DOT / UN Classification of Hazardous Materials
SCE has extensive facilities and test equipment for conducting standard UN testing on all explosives divisions and all hazard classes. Transport of explosives in the United States requires Competent Authority Approval by an authorized agency. The required tests vary depending on the classification sought, the material and test results. While some manufacturers’ products can self-classify if they have the ability to properly perform the requisite tests and analysis, this is not the case with explosives and certain energetic materials. Companies must use a DOT-approved laboratory witness for these tests. U.S. military and DOD facilities must have the concurrence of the Joint Classifiers for the armed services.
SCE is an approved test agency authorized by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to test and examine explosives and potentially explosive substances and recommend the proper shipping classification, description, and compatibility group. In addition, we regularly examine and classify other hazardous materials per DOT, UN, IATA ASTM, NFPA, ANSI, ASHRAE and other regulatory standards.
The US military, U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), the United Nations (UN) and others have participated in the development of a common classification system consisting of nine (9) classes and a varying number of divisions within those classes. Those shipping hazardous materials have a legal obligation to know the hazards of the material and to verify the proper shipping classification.
SCE has extensive facilities and test equipment for conducting standard UN testing on all explosives divisions and all hazard classes (except Class 7, Radioactive Materials).