Customs enforces stringent regulations on the declaration, inspection, storage, and transportation of dangerous goods throughout the import and export process. However, these same goods are also pervasive in our daily lives, with "danger" often lurking within the most commonplace items. Understanding their properties and applying essential safety knowledge are therefore crucial for risk prevention.
I. What are Dangerous Goods
The term “dangerous goods” broadly refers to two categories: hazardous chemicals and dangerous cargo.
Hazardous chemicals are defined as chemicals, particularly highly toxicones, which possess toxic, corrosive, explosive, flammable, or combustion-supporting properties, posing hazards to human health, facilities, and the environment. Dangerous cargo comprises substances and articles exhibiting hazardous characteristics, including explosiveness, flammability, toxicity, infectivity, corrosiveness, and radioactivity. These items, if not properly handled during transportation, storage, production, use, or disposal, are capable of causing casualties, property damage, or environmental pollution, thus necessitating special protective measures.
In daily life, dangerous goods are ubiquitous, from fireworks and firecrackers, gasoline, and liquefied petroleum gas to pesticides. A single moment of negligence can lead to catastrophic consequences. Nevertheless, it's important to recognize that these goods serve indispensable functions in modern production and daily life. Therefore, it is imperative to strictly adhere to all safety precautions when handling or using them in order to mitigate risks.
II. Common Dangerous Goods and Corresponding Safety Precautions
(1) Fireworks and Firecrackers
China has a tradition of using fireworks and firecrackers during festivals and celebrations. When igniting them, ensure you are a safe distance from flammable materials, choose an open and safe location, and always follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. Children must only handle firecrackers under direct adult supervision. For storage, keep them away from all ignition sources (open flames, electrical sparks) and store them separately from other flammable or explosive materials. In case of any injury, seek immediate medical attention.
(2) Refined Petroleum Products
Common refined petroleum products in daily life include gasoline, diesel, kerosene, and fuel oil. These products are highly flammable. They must be stored in a cool, well-ventilated area away from any open flame or heat source. Appropriate fire-fighting equipment should be readily available in the storage area.
(3) Liquefied Petroleum Gas
Liquefied petroleum gas is a flammable gas. In daily life, it is commonly stored in pressurized cylinders. The cylinder itself contains no oxygen and maintains internal pressure far exceeding the external environment. Therefore, if flames are only present at the cylinder mouth, the cylinder usually will not explode. However, if a leak has occurred over time, allowing a large amount of combustible gas to accumulate in a confined space, the mixture can become highly explosive upon contact with an open flame or static electricity.
When an initial fire occurs in a liquefied gas cylinder due to rupture or detachment of the hose, remain calm. A wet towel can be used to smother the ignition point. Once the flame is out, turn off the valve. Do not lay the burning liquefied gas cylinder on the ground. If the cylinder is lying horizontally, gas will flow out through the mouth and expand rapidly. The combination of this expanding gas and the high temperature from combustion may lead to an explosion and cause injuries.
(4) Lithium Batteries
Lithium batteries are widely used in equipment such as mobile phones, tablets, power banks, digital cameras, electric toys, electric bicycles, and electric vehicles, making them ubiquitous in daily life. However, improper use, such as overcharging, short-circuiting, or contact with open flames, may cause fire or even explosion, resulting in casualties and property losses. Lithium batteries should be used in a relatively moderate environment, with an operating temperature typically ranging from 0°C to 60°C. Prolonged or overnight charging should be strictly avoided. When charging, always use original or major brand chargers, which are designed with protection circuits that stop charging upon detecting a full battery, thereby effectively preventing overcharging.
(5) Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is commonly used in daily life for cleaning wounds, ulcers, burns, etc., and many households store it for emergencies. Because it is a strong oxidizer and corrosive agent, it should not be used on metal surfaces and should be kept separate from alkaline and oxidizing substances. Important usage notes include: For external use only. Do not ingest. Wear protective gloves when handling (gloves may be omitted for highly diluted solutions). In addition to causing irritation and burns to skin, eyes, and mucous membranes, hydrogen peroxide is also flammable. The oxygen produced during decomposition can strongly support combustion, and contact with flammable materials or organic substances may lead to explosions.
III. Locations Where Dangerous Goods May Be Present
Certain locations, such as school chemistry laboratories, may house highly toxic reagents including yellow phosphorus, potassium cyanide, sodium cyanide, and arsenic trioxide. Other common sites include gas stations, liquefied petroleum gas retail points, hospitals, and chemical plants, where you might encounter dangerous goods like refined petroleum products, liquefied gases, radioactive materials, and industrial or medical chemicals. In all such locations, strict adherence to site-specific safety rules and regulations is essential to prevent accidents.
Disclaimer：The above content is translated from Chinese version of Tianjin Customs 12360 Hotline. The Tianjin Customs 12360 Hotline version shall prevail.
