PU Foam Adhesive as Dangerous Goods Guide

Polyurethane foam adhesives, commonly supplied in pressurized aerosol cans, are classified as hazardous goods under international transport regulations. Their classification, labeling, and handling requirements ensure safety during shipping by sea, air, and land.

1. Proper Shipping Name and UN Number

• Proper Shipping Name: AEROSOLS, flammable

• UN Number: UN 1950

These aerosols fall under the “Aerosols” entry in the UN Model Regulations, without subdivision by chemical type, because all aerosol dispensers share the same UN number for transport purposes.

2. Hazard Class and Division

• Class 2 (Gases)

• Division 2.1 (Flammable gas)

Aerosols are assigned to Division 2.1 if either:

1. They contain ≥ 85% by mass of flammable components and have a heat of combustion ≥ 30 kJ/g; or

2. They meet the flammability criteria of the UN Manual of Tests and Criteria, Part III, Section 31.

Because typical polyurethane foam adhesives use butane or propane propellants, they meet the flammability threshold and are thus Division 2.1 products.

3. Packing Group and Limited Quantities

• Packing Group: Not applicable (articles are not assigned a packing group)

• Limited Quantity Provisions: Up to 1 L per container under LP200/P207 (IMDG Code) or 49 CFR § 173.115 (air and road) for reduced documentation and marking requirements.

4. Applicable Regulations by Mode of Transport

4.1 Sea Transport (IMDG Code)

• Code: IMDG Amendment 38-16, Chapter 2.2

• Packing Instruction: P207 (inner packaging aerosol cans ≤ 1 L, outer packaging not exceeding 30 kg gross)

• Special Provisions: SP 277 (limited quantities), SP 625 (marking “UN 1950 Aerosols”)

• Stowage Category: A (away from heat sources)

4.2 Air Transport (ICAO TI / IATA DGR)

• Classification Options:

  • UN 1950, Class 2.1, or

  • ID 8000 Consumer Commodity, Class 9 (limited to inner packagings ≤ 0.5 L)

• Packaging Instruction: Y203 (limited quantities ≤ 30 kg per package)

• Restrictions: Certain aerosols (e.g., tear gas) forbidden; non-flammable and flammable aerosols permitted on cargo aircraft only under specific conditions.

4.3 Road/Rail (ADR/RID, 2025 Edition)

• Classification Code: 5F (flammable aerosol)

• Packing Instruction: P207

• Tunnel Restriction Code: 2 (passage through Category D tunnels prohibited)

• Special Provisions: 190, 327, 344, 625; Limited Quantities 1 L; Excepted Quantities E0.

5. Hazard Characteristics

1. Extremely Flammable: Propellants (butane, propane) vaporize at ambient temperatures, forming explosive mixtures with air.

2. Pressurized: Aerosol cans may rupture or explode if exposed to heat (> 50 °C), friction, or mechanical impact.

3. Health Hazards: Iso­cyanate components in liquid foam can irritate skin, eyes, and respiratory tract; may sensitize on prolonged exposure.

6. Exceptions for Non-Flammable Formulations

Aerosolized polyurethane foams formulated without flammable propellants (e.g., CO₂-propelled, non-flammable class 2.2) may be classified as UN 1950, Division 2.2 if they contain ≤ 1% flammable components by mass and heat of combustion < 20 kJ/g. These are much less common in commercial foam adhesives.

In summary, most polyurethane foam adhesives in aerosol cans are regulated as UN 1950, Aerosols, flammable, Class 2.1. Shippers must comply with IMDG, ICAO/IATA, and ADR/RID requirements for packaging, marking, documentation, and stowage to ensure safe international transport.