Which Hazard Class Includes Oxidizing Substances and Organic Peroxides?

• A. Class 6 Hazards
• B. Class 2 Hazards
• C. Class 3 Hazards
• D. Class 4 Hazards

Answer: (A)

Oxidizing substances and organic peroxides are categorized together in Class 5 because their primary hazard is the potential to release oxygen or to decompose energetically, which can intensify fires or cause explosive reactions. Oxidizers supply the oxygen that can fuel other materials’ ignition, while organic peroxides are reactive compounds that can rapidly decompose, sometimes releasing oxygen in the process. This combination creates a distinct risk profile from simply flammable liquids, gases, or other hazards, so they are placed in Class 5 (with divisions for oxidizers and organic peroxides) to guide proper handling, storage, and emergency response. The other classes describe different hazards: Class 2 covers gases, Class 3 covers flammable liquids, and Class 4 covers flammable solids or substances that spontaneously ignite or react with water.