Corrosive 8 Placard: How Dangerous It Is?

From the factory floor to the ubiquitous household item, corrosives are everywhere. Few of us, however, have any concept of just how dangerous these chemicals are. The United States Department of Transportation classifies them as Hazmat Class 8: Corrosive Materials, a classification that needs to be taken seriously as we speak. In this blog, we'll discover what makes Class 8 chemicals so dangerous, the chemistry of why they're so risky, how they're regulated, and what to look out for if you work with or around them. Whether you're a logistics professional, safety expert, or just curious, this is your go-to guide for training on Corrosive 8.

What is Class 8: Corrosive Material?

According to the U.S. DOT definition, Class 8 chemicals are substances that can cause complete destruction of human skin or severe corrosion of stable metals, such as steel and aluminum. They are found in solid, liquid, or gaseous states, and their destructive effects don't end with human handling - packaging, transferring, storing, or containing, and even automobile components are not spared.

Key Features Of Class 8 Hazardous Materials Include 

  • These are typically extremely reactive with organic tissue (they often result in burns, blisters, and irreversible tissue damage)
  • They are also quite corrosive to metals, leading to structural damage and serious deterioration
  • Can emit toxic fumes and gases when exposed to water or other liquids or chemicals
  • Usually exothermic, they release heat when they react

Class 8 Corrosive Substances: Typical Examples In Daily Life

As per typical DOT Supervisor Training, corrosives are not rare. In fact, many are employed in industries ranging from agriculture to the pharmaceutical industry, and nearly all kinds of supervisors and handlers contribute in some way when handling them. Some of the most well-known examples are:

Acids

  • Sulfuric Acid: Car batteries; extremely hazardous to the touch
  • Hydrochloric Acid: Utilized in cleaning as well as industrial processing
  • Nitric Acid: Highly oxidizing and highly corrosive, of course

Bases (Alkalis)

  • Sodium Hydroxide (Caustic Soda): Drain cleaners easily with them (yeah, we do)
  • Potassium Hydroxide: Soap-making process 
  • Ammonium Hydroxide: Agricultural fertilizers, industrial applications

Others

  • Phosphoric Acid: Soft drinks, cleaning agents
  • Chromic Acid: Electroplating, wood treatment
  • They differ in strength and reaction, but all call for certain strict safety protocols.

How Dangerous Are Class 8 Substances Exactly?

Let's First Reduce These Risks To Real-World Danger And Impact

Health Risks

  • Skin and eye damage are common: These corrosive materials can easily damage skin tissues and cause serious burns and infection as well.
  • Respiratory issues: Vapors coming out of these chemicals can affect your nose, throat, and lungs.
  • Systemic toxicity: Certain corrosives are considered even more dangerous because they can cause internal toxicity, which is much more hazardous than surface burns.

Equipment & Infrastructure Risks

  • Corrosive fumes can have an impact on tools and equipment, making them weak and brittle. These can react with metal and plastic over time, leading to the failure of critical machinery and containers you own.
  • Poor storage can cause chemical spills, fires, and vehicle damage.

Environmental Hazards 

  • Leaks contaminate water sources and land significantly, posing a threat that is more large-scale than we can be prepared for. 
  • Highly reactive with other chemicals, with a possible ability to cause inextinguishable fires or release toxic gases.
  • Any exposure to Class 8 materials can lead to permanent damage. Substances such as these are hence controlled by very stringent and strict laws.

The Scary Bit: Science Behind Corrosion

Your DOT Hazmat Training expert would explain how corrosive reactions are usually acid-base or oxidation-reduction (redox) reactions. When these substances come into contact with your skin, any object made of metal, or other materials:
  • Acids transfer protons and shatter molecular bonds, leading to tissue damage or the deterioration of the hard surface in question
  • Bases remove oils and proteins from the skin and induce severe chemical burns
  • Metals corrode through electron transfer, causing structural weakening and decay
  • There are corrosives that pick up water from the air (hygroscopic) that can further increase their reactivity

Real-Life Scenarios of Class 8 Incidents

  • Air Cargo Leak (Hydrochloric Acid)
In case of a major mishap, a hydrochloric acid container, whose labels may be confusing to many, can cause leakage onboard and corrode the cargo compartment of the plane. Fortunately, if you are able to discover this early enough, you can prevent structural damage or injury to handlers.
  • Plant Explosion (Sulfuric Acid)
If a facility stores bulk amounts of sulfuric acid and reports a spill contaminated with incompatible chemicals, it may result in a fire and toxic cloud all over the facility.
  • Highway Spill (Sodium Hydroxide)
A tanker truck carrying sodium hydroxide can get tipped over, spilling caustic liquid onto the highway and into the drainage systems that may be running nearby. Cleanup of such accident sites can take days, and first responders would require full hazmat suits at all times. These events highlight the significance of correct labeling, treatment, and response when it comes to handling class 8 materials.

How Is Class 8 Material Controlled?

The DOT and organizations such as OSHA and the EPA have strictly regulated the transportation of corrosive chemicals. Packaging requirements are the same as follows:
  • The container and packaging must be leak-proof and corrosion-resistant
  • Use of secondary containment systems is often encouraged and preferred
  • Venting of materials that release gases is also important to prevent mishaps
Labeling & Placards Class 8 materials require special black-and-white labels with corrosion markings on them for better understanding Shipping documents must specify the UN number and hazard class in unambiguous terms for every handler Employee Training And Its Importance
  • The employers ought to train employees on emergency operations, handling procedures, and the use of PPE when needed
  • Training must be updated every three years (according to DOT standards)
Transportation Guidelines You Must Follow
  • Segregation of class 8 substances from incompatible materials (e.g., bases from acids) is extremely critical to maintain safety 
  • Spill emergency kits and vehicle ventilation should be made mandatory on every truck or vehicle carrying such corrosives
  • Restricted movement through certain public areas is recommended to prevent accidents 
Do you know that non-compliance can lead to costly fines or worse, fatal crashes? These materials are handled in many industries:
  • Chemical manufacturing and supply
  • Automotive/car (battery manufacturing and repair)
  • Agricultural applications (pesticides and fertilizers)
  • Food processing sector (cleaning agents and acidulants)
  • Research centers and laboratories
Requirements vary depending on where you live, but all employees and drivers in your company must comply with DOT and OSHA standards for safe handling. Personal Protective Equipment Protective equipment is needed in many cases. You can start by investing in the following:
  • Chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile, butyl rubber)
  • Splash goggles and face shields
  • Aprons or full-body suits resistant to acids
  • Respirators for vapor exposure
Safety Procedures
  • Always read the SDS prior to working with any corrosive materials
  • Never combine acids and bases
  • Keep them below eye level and away from the reach of incompatible materials
  • Provide emergency showers and eyewash stations access to all
Emergency Response to Corrosive Spills
  • In case there is a spill, make sure to do the following without fail:
  • Clear the area and warn your professional staff
  • Use the correct absorbent material (and not water for active materials)
  • Neutralize where you can do so (e.g. baking soda to acids)
  • Dispose of the waste according to EPA and local regulations only
  • Seek medical attention for any exposure
Preparedness is what enables one to prevent small accidents from becoming full-blown catastrophes.

Final Thoughts: Respect The Danger And The Risks Attached To Class 8 Materials

Corrosive chemicals need not explode as Class 1 goods or emit radiation as Class 7, but they are no less dangerous in their class. That they can cause damage to living tissue, eat through metals, emit heat, and be unstable in reaction makes Class 8 materials a force to be reckoned with in any environment. Regardless of what you're transporting, cleaning chemicals or other solutions, watchfulness and forethought are the greatest methods of avoiding safety. Pay attention to the labels, get trained, and never underestimate the potency of a corrosive. Respect Class 8. Handle with care. And always plan for the safety of everyone.