Guidance

Are biofuels classed as dangerous goods?

Updated 20 February 2020

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Introduction

In recent years, many new biofuels have been developed, each with differing chemistries and hazard properties. Some are classified as dangerous goods. Those that are may be classified under different UN numbers. The 3 most common biofuels in use are covered by this guidance note.

Biodiesel

Biodiesel with a flashpoint above 100°C is not classified as dangerous goods.

Biodiesel with a flashpoint below 100°C and above 60°C is classified as UN 1202.

In practice, most biodiesels have a flashpoint of more than 100°C.

Biodiesel is composed of vegetable-based oil, usually fatty-acid esters. This can be combined with mineral-based diesel to produce a mixture. A fuel classed as B5 would contain 5% biodiesel and 95% mineral diesel. Fuel classed as B100 would be composed of 100% biodiesel.

Bioethanol

Bioethanol is classed as a dangerous good.

Because ethanol (unlike petrol) is soluble in water, different fire-fighting techniques are required in the case of an accident. As a result, classification can be in one of 3 UN numbers:

  • UN 3475 (ethanol and gasoline mixture or ethanol and motor spirit mixture or ethanol and petrol mixture, with more than 10% alcohol) - ethanol is more than 10% of a fuel mixture
  • UN 1203 (motor spirit, or gasoline or petrol) - ethanol is 10% or below of the fuel mixture.
  • UN 1170 (ethanol (ethyl alcohol)) - the fuel is 100% ethanol (E100)

Bioethanol is produced as a substitute for petrol. This fuel is composed of ethanol, usually mixed with petrol. A fuel classed as E5 would contain 5% ethanol and 95% petrol. Fuel classed as E100 would be composed of 100% ethanol.

Vegetable oil

This has a flashpoint above 100°C, so is not classed as a dangerous good.

The Carriage of Dangerous Goods and Use of Transportable Pressure Equipment Regulations 2009 as amended.

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