Note: Product information may be found in the CFR Section 172.101
The following product information is to be used as a guide to determine the proper shipping container for your product.
- Hazardous materials description and proper shipping name(s):
(Column 2 of the HazMat table in CFR section 172.101) - Packaging Group for your product (I, II, III):
(Column 5 of the HazMat table) - Specific Gravity of product:
(Relative Density equals Specific Gravity. Weight of one gallon of product divided by weight of one gallon of water [8.34] = Specific Gravity.) - Vapor Pressure of your product in Kpa at 55 C:
- Vapor Pressure is required for liquids.
- A 250 Kpa minimum test pressure is required for all packaging Group I Products.
- Air Shipments of Packaging Group II, or III require a minimum Kpa rating of 100.
- Vapor pressure may be listed in many forms: atm, mmGH, Torr, or PSI. If you can provide us with any measurement and at what temperature we will convert it to Kpa at 55 C. Pressure: ATM mmHG Torr PSI Temperature: C F
- For Solids – What is the weight of your product in kilograms:
Conversion Formula: Total weight of package in pounds / 2.2046 = kilograms
UN EMBOSSMENT
Example of UN marking for LIQUID hazardous materials:
UN/1A2/Y1.5/150/96/USA/SDCC
UN = United Nations
1 = drum
A = steel
2 = open head (1 = tight head)
Y= class or packing group tested at
X = most hazardous (group I, II, III)
Y = medium hazard (group II, III)
Z = least hazard (group III)
1.5 = relative density (specific gravity)
150 = Kpa (kilopascal) or pressure tested at; indicates maximum specific gravity allowable for this packaging
96 = year of manufacture
USA = country of manufacture
SDCC = manufacturer’s UN registered mark
*Liquids certified drums may be used as a primary container for solids
Example of UN marking for SOLID hazardous materials:
UN/1A2/X150/S
UN/1A2/X = see above
150 = weight capacity tested in kg (kilograms)
S = tested for solids
*Solids certified drums may not be used as a primary container for liquids
Matching Packaging to Hazardous Material Characteristics
Selecting compliant hazardous material packaging begins with understanding the characteristics of the product being shipped. Elements such as physical state, hazard classification, packaging group, and transportation mode can all influence which container specifications are appropriate for a shipment.
When evaluating packaging requirements, shippers often review:
- Hazard class designation
- Packaging group assignment
- Liquid or solid classification
- Product density
- Shipping method
- Container capacity requirements
- Storage conditions
- Regulatory documentation requirements
Accurate classification helps ensure packaging selections align with transportation and handling requirements throughout the shipping process.
The Role of UN-Rated Packaging
UN-rated packaging is designed to demonstrate that a container has been tested against established performance standards for hazardous materials transportation. Different package markings indicate the types of materials and operating conditions for which the packaging was evaluated.
The packaging selected must correspond to the requirements of the material being shipped, including factors such as packaging group, weight limitations, and whether the product is transported as a liquid or solid. Reviewing these requirements before shipment can help reduce delays and improve transportation efficiency.
Preparing Hazardous Materials for Transportation
Successful shipment preparation involves more than selecting a container. Proper packaging procedures help support safe handling throughout storage, loading, transportation, and receiving activities.
Common shipment preparation activities may include:
- Product classification review
- Packaging verification
- Marking confirmation
- Labeling requirements
- Documentation review
- Weight verification
- Closure instructions
- Carrier compliance checks
Completing these steps before shipment can help simplify the transportation process and support regulatory compliance efforts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is A UN-Rated Container?
A UN-rated container is packaging that has been tested and marked according to performance standards used for the transportation of hazardous materials.
Why Is Packaging Group Information Important?
Packaging group designations help determine the level of packaging performance required for a particular hazardous material.
What Information Is Needed to Select a Hazardous Material Container?
Commonly required information includes the proper shipping name, hazard class, packaging group, physical state, specific gravity, vapor pressure information when applicable, and shipment weight.
What Does the UN Marking on a Container Mean?
The UN marking identifies testing certifications and key packaging characteristics such as packaging type, performance level, and approved use conditions.
