What is classified under Class 3 hazardous materials?

Class 3 hazardous materials specifically refer to flammable liquids. These substances can easily ignite and pose significant fire hazards when involved in hazardous material situations. The classification is based on the flash point of the liquid, which is the lowest temperature at which it can vaporize to form an ignitable mixture in air. Flammable liquids are critical to identify due to their potential for causing fires and explosions if not handled correctly.

In contrast, oxidizing substances, explosives, and gases fall under different classes of hazardous materials. Oxidizing substances are classified as Class 5 because they can enhance combustion, whereas explosives are categorized as Class 1, which includes materials that can explode or cause a violent reaction. Gases, depending on their nature and reactivity, are frequently classified in Class 2 and are further divided into different classifications based on their specific hazards. Each class has distinct characteristics and requires specific handling and transportation protocols to ensure safety.