Hazardous goods

Hazardous goods play a central role in planning, transport and deployment on construction sites and in deconstruction. Anyone working with hydraulic tools – such as concrete demolition shears, stone and concrete splitters, combination shears, steel shears or tank cutters – often operates in environments where dangerous substances are stored, released or hauled away as waste. This contribution by Darda GmbH defines the term in a technical context and shows, in practical terms, how hazards in concrete demolition and special deconstruction, strip-out and cutting, rock demolition and tunnel construction, natural stone extraction, and special operations can be systematically controlled – from classification and marking to safe working procedures and disposal. In addition, it outlines practical interfaces with mechanical separation technology and logistics that reduce ignition sources and support compliant workflows.

Definition: What is meant by hazardous goods?

Hazardous goods are substances and articles whose carriage by road, rail, water or air entails particular risks to people, the environment or property. They require specific classification, suitable packaging, marking and documentation, as well as qualified personnel. In European road transport, the ADR is particularly relevant for this; for other modes, comparable rule sets apply (RID for rail, ADN for inland waterways, IMDG Code for sea, ICAO TI/IATA DGR for air). Hazardous goods – also referred to as dangerous goods under ADR – must be distinguished from the term hazardous substance: hazardous substances concern handling in the workplace (e.g., CLP/SDS obligations), hazardous goods concern transport. In projects by Darda GmbH, both worlds often meet, for example when hydraulic work equipment is operated while contaminated plant components or residues are transported off site as hazardous goods.

Hazard classes and typical examples in construction and deconstruction

For practice, correct categorization and safe handling are more important than the numbering. Relevant classes include, among others:

• Class 2 (gases): compressed gas cylinders for technical gases on the construction site.
• Class 3 (flammable liquids): diesel and gasoline for machinery, hydraulic oils for hydraulic power packs.
• Class 4 (flammable solids and pyrophoric substances): certain cleaning or drying agents in exceptional cases.
• Class 5.1 (oxidizing substances): oxidizers in industrial plants that may arise in deconstruction.
• Class 5.2 (organic peroxides): curing agents and specialty resins in plant deconstruction, handled only with explicit release and temperature control.
• Class 6.1 (toxic substances): toxic media from plants, laboratories or production lines being dismantled.
• Class 7 (radioactive material): generally outside the scope of civil works, but legacy sites may require specialist contractors and dedicated approvals.
• Class 8 (corrosive substances): acids/alkalis from batteries or process chemistry.
• Class 9 (miscellaneous dangerous substances and articles): including asbestos (special UN numbers), certain lithium batteries or contaminated equipment.

Distinction in daily operations

When using concrete demolition shears or stone and concrete splitters in concrete demolition, hydraulic oil may be transported as hazardous goods, while any oil released at the work site is treated as a hazardous substance. This requires different measures for haulage logistics, storage, leak management and the documentation required by authorities. Transport activities follow dangerous goods law and consignment rules, while workplace handling follows occupational safety and health provisions with labeling under the safety data sheet.

Hazardous goods in deconstruction, concrete demolition and tunnel construction: interfaces with technology

Hydraulic cutting and splitting technology enables mechanical methods with low spark generation. This is particularly relevant when working on systems that still contain residues. Some typical interfaces:

• Concrete demolition and special demolition: With concrete demolition shears, reinforced concrete can be separated in a controlled manner without introducing thermal heat sources – an advantage in areas with flammable residual substances nearby. Hydraulic power packs must be operated to avoid leaks and to provide operating fluids safely. In potentially explosive atmospheres, the ignition hazard assessment and the definition of zones provide the framework for equipment selection and work release.
• Strip-out and cutting: Tank cutters and steel shears are used on vessels, pipelines or steel structures. Before cutting, vessels must be emptied, cleaned or inerted; residual materials are classified as hazardous goods and hauled away. Earthing and bonding prevent static discharge; hose routing avoids pinch and crush points.
• Rock demolition and tunnel construction: Compressed gases for measuring or ventilation technology and operating fluids for machines are often subject to hazardous goods rules. Mechanical splitting methods partly replace heat-generating processes in sensitive zones. Ventilation concepts and gas detection complement the method selection.
• Natural stone extraction: Fuels and lubricants as well as hydraulic oils must be stored and transported safely; leak prevention protects soil and water.
• Special operations: In incidents or contamination scenarios, the concurrence of hazardous goods, hazardous waste and special cutting technology is likely. Proactive planning integrates occupational safety, environmental protection and logistics.

Classification, marking and documentation in transport

Before dangerous substances leave the site, they must be identified and correctly classified. This determines packaging requirements, markings (hazard labels, UN number) and the documentation for transport.

1. Substance identification: clarify composition, physical state, temperature, contaminants.
2. Classification: determine UN number, hazard class, packing group; consult the safety data sheet.
3. Packaging: select approved containers/IBCs/drums; ensure tightness and compatibility.
4. Marking: UN number, labels; where applicable check limited quantities or exemptions.
5. Documents: complete transport documents; specify emergency information and quantities.
6. Vehicle equipment: provide suitable fire extinguishers, personal protective equipment and absorbents.
7. Load securing: secure against movement and tipping; protect against damage.
8. Empty packaging: treat uncleaned empty containers as hazardous goods where applicable; close and mark accordingly.
9. Segregation: check mixed loading prohibitions and separation requirements; consider temperature control and ventilation if required.
10. Waste-specific obligations: ensure correct declaration and traceability; align consignment notes and disposal documentation with transport data.

Interfaces with construction logistics

Construction logistics coordinates collection points for containers, safe access for hazardous goods transports, and time slots to avoid conflicts with hot work or spark-producing tasks. Hydraulic power packs are positioned so that hoses are short, protected, and routed free of pinch points. Route planning, marshalling areas and weather resilience (e.g., winter operations, heat protection) support safe loading and unloading.

Safe handling of hydraulic oil, fuels and compressed gases

Most hazardous goods around hydraulic separation technology are everyday items, but they are not trivial. Good preparation prevents incidents.

• Hydraulic oil: use only leak-tight, tested hoses and couplings; eliminate drip leaks immediately; use drip trays when decanting; keep suitable absorbents ready. Define pressure test intervals and label replacement dates for hoses.
• Fuels: consider flammable vapors; keep ignition sources away; vent and ground where required; mark refueling zones. In enclosed or semi-enclosed areas, implement forced ventilation and continuous gas detection.
• Compressed gases: secure cylinders, protect from heat, use valve protection caps; store incompatible gases separately. Use correct regulators and avoid oil or grease on oxygen fittings.
• Interim storage: well-ventilated areas, protection from UV and heat; access only for trained persons.
• Personal protective equipment: suitable gloves, safety glasses, skin protection; for cleaning work, additional chemical protective equipment.

Work methods with concrete demolition shears and stone and concrete splitters in hazardous environments

Where flammable atmospheres or contaminated components are possible, mechanical methods offer a high degree of control. Concrete demolition shears enable targeted breaking of reinforced concrete with minimal spark generation; stone and concrete splitters apply controlled splitting forces to separate components without thermal input. Both reduce ignition sources, but do not replace the requirement to obtain clearance for the work area. Permit-to-work systems, gas measurements and the definition of safe distances ensure that mechanical work is embedded in a controlled process.

Practical guide using the example of tank and pipeline deconstruction

• Preparation: empty vessels, classify residual materials, provide suitable containers.
• Cleaning/inerting: depending on the medium, flush or inert; perform clearance measurement and document written release.
• Cutting/separation work: use tank cutters, steel shears or concrete demolition shears with safe hose routing and an emergency stop concept; minimize sparks.
• Leak management: barriers, containment systems, absorbents; dispose of contaminated material as hazardous goods or hazardous waste.
• Off-site transport: UN-compliant packaging, correct marking and transport documents.
• Additional controls: isolate and lock out energy sources; provide earthing and bonding where needed; establish exclusion zones and keep firefighting means on standby.

Organization, responsibilities and training

Hazardous goods require clear responsibilities, regular instruction and documented procedures. Companies appoint responsible persons who monitor processes, coordinate training and support audits. Contents include substance knowledge, emergency behavior, load securing, documentation and interfaces with occupational safety.

• Clarify roles: who classifies, packages, marks and prepares the transport documents.
• Work instructions: clear, illustrated steps for common substances (e.g., hydraulic oil, diesel).
• Regular drills: leak and fire drills based on realistic scenarios.
• Inspection and maintenance plans: leak tests, hose replacement intervals, power pack maintenance.
• Governance: appoint a dangerous goods safety adviser where required by law; keep training records, license validity and equipment certifications up to date.

Emergency preparedness and environmental protection

Even with good preparation, disruptions can occur. The aim is to limit impacts, protect people and prevent environmental damage.

• Notification chain: who informs whom, what information is needed, where containment means are located.
• Initial measures: remove ignition sources, clear the area, arrange a clearance measurement, contain the leak.
• Materials: absorbents, sealing cushions, drip trays, suitable containers for contaminated waste.
• Documentation: incident log and follow-up for root cause analysis and prevention.
• External coordination: provide site plans and substance data for responders; observe reporting obligations to authorities in case of environmental impact.

Disposal of hazardous waste with a hazardous goods connection

Deconstruction generates hazardous waste that is partly transported as hazardous goods. This includes contaminated operating fluids, loaded filters, contaminated rinse water or asbestos-containing building materials. Selection of an appropriate disposal route, correct declaration and proof of disposal are carried out in accordance with the applicable regulations at the place of use. Darda GmbH recommends planning technical processes so that material streams are cleanly segregated and mis-sorting is avoided. Traceability, consignment documentation and retention of proof over the legally required period secure verifiability and compliance.

Planning aid: check questions before transport and deployment

• Which substances are present, in what quantities and physical states?
• Are UN number, class and packing group clearly determined?
• Which packaging and markings are required?
• Are concrete demolition shears or stone and concrete splitters the low-ignition-source method of choice in the specific environment?
• How will hydraulic power packs be positioned, supplied and safeguarded against leaks?
• Who prepares the transport documents, who checks load securing and equipment?
• Which emergency resources are available where, who is trained?
• How will disposal be documented and evidenced?
• Are exemptions or small-load rules applicable and documented, or is full ADR scope required?
• Have zoning, gas measurements and permit-to-work been issued and communicated to all involved parties?