A Hazmat Shipper must offer Dangerous Goods for transportation only in authorized packaging. United Nations (UN) performance packaging is used for hazmat packages, unless excepted. The manufacturer of the package must mark the package with the appropriate UN marking acknowledging it meets UN performance standards. Once a hazardous substance is correctly identified and all other aspects of it are understood, then the material must be properly packaged. Packaging instructions provide the necessary requirements for each different type of hazardous substance.
Confused about packaging? Below are commonly used Dangerous Goods packaging terms:
COMBINATION PACKAGING
Packaging consisting of one or more inner packing secured in outer packaging.
COMPOSITE PACKAGING
Packaging consisting of an outer package and an inner receptacle. Once assembled it remains a single unit and is filled, stored, transported, and emptied as such.
INNER PACKAGING
Packaging for which an outer packaging is required.
JERRICANS
Metal or plastic packaging of rectangular or polygonal cross-section shape.
OUTER PACKAGING
The outermost packaging or enclosure of a combination or composite packaging along with any other cushioning or absorbent material and other components necessary to protect and contain inner packaging or receptacles.
OVERPACK
An enclosure used to provide protection or convenience in handling of a package or to consolidate two or more packages.
PACKAGE
The end result of the packaging process. The packaging is properly closed and prepared for transport.
PACKAGING
Containers, receptacles and all components necessary for the container or receptacle to perform its containment function.
PACKING GROUP
An indication of the relative degree of danger presented by various hazardous substances. Packing Group I represents the greatest hazard, Group II a moderate hazard, and Group III the least hazard.
SINGLE PACKAGING
Packaging which do not require any inner packaging in order to perform their containment function, such as a five gallon steel pail.
COMINATION PACKAGING
A packaging approved and certified for hazardous materials that has passed all required performance tests.
