1. Scope

1.1 The main focus of this guide is to identify the key information required for United Nations (UN) packaging certification to ensure the selected packaging will be certified to the appropriate level for its intended use. This document also provides guidance for locating relevant sections of the United States Department of Transportation Title 49 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). Consult with a regulatory specialist whenever needed.

1.2 This guide is intended to assist in determining the appropriate performance tests required to certify packaging designs to the United States Department of Transportation Title 49 Code of Federal Regulations performance oriented packaging standards based on the United Nations Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods.

1.3 This guide covers the testing for transportation of hazardous materials packagings for net masses not exceeding 400 kg (880 lb) or capacities not exceeding 450 L (119 gal), excepting packagings for infectious substances, radioactive materials, cylinders and other receptacles for gases.

1.4 This guide does not replace domestic or international regulatory requirements for hazardous materials packaging but is strongly recommended to be used in conjunction with those regulations.

1.5 The user of this guide must be trained in accordance with the United States Department of Transportation Title 49 Code of Federal Regulations as required by 172.700 and should be familiar with other applicable hazardous materials regulations such as; International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Technical Instructions for the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air, and the International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code (IMDG Code) and carrier rules such as International Air Transport Association (IATA) Dangerous Goods Regulations.

1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory requirements prior to use.

2. Referenced Documents (purchase separately) The documents listed below are referenced within the subject standard but are not provided as part of the standard.

ISO Standard

United Nations Document

Regulatory Documents

Industry Document

ASTM Standards

D323 Test Method for Vapor Pressure of Petroleum Products (Reid Method)

D642 Test Method for Determining Compressive Resistance of Shipping Containers, Components, and Unit Loads

D685 Practice for Conditioning Paper and Paper Products for Testing

D996 Terminology of Packaging and Distribution Environments

D999 Test Methods for Vibration Testing of Shipping Containers

D4169 Practice for Performance Testing of Shipping Containers and Systems

D4332 Practice for Conditioning Containers, Packages, or Packaging Components for Testing

D4359 Test Method for Determining Whether a Material Is a Liquid or a Solid

D4577 Test Method for Compression Resistance of a Container Under Constant Load

D4991 Test Method for Leakage Testing of Empty Rigid Containers by Vacuum Method

D5276 Test Method for Drop Test of Loaded Containers by Free Fall

D5570 Test Method for Water Resistance of Tape and Adhesives Used as Box Closure

Keywords

hazardous materials; packaging; packing group; Compatibility; Container leakage; Cooperage test; Drop tests--shipping containers; Hazardous materials packaging; Health hazards; Hydrostatic testing; Leak testing--packaging applications/containers; Liquids; Packing/packaging materials/systems--specifications; Performance--containers/packaging/shipping; Pressure testing--packaging/containers; Shipping containers/materials/applications--specifications; Solid phase materials; Stacking test; Transportation; Water resistance; Wooden barrels;

ICS Code

ICS Number Code 55.040 (Packaging materials and accessories)

DOI: 10.1520/D4919-03

ASTM International is a member of CrossRef.