FAQ

 

1. What are dangerous goods?

Dangerous goods are articles or substances that are capable of posing a significant risk to Health, Safety, Property or the Environment when transported.

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2. Which regulations govern transport of dangerous goods?

The transport of Dangerous Goods is subject to model regulations that follow the Recommendations of the U.N. Committee of Experts on the Transport of Dangerous Goods (The Orange Book).  The relevant model authorities are the International Civil Aviation Organisation, International Maritime Organisation, ADR/RID (Road/Rail in Europe) - who each publish their own legally enforceable regulation manuals.

Regulation manuals are available to buy click here to go to the relevant page.

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3. What proof is there of the packagings meeting transport regulations?

A Certificate of Packaging Performance is available for each U.N. certificated packaging as well as a full test report should that be necessary.
The certificates are issued by State nominated testing stations.

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4. How can suitable packagings be selected?

Air Sea Containers offers expert advice and technical expertise from a large product range held in stock. See our Contact us page where you can fill out a quick contact form and for more detailed queries we have a step by step questionnaire designed to help find the appropriate packaging solutions.

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5. Can dangerous goods be shipped in uncertified and unmarked packagings?

No. There are heavy penalties applied to shippers and agents attempting to ship dangerous goods contrary to regulations.

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6. What do the registered markings with a United Nations symbol mean?

Only packaging which have undergone and passed specific UN specification tests are permitted to carry the symbol shown here UN Mark proceeded with a specific mark related to the package design type and tests carried out. Some examples of marks are highlighted below, for further detailed explanation please contact us for assistance.

Fibreboard box typical UN mark example:

Fibreboard box typical UN Mark


Steel drum removable head typical UN mark example:


Steel drum removable head typical UN mark



Steel drum non removable head typical UN mark example:

St3eel drum non-removable head typical UN mark




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7. What is the difference between a combination packaging and a single packaging?

A U.N. approved combination packaging consists of a specific inner packaging e.g. Glass Bottle(s) or Tinplate Steel Drum(s) within a specific outer packaging e.g. a Fibreboard box 4G, tested in particular conformations and packed in accordance with assembly instructions. The combination packaging marking is on the outer packaging, the approved inner packaging is not necessarily marked.
Subject to transport regulations, a single packaging can ship products without an outer casing e.g. a steel or plastic drum. It will be marked as shown above.

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8. I need to use combination packaging and have my own inner packaging, can I use them in any 4G box that will fit?

No. UN approved combination packaging is strictly tested and you must follow exactly the certificate of approval. The UN mark is only valid when the outer packaging contains inner packaging described on the certificate or associated test report. A typical example UN approval certificate can be seen here which refers to specific glass bottles. Please also observe the back page of the certificate which describes the conditions of issue in particular point 6.

If you wish to use your own non specified inner packaging certain products may be permitted without the need for full re-testing. You should discuss your requirements with a member of the sales team who can offer you guidance on the use of 4G or an alternative from our 4GV range.

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9. What is the difference between a 4G and 4GV box?

Unlike a 4G box, which can only be used with approved inner packaging(s), a 4GV box allows the shipper to transport product in a non-specified inner packaging. This is a useful alternative to the 4G box for anybody who either doesn’t ship product regularly or doesn’t ship large regular volumes using a particular inner package.

However, please be aware that conditions of issue on the approval apply and the shipper must be aware of these. Copies of UN test certificates and assembly details are available upon request.

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10. What product enquiries should be made?

Important questions to be answered on the dangerous goods to be packaged:-

  • What class is the product? (e.g. Class 8 Corrosive)
  • Which packaging group is it? (e.g. Group 1 - Great Danger)
  • What is proper shipping name? e.g. Sulphuric Acid)
  • What is U.N. identification number? (e.g. UN1830)
  • Is the product liquid or solid? (e.g. Liquid)
  • What type of container is it usually shipped? (e.g. Plastic)
  • Is a single packaging required? (e.g. Drum)
  • Is a combination packaging required?(e.g. Bottle in a box)
  • What is mode of transport? (e.g. Air, Sea or Land)
  • What is the total quantity to be shipped? (e.g. 100 litres)
  • What is the unit quantity to be shipped? (e.g. 5 litres)
  • Are there any special requirements needed?
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11. What packing checks should be made before dispatch?

The shipper is responsible for making the following checks before a package is dispatched:
  • Is the dangerous product compatible with the container?
  • Is it compatible with the closure e.g. seal or wad?
  • Does the container meet temperature and pressure requirements?
  • Is the closure tightened to the correct torque?
  • If in a single packaging is it U.N. marked and certified to meet the packing requirements, e.g. specific gravity, weight or group?
  • If in a combination packaging is the INNER CONTAINER approved within the OUTER PACKAGING?
  • Is Vermiculite absorbent filling required?
  • Has the packaging been marked and labelled correctly?
  • Have the General packaging requirements been met?
  • Are all shipping documents correct?
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12. Who is ultimately responsible for the safe, secure and regulation packaging being employed?

The United Nations Certification does not necessarily mean that the packaging is suitable for a particular product. The shipper must take into account matters of compatibility, temperature, pressure, specific gravity, weight, absorbent filling and other requirements such as the torque of the closure.
These issues and others come under the heading of General Packaging Requirements which override all certifications and are the responsibility of the shipper, who in signing the shippers declaration form takes on personal liability in addition to any corporate liability.

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