Pesticides, fireworks, lithium batteries. How do these hazardous goods get from their manufacturer to their consumer safely? The transport of hazardous goods is a critical aspect of modern industry that requires utmost care and precision. This blog delves into the complexities and challenges associated with safely moving these hazardous goods across the country, from proper packaging and labeling to testing, documentation, and compliance.
What Packages are Considered "Hazardous Goods"?
Packaging safety requirements set forth by the Department of Transportation (DOT) and International Air Transport Association (IATA) govern the transportation of hazardous goods by ground and air. Shipments holding hazardous goods must be packaged in performance packaging consisting of inner and outer packaging designed, evaluated, and certified for the containment of hazardous materials. These packaging systems can then be named by United Nations (UN) markings specifying the certification for containment of specific hazardous material classes and packing groups.
Classes of hazardous goods include:
- Class 1: Explosives
- Class 2: Gasses
- 2.1: Flammable Gasses
- 2.2: Non-flammable, Compressed Gasses
- 2.3: Toxic Gas
- Class 3: Flammable Liquids
- Class 4: Flammable Solids
- 4.1: Flammable Solids, Self-reactive Substances, Solid Desensitized Explosives
- 4.2: Substances Liable to Spontaneous Combustion
- 4.3: Substances That in Contact with Water Create Flammable Gasses
- Class 5: Oxidizing Substances and Organic Peroxide
- 5.1: Oxidizing Substances Other Than Organic Peroxides
- 5.2: Organic Peroxides
- Class 6: Toxic and Infectious Substances
- 6.1: Toxic Substances
- 6.2: Infectious Substances
- Class 7: Radioactive Materials and Fissile Material (Capable of Nuclear Explosion)
- Class 8: Corrosive Substances
- Class 9: Miscellaneous Dangerous Substances and Articles
Packaging Guidelines for the Transport of Hazardous Goods
Because of the large scale of global trade by land, sea, and air, the storage and transport of hazardous goods is overseen and regulated by both federal and international law. A comprehensive marking system developed by the United Nations was created so that hazardous goods are correctly and clearly marked right on their packaging, describing the type of good and materials used.
Before the transport of hazardous goods can begin, the United Nation requires that goods are classified into 9 hazard classes. The UN has also developed packaging requirements based on hazard level (Packing Groups I, II, III)
Required performance tests like drop tests, stack tests, and pressure tests is required before a UN certification mark can be given and the goods can be transported.
Packaging must contain the following codes and classifications in order to meet UN regulations:
Type of Package
First, the type of packaging is labeled with one of the following numbers:
- 1 = Drums/Pails
- 2 = Barrels
- 3 = Jerricans
- 4 = Boxes
- 5 = Bags
- 6 = Composite Packaging
- 7 = Pressure receptacle
Material of Construction
Next, the material of construction must be identified with one of the following letters:
- A = Steel
- B = Aluminum
- C = Natural Wood
- D = Plywood
- F= Reconstituted Wood
- G = Fiberboard
- H = Plastic
- L = Textile
- M = Paper, multiwall
- N = Metal (other than steel or aluminum)
- P = Glass, porcelain, or stoneware
Category Type
Next, the category is indicated. This provides more specific information about the packaging type and construction so that the package can be safely handled through the distribution chain.
For drums (1) and jerricans (3):
1 = Non-removable head
2 = Removable head
For boxes (4):
1 = Ordinary
2 = With hermetically sealed walls
For bags (5):
1 = Single-ply without liner
2 = Single-ply, sift-proof
3 = Single-ply, water-resistant
4 = Woven plastic film
For composite packaging (6):
1 = Plastic receptacle with outer steel drum
2 = Plastic receptacle with outer steel crate or box
3 = Plastic receptacle with outer aluminum drum
4 = Plastic receptacle with outer aluminum crate or box
5 = Plastic receptacle with outer wooden box
6 = Plastic receptacle with outer plywood drum
7 = Plastic receptacle with outer fibre drum
8 = Plastic receptacle with outer fiberboard box
9 = Plastic receptacle with outer plastic drum
10 = Plastic receptacle with outer solid plastic box
Packaging Group
- X = Packaging Group I (Great Danger / High Hazard Level)
- Y = Packaging Group II (Medium Danger / Medium Hazard Level)
- Z = Packaging Group III (Minor Danger / Low Hazard Level)
Solid or Liquid State
For Solids:
The letter “S” is used to indicate that the packaging is approved for solids or inner packaging. This “S” appears after the maximum gross mass.
For Liquids:
Instead of an “S”, the UN mark will display numbers representing the liquid density and pressure capability.
Year of Manufacturer
This is the current year.
Country of Origin
This is the country where the container was manufactured.
Manufacturer’s Certifying Code
This is the code for the UN Certifying Agency or Manufacturer.
Example:
Let’s put these markers and labels into practice with an example:
4G/Y145/S/23/USA/ABC1234
Here’s what this UN packaging code means:
- 4 = Box
- G = Fiberboard material
- Y: Packaging Group II (Medium Danger)
- 145: Maximum gross mass in kilograms
- S: Approved for solids or inner packaging
- 23: Year of manufacture (2023)
- USA: Country of origin
- ABC1234: Manufacturer’s certifying code
Package Testing Requirements
In order to help identify the marker above, the hazardous material packaging has to go through comprehensive testing requirements set forth by the United Nations and Department of Transportation.
These federal and international regulations include:
- Drop Tests – This test evaluates the impact resistance of the package by dropping it from a specific height and angle.
- Compression Tests – This test evaluates the resistance of the package to external forces that may cause it to collapse or deform.
- Vibration Tests – This test evaluates the effect of vibrations on the package during transportation.
- Leakage Tests – This test evaluates the ability of the package to contain any hazardous material in case of a leak.
- Temperature & Humidity Tests – This test evaluates the resistance of the package to extreme temperature and humidity conditions.
- Stacking Tests – This tests stimulates warehouse conditions by evaluating the package’s strength when stacked.
- Hydrostatic Tests – This test is similar to leakage test, but uses water pressure instead of gas.
- Burst Tests – A burst test is an additional pressure test that uses increased pressure to check for leakages.
- Puncture Tests – This test evaluates the package’s resistance to penetration.
Testing may differ depending on the materials used for packaging, or the hazardous good itself. For example, there are specific tests to follow for infectious materials or radioactive materials.
At the end of the testing process, packages that have passed the tests are deemed suitable for transporting and storing hazardous materials.
Ensure Secure Transport of Hazardous Goods with Purple Diamond
With public safety and the environment at risk every time a hazardous materials hits the road, the transport of hazardous goods is a complex and critical process that demands meticulous attention to detail, strict adherence to regulations, and expert knowledge. From explosives to corrosive substances, each class of hazardous goods requires unique handling and precautions.
Our team at Purple Diamond is proud to rank among a select few companies authorized by PHMSA as an approved third-party hazardous goods package testing laboratory following Hazardous Materials Regulations. We offer rigorous testing for transporting hazardous goods across a wide range of industries, from pharmaceutical to biologics to consumer goods.
At Purple Diamond, the integrity of your packaged product is our number one priority during hazardous goods package testing. Our team is committed to delivering high-quality results as we develop a comprehensive solution to your specific testing needs.
Contact us today and let us help you navigate the complex world of hazardous goods transportation with confidence and peace of mind.
