It is important to select the correct package for materials that require UN-Rated packaging. According to ICC Compliance Center, “A receptacle and any other components or materials necessary for the receptacle to perform its containment function in conformance with United Nations (UN) specifications. This type of packaging must be certified according to a national competent authority by design qualification testing in accordance with UN standards. This will ensure the packaging is appropriate for the carriage of dangerous goods.”
It is the responsibility of the users to select and designate the appropriate package rating based upon their product and chemistry. A description of the UN specification markings can be found in every transport regulation or standard. For example:
UN Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods – Part 6
IATA Dangerous Good Regulations – Section 6
ICAO Technical Instructions – Part 6
Canadian CGSB – CGSB-43.150-97, section 4 (small means of containment); CGSB-43.146-2002, section 5 (IBC’s)
The marking that is applied to a UN package indicates the type of package and the levels to which the packaging has been approved. The following describes the sequence of numbers and letters that appear in a UN marking and what they designate.
Combination Packaging or Single Packaging for Solid Hazardous Materials
Example of UN Marking for Solid Hazardous Materials in single or composite packaging or combination packaging for all materials.
Liquid Hazardous Materials
Example of UN Marking for Liquid Hazardous Materials in single or composite packaging.
Of the six types of UN Packaging, the most common are drums (including pails), barrels and Jerrycans.
First let’s look at a hypothetical example of UN Marking for Solid Hazardous Materials in single or composite packaging for all materials.
The first digit references the type of solid hazardous materials package, in this case, a drum. The second indicated the drum material—fiberboard. The third indicates the category within the packaging type, Open Head or Closed Head, in this case open. The drum falls in to Packaging Group Y (Group II or III) with a maximum mass gross weight of 120kg. Bulk density is used with solid applications. Next, the marking indicates a solid single application, followed by the year of manufacture, 2015, the country of origin, USA, and the manufacturer code.
In short, we have a fiber drum, solid rated with a max density of 120kg, made by the listed American manufacturer in 2015.
Next, we’ll look at an example of a UN Marking for Liquid Hazardous Materials. The first digit references the type of liquid hazardous materials package, again in this case, a drum. The second indicates the drum material—plastic. The third indicates an “open head” package. The drum again falls in to Packaging Group Y (Group II or III) with a product specific gravity rating of 1.8. The drum is rated at 30kPa, or Kilopascals, a value used to measure static pressure. Next, the marking indicates the year of manufacture, 2015, the country of origin, USA, and finally the manufacturer code.
In summary, we have a liquid plastic open head drum, with a specific gravity rating of 1.8 and 30kPA, made by the listed American manufacturer in 2015.
For more information on which product is right for you, please consult with your regulatory specialist, consult the links on our webpage or contact one of our Packaging Specialists. Illing Packaging is dedicated to Packaging Your Vision.
