In a world where safety is paramount, the transportation of hazardous materials presents a unique challenge. How can hazardous goods be transported…by land, sea, or air…without posing risks to transporters, consumers, and the environment? This is where hazardous goods package testing comes in. A comprehensive system of standards and procedures set forth by the Department of Transportation (DOT), International Air Transport Association (IATA), and the United Nations (UN), hazardous goods package testing helps keep products, consumers, and the planet safe.
Hazardous Goods Transport: Rules & Regulations
From identification and labeling to packaging and documentation, any packaged hazardous material requires compliance with regulatory standards to ensure containment of the material through the entire distribution cycle. Packaging safety requirements set forth by the DOT and IATA govern the transportation of hazardous goods by ground and air. Shipments containing hazardous goods must be packaged in performance packaging consisting of inner and outer packaging designed, tested, and certified for the containment of hazardous materials. These packaging systems can then be identified by UN markings specifying the certification for containment of specific hazardous material classes and packing groups.
Here are a few rules and regulations for hazardous goods package transport:
- All hazardous materials must be properly classified and identified.
- Each package must use the correct shipping name from the Hazardous Materials Table, and be assigned the appropriate hazard class and UN identification number.
- The hazardous good must be packaged using approved UN specification packaging.
- Required hazard labels must be applied to the packaging, alongside orientation arrows and other required markings.
- Shipping documentation, with 24-hour emergency contact info, must be prepared and retained for a designated period of time.
Hazardous Goods Package Testing Standards
To ensure your hazardous goods package meets the above requirements set forth by the DOT and UN, hazardous goods package testing is used. This process involves a series of comprehensive tests and studies to ensure packaging is durable, safe, and compliant.
Primary testing standards include ASTM D4919 (Standard Guide for Testing of Hazardous Materials Packaging), 49 CFR (Code of Federal Regulations) Parts 100-185: Hazardous Materials Regulations, and the United Nations Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods.
Several performance tests, chemical tests, and conditioning tests are performed as part of these procedures.
Performance tests include:
- Drop testing
- Leakproof testing
- Stack testing
- Vibration testing
- Internal pressure testing
- Hydrostatic pressure testing
- Puncture testing
Additional tests include chemical compatibility tests, water absorption tests (also known as the Cobb test), and tear resistance tests.
Environmental conditioning at various temperatures and humidity conditions is also often required.
Why Purple Diamond?
Purple Diamond is proud to rank among a select few companies authorized by the PHMSA as an approved third-party package testing laboratory in accordance with Hazardous Materials Regulations.
Purple Diamond offers rigorous testing for transporting hazardous goods across a wide range of industries. Our dedicated efforts include everything from environmental testing for pharmaceuticals to reliability and fragility testing.
Looking for an expert who can help ensure your hazardous goods make it to their destination safely? Contact us for a free consultation. We also offer guided tours of our facilities so you can see first-hand how we keep your product and packaging compliant.
