PPE for Dangerous Goods Classes 3, 5.1, 6.1 and 8

A dangerous goods class names the main hazard of a chemical. It does not name the gloves or goggles to wear. Safe Work Australia's code of practice for hazardous chemicals says PPE must be suitable for the nature of the work and any hazard associated with it, and the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for each product carries the specific advice.

Why the class is only the starting point

WorkSafe Victoria lists nine classes of dangerous goods, some split into divisions. Two products in the same class can call for different protection, so the SDS for each product sets out the specific PPE.

The code of practice says the SDS and label may name specific types of PPE, for example nitrile gloves for hydrocarbon solvents, or a specific type of respiratory protection. It also warns that some gloves resist some solvents but not others. Read the SDS for each product before you buy, as set out in Choosing PPE from a Safety Data Sheet.

The code also treats PPE as a last resort. It should be used when other reasonably practicable controls have been used and risk remains, or as interim protection until better controls are in place.

Class 3: flammable liquids

Class 3 covers flammable liquids. WorkSafe Victoria's examples include petrol, kerosene, turpentine, methanol, toluene, xylene and acetone, many of them solvents found in glues, thinners and paints. See the Class 3 flammable liquids page and the Class 3 placard.

Glove choice depends on the solvent. The code gives nitrile gloves for hydrocarbon solvents as an example of what an SDS may specify. Our chemical gloves page covers materials and breakthrough.

Solvents can affect the PPE itself. 3M's data sheet for its 2720 Series polycarbonate safety glasses says to avoid exposing them to MEK, toluene, paint thinner and acetone. DuPont's instructions for Tyvek 500 Xpert say the coverall is not flame resistant and should not be used around heat, open flame, sparks or in potentially flammable environments.

Division 5.1: oxidising substances

Oxidising substances can support combustion. The code says they can react violently and unexpectedly with organic material such as wood, paper and cellulose products, and with hydrocarbon solvents such as petrol and diesel. WorkSafe Victoria's examples include pool chlorine granules, hydrogen peroxide, ammonium nitrate and potassium permanganate.

Because of that reactivity, the code says to check the SDS for incompatibilities with the materials you use, store or handle, to use compatible containers and equipment, and to clean up spillages immediately without mixing substances in the waste bin. The same SDS is where the eye, hand and body protection for that oxidiser is set out. See the Class 5 oxidising agents page and the Class 5.1 oxidising agent placard.

Division 6.1: toxic substances

Division 6.1 covers toxic substances. In the code's comparison table, Division 6.1 lines up with acute toxicity by swallowing, skin contact and inhalation, so skin and breathing can both be routes of harm. WorkSafe Victoria's examples include organophosphorus insecticides such as chlorpyrifos, chloroform, dichloromethane, formaldehyde and cyanides. The matching sign is the Class 6 Toxic placard.

One case study in the code covers mixing a chlorpyrifos concentrate, which the code notes is readily absorbed through intact skin. The controls already in place were gauntlet rubber gloves, a PVC apron, gumboots and a face shield. Items of that kind include the Ansell AlphaTec PVC apron, nitrile gauntlets and the 3M browguard and visor. Respirator choice for toxic vapours and mists is covered on the respirator filter types page.

Class 8: corrosive substances

Class 8 covers corrosive substances, which the code says can be acidic or alkaline. WorkSafe Victoria's examples include hydrochloric, nitric and acetic acid, caustic soda and sodium hypochlorite. See the Class 8 corrosives page and the Class 8 corrosive placard.

For handling caustic or acidic chemicals where splashes onto the skin or eyes are possible, the code says to use eye protection and provide an emergency eyewash facility. It also says eyewash and safety showers should be readily accessible where corrosives are handled or transferred. Indirect-vented goggles and a face shield are covered on the safety glasses and face shields page, and body protection on the chemical coverall types page.

Keeping track across many products

A site holding dozens of products has dozens of SDSs, each with its own section on protection. ChemMan, from Lupin Systems, keeps safety data sheets in one place and works out signage and PPE from what you store.

The gear we stock

Bolle Universal Vented Safety Goggles, Clear 3M Browguard and Clear Visor Face Shield Ansell AlphaTec Solvex 37-185 Nitrile Gauntlet, 46 cm Ansell AlphaTec PVC Apron, Heavy Duty, White DuPont Tychem 2000 C Hooded Chemical Coverall Brady Eyewash Bottle with Eye Cup, 500 ml

Signs for the same area

Class 3 Flammable Liquid placard Class 5.1 Oxidizing Agent placard Class 6 Toxic placard Class 8 Corrosive placard Corrosive liquids, wear protective equipment

Common questions

Does the dangerous goods class tell me what PPE to wear?

Not on its own. Safe Work Australia's code says PPE must suit the work and its hazards, and the Safety Data Sheet and label may name the specific PPE for each product.

What eye protection is used with corrosive chemicals?

For handling caustic or acidic chemicals where splashes onto the skin or eyes are possible, Safe Work Australia's code says to use eye protection and provide an emergency eyewash facility.

Are eyewash stations needed where corrosives are handled?

Safe Work Australia's code says eyewash and safety showers should be readily accessible where corrosives are handled or transferred. A portable eyewash bottle is for rinsing straight away and for first aid kits. It does not replace a plumbed eyewash station or safety shower.

Do nitrile gloves work for every solvent?

No. Safe Work Australia's code warns that some gloves may be resistant to some solvents but not others, so the glove has to suit the chemical being used.

What are examples of Division 6.1 toxic substances?

WorkSafe Victoria lists chlorpyrifos, dichlorvos, chloroform, dichloromethane, formaldehyde, cyanides and isocyanates among its Division 6.1 examples.

Sources

Checked against the sources above on 2026-10-21.

General information, not advice for your site. What protection a job needs comes from the Safety Data Sheet, the task and your risk assessment. The statements on this page are taken from the sources listed below and were checked on the date shown. Check the source, or ask your regulator.