 with portable tank instruction T75.
Regulated Medical Waste: UN 3291, Class 6.2.
Relief valve: Spring loaded valve preventing system overpressure.
Remnant Cargo: Residue in empty uncleaned packagings, subject to IMDG provisions in 5.1.3.
Reportable Quantity: US national concept for marine pollutants triggering EPA reporting; not an IMDG threshold.
Resin Solution Flammable: UN 1866, Class 3 with PG I, II or III.
Resin Solution Toxic: Falls under UN 1992 Class 3 with Class 6.1 subsidiary risk, depending on flash point and toxicity.
Resistance to Stacking Test: Test on IBCs and large packagings under IMDG 6.5 and 6.6.
Responsibility Statement: Declaration by shipper on the DG form that the consignment is fully and accurately described and in proper condition for transport.
Restricted Article: Aviation industry term equivalent in spirit to dangerous goods; in IMDG every Class 1 to 9 entry is regulated.
RID: Regulations concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Rail, harmonized with IMDG via UN Model Regulations.
Risk Group: WHO classification of pathogens used as input for Class 6.2 categorization.
Road Tanker: Tank vehicle regulated under ADR for road carriage and not normally exchanged with IMDG portable tanks during sea legs.
Road Vehicle: Vehicle used as a CTU for IMDG carriage subject to lashing and packing rules of CSS and CTU codes.
Rocket Motor: UN 0186 Class 1.3C or UN 0280 Class 1.1B depending on construction and content.
Roll on roll off: RoRo loading and discharging.
RTECS Number: Registry of Toxic Effects of Chemical Substances number; not a UN identifier but useful in supporting documentation.
Rust Preventer: Generally low hazard; classification depends on solvent base and flash point.

S

S.A.D.T.: Self Accelerating Decomposition Temperature for self reactive Class 4.1 substances and Class 5.2 organic peroxides.
Safety Adviser: See Dangerous Goods Safety Adviser.
Safety Cap: Closure used on cylinder valves to protect against impact damage during transport.
Safety Data Sheet: The MSDS required under MARPOL Annex I for oil cargoes and bunkers, reviewed under VIQ Chapters 6 and 8.
Safety Device: Device on pressure receptacles or organic peroxide packagings such as vents or bursting discs.
Salvage Packaging: Special packaging into which damaged or leaking dangerous goods packages are placed for recovery, IMDG 6.1.5.1.11.
Salvage Pressure Receptacle: Pressure receptacle into which damaged or leaking cylinders are placed; design per IMDG 6.2.3.11.
SCBA: Self-contained breathing apparatus.
Schedule of Approval: IMO Schedule attached to DGDOC listing spaces approved for dangerous goods.
Scrap Battery: Used or damaged battery; transport of used lithium batteries follows SP376 and may require approval.
Sea Carrier Document: Information set provided by sea carrier accepting the dangerous goods consignment.
Sealed Source: Class 7 radioactive source encapsulated to prevent dispersion under normal conditions.
Section II Lithium Battery: Smaller battery shipments under SP188 with limited documentation; still requires lithium battery mark for many shipments.
Segregation Codes SG1 to SG78: Codes assigned in column 16b of the Dangerous Goods List that modify or specify segregation beyond the basic table.
Segregation Group SGG1 Acids: Group of acidic substances such as UN 1789 hydrochloric acid.
Segregation Group SGG10 Liquid Halogenated Hydrocarbons: Group containing chlorinated solvents.
Segregation Group SGG11 Mercury and Mercury Compounds: Group including UN 2809 mercury.
Segregation Group SGG12 Nitrites and Their Mixtures: Group containing UN 1488 potassium nitrite.
Segregation Group SGG13 Perchlorates: Group containing UN 1489 potassium perchlorate.
Segregation Group SGG14 Permanganates: Group containing UN 1490 potassium permanganate.
Segregation Group SGG15 Powdered Metals: Group of finely divided metallic powders such as UN 1437 zirconium hydride.