Section 7: Packaging Page 1 The Rule of Packaging Specification Packagings UN Performance Oriented Packagings Packaging requirements vary with the level of risk associated with the materials, however the rule of packaging for most materials is fairly simple; a specification packaging must be used. Of course, many exceptions exist to this rule. Today's modem specification system for many dangerous goods and hazardous materials is a UN Performance Oriented Packaging System. UN packagings go through a series of tests designed to emulate what can happen to a package during routine transport. Drop tests, stack tests, and other testing protocols are performed. UN packagings bear a unique certification marking which is pictured below: The UN employs a series of numbers and letters (4G) to identify the system. In this example, the 4 means the packaging is a box, and the G means it is constructed of fiberboard. Packaging Code Outer Packing 1A1 Steel drum, non-removable head 1A2 Steel drum, removable head 1B1 Aluminum drum, non-removable head 1B2 Aluminum drum, removable head 1D Plywood drum 1G Fibre Drum 1H1 Plastic drum, non-removable head 1H2 Plastic drum, removable head 1N1 Metal Drum, non-removable head 1N2 Metal Drum, removable head 2C1 Wooden barrel, bung type 2C2 Wooden barrel, removable head 3A1 Steel jerrican, non-removable head 3A2 Steel jerrican, removable head 3H1 Plastic jerrican, non- removable head 3H2 Plastic jerrican, removable head 4A Steel box 4B Aluminum box 4C1 Wooden box, ordinary 4C2 Wooden box with sift-proof walls 4D Plywood Box 4F Reconstitued wood box 4G Fibreboard
Section 7: Packaging Page 2 UN Specification Package Markings Combination Packaging
UN Specification Package Markings Section 7: Packaging Page 3
Section 7: Packaging IATA Page 1 Packaging for Transport Under the IATA DGR Air transport is obviously more conservative than the surface modes. The air shipper is subject to additional requirements such as filling limits, pressure differentials, absorbent materials, and inner liners. The General Requirements of IATA 5.0.2 The general requirements for most packaging resides in this subsection and it is conservative. Please remember that almost all packages (the only exception concerns Class 7) must comply with the standards of the subsection. The general requirements are identical to transport by highway in terms of ullage, compatibility and the inability to offer a compromised packaging. However considerable differences exist between the modes. The Problem of Pressure Due to the pressurization of the aircraft, all packages to be used to hold a liquid must be capable of withstanding, without leakage, a pressure differential of not less than 95 kpa. Additionally, pressure issues mandate positive reinforcement of friction closures (such as a paint can lid). For inner packaging containing liquids, closures must be held securely, tightly and effectively in place by secondary means. The closure device must be so designed that it is unlikely that it can be incorrectly or incompletely closed. In the absence of secondary means, the inner packaging(s) must be placed in a leak-proof liner and then placed in an outer packaging. The previous provisions in paragraph 5.0.2.12.2 for absorbent material and in paragraph 5.0.2.12.3 for inner liners have been deleted. When such requirements exist they have now been placed directly in the applicable packing instructions as Additional Packing Requirements.
Section 7: Packaging IATA Page 2 Packaging Selection The Process Step I: Once you have determined the correct proper shipping name, you must select a packing instruction. Generally, the amount of material to be packaged will determine if you must use a cargo aircraft only instruction, or if you can transport the material under a passenger instruction. Please remember, that if you select a cargo aircraft only instruction, the material must comply with the Cargo Aircraft Only controls which were previously mentioned. Step 2: You must always comply with the General Packing Requirements in Subsection 5.0.2. Remember that compatibility and other issues reside here. Step 3: If using a UN specification packaging, you must verify that the packaging is eligible for the material to be placed inside. For example, a PG I material can only be placed in a system marked with an "X". Remember that combination packages and single packagings for solids have maximum weight limits. The Format of the Packing Instructions Passenger air packing instructions always require compliance with the General Packing Requirements and typically require a UN Specification Packaging. Single packagings are rarely permitted. This leaves the shipper to select a combination packaging. Please note that inner packagings have filling limits imposed by the packing instruction. Some passenger packing instructions contain coded Particular Packing Requirements (PPRs) which must be complied with as well.
Section 7: Packaging IATA Page 3 Cargo Aircraft Only packing instructions always require compliance with the General Packing Requirements and typically require a UN Specification Packaging. Single packagings are generally permitted. If using a combination packaging please note that inner packagings have filling limits imposed by the packing instruction. Some cargo aircraft only packing instructions contain coded Particular Packing Requirements (PPRs) which must be complied with as well.
Section 7: Packaging IATA Page 4 Miscellaneous packing instructions exist for benign materials such as dry ice. Typically these instructions permit the use of a strong outer packaging in place of a UN specification system.
The Q Value Overpacks Section 7: Packaging IATA Page 5 The air regulations do permit the use of a package for different dangerous goods. Obviously, one becomes concerned with compatibility (which must be ensured through the use of Table 9.3.A) and filling limits. The filling limit issue is addressed with a calculation known as a "Q value". This calculation appears in subsection 5.0.2.11 and is fairly simple. An example follows: A shipper wishes to place Acetone and Paint (Class 3, PG III) in the same outer packaging (they are not mixed together). The shipper wishes to place 3 liters of Acetone in the packaging along with 4 liters of Benzene. The shipper is attempting to assign a passenger air packing instruction. "Q" is calculated as follows: Acetone quantity present 3 L Paint quantity present 4 L Passenger air allowance 5 L Passenger air allowance 60 L.6 +.066 Q =.666 As long as Q is equal to or less than 1.0, the material can be placed in the same package. Q must always be rounded up to the first decimal. The value which must be shown on the transport document therefore becomes.7. Please consult subsection 5.0.2.11 for possible exceptions and additional information. Overpacked dangerous goods are permitted but must comply with subsection 5.0.1.5. Please notice the rules that apply to cargo only overpacks. More overpack rules will be found in Section 7 (Marking and Labeling) and Section 8 (Documentation).