UK
Introduction
UN Approved fibre drums are widely used for transporting dangerous goods due to their durability, strength and ability to withstand normal conditions of transport.
As these drums are intended for the use of transporting dangerous goods, strict testing and regulatory standards must be met to ensure the drum is capable of withstanding the normal conditions of transport. The United Nations (UN) has established comprehensive testing requirements for fibre drums used in the transportation of hazardous substances.
This article will provide an overview of the UN testing requirements for fibre drums, focusing on the testing procedures, standards, and certification necessary to ensure the safe transportation of dangerous goods.
UN Classification of Fibre Drums
Before delving into testing requirements, it is essential to understand how fibre drums are classified under the UN regulations.
UN Mark
Fibre drums typically fall under the following UN packaging codes:
1G – “1G” appears in the UN mark on fibre drums, which signifies the packaging type (1 = drum) the material type (G = Fibre). For example, 1G/X60/S
Testing Requirements for Fibre Drums (solids)
To ensure fibre drums meet UN regulations for the safe transportation of dangerous goods, they must undergo rigorous testing procedures. The following key tests are mandatory for all UN-certified fibre drums for solids:
Preparation of Packaging
Fibreboard packaging must be conditioned for at least 24 hours in an atmosphere having a controlled temperature and relative humidity (r.h.) the preferred atmosphere is 23°c ± 2°c and 50% ± 2% r.h
Drop Test 
The drop test simulates the impact that a fibre drum may face during accidental drops in transit. This test is designed to verify the structural integrity of the drum and ensure that the hazardous contents are not released.
Key Requirements:
Test Conditions: The drum is filled with material of equivalent weight to its intended use and dropped from a predetermined height onto a hard surface.
Number of test samples: Six (three for each of the two drop tests)
Drop Heights: The drop height is determined by the packaging group the drum is intended to be approved for:
- Packing Group I (high danger): 1.8 meters
- Packing Group II (medium danger): 1.2 meters
- Packing Group III (low danger): 0.8 meters
Drop Orientations: There are two different drop tests, each of the six sample drums (three samples tested per drop test)
- First drop the packaging must strike diagonally on the chime or circumferential seam or an edge.
- The Second drop the drum must strike the target on the most vulnerable points not tested by the first drop, i.e a closure or longitudinal drum seam.
Pass Criteria: No rupture or leakage of hazardous substance should occur after the test.
Stack Test 
The stacking test assesses the fibre drum’s ability to withstand the weight of additional drums stacked on top of it during storage and transportation. This simulates real-world stacking scenarios in warehouses or transport vehicles.
Key Requirements:
Number of Samples: Three test samples per design type.
The stack test is performed using a predetermined load, calculated based on the package’s height, weight, and any inter-stacking features, to simulate the pressure exerted by a 3-metre-high stack.
Test Duration: The load is applied for at least 24 hours.
Pass Criteria: The drum must not show signs of leakage, significant deformation, collapse, or failure that could compromise the safety of its contents.
Material Specification Checks
In the case of fibre drums, drum and closures are all inspected, and their specifications are recorded to ensure that each production run uses the exact same materials and specifications to create the UN approved packaging. This is to ensure the final packaging product is made to the exact material specification which passed the UN Testing process resulting in UN approved packaging.
Typical specification checks include material composition, material thickness, material weight, dimensions, closures spec and capacity.
UN Certification and Markings for Fibre Drums
Once fibre drums successfully pass the required tests, the test report is sent to the VCA checked and awarded a UN certification. The drum is given an approval ID. Each UN drum is printed with a UN mark which includes essential information about the drum’s type, performance level, and manufacture date.
In the UK, the certification of each UN approved packaging type must be revalidated at least once every 5 years. The certificate holder is responsible for ensuring their packaging is sent for revalidation in good time. The process consists of the certificate holder sending a manufactured sample of the packaging to an official packaging test station, specification checks may then be performed on the packaging against the original specification. End users should ensure that the packaging they are using is still valid for transportation and the approval certificate is up to date. It is worth noting that different states operate different periods of revalidation, in some cases every year.
A typical UN marking for a fibre drum for solids looks like this: 1G/X60/S/24/GB/1234
1: Indicates the package type is a Drum
G: Indicates the material is Fibre.
X: The performance level for Packing Groups X (I) is the highest level of danger.
60: The maximum gross weight in kilograms the drum can carry.
S: The drum is approved with solids
24: The year of manufacture.
GB: The country where the drum was manufactured.
1234: The approval identification code.
The performance level I (X), II ( Y), III or (Z) represents the drum’s capability to handle different packing groups:
X: Suitable for Packing Groups I, II, and III (highest danger).
Y: Suitable for Packing Groups II and III (medium danger).
Z: Suitable for Packing Group III (low danger).
Why is UN testing so important?
Fibre drums are essential for transporting dangerous goods due to their strength and durability, but they must meet stringent UN testing requirements to ensure the safety of their contents during transit. These tests, including conditioning, drop tests, stack tests and material specification checks to ensure the fibre drum maintains its integrity under normal transport conditions. Compliance with these tests is critical, all UN-certified drums are marked to reflect their performance levels and capabilities.
By adhering to these standards, manufacturers and shippers can ensure that fibre drums provide reliable and safe transportation of dangerous goods worldwide.
If you have packaging that requires UN testing or revalidations get in touch and we can help.
