UK 
Packaging for Corrosive Substances
Choosing packaging for a corrosive substance is not simply a matter of finding a container of the right size.
For dangerous goods transport, the packaging must be suitable for the specific substance and the applicable transport regulatory requirements. The Dangerous Goods List identifies the relevant packing instruction and any special provisions. The right packaging therefore starts with the substance, not the container.
Identify the UN number
The UN number is used to identify the specific dangerous goods for transport. Shippers can then refer to the dangerous goods list to obtain the correct packing instruction relating to the specific corrosive.
Check the Packing Group
Class 8 substances may fall into:
- Packing Group I – substances presenting high danger
- Packing Group II – substances presenting medium danger
- Packing Group III – substances presenting low danger
The packaging’s performance level must be suitable for the Packing Group assigned to the corrosive. This can be found on the dangerous goods list and the packing instruction for the specific UN number.
It the substance is liquid or solid?
The physical form of the substance is important when selecting packaging.
Corrosive may be transported in permitted packaging such as:
- Plastic drums
- Plastic jerricans
- Steel drums
- Steel jerricans
- Glass or plastic inner packagings within suitable combination packaging
However each UN approved packaging has been tested for use with solid or liquid or in some cases both types, you must check the packagings UN mark and test certificate to see if it’s approved for solids or liquids.
Find the applicable packing instruction
The Dangerous Goods List identifies the packing instruction applicable to the substance.
Packing instructions specify the packaging types that may be used and can include requirements relating to:
- Packaging construction
- Packaging material
- Maximum net mass
- Packing Group
- Combination packaging (inner and outer requirements) and single packaging
- Special packing provisions
Consider the packaging material
Chemical compatibility is particularly important when transporting corrosive substances.
Example packaging materials include:
- HDPE plastic
- Steel
- Aluminium
- Glass
- Fibreboard
- Composite constructions
Although the Packing Instructions list the permitted packaging types and materials it is the shipper’s responsibility to ensure the packaging is compatible with the corrosive and will not react.
Decide between single and combination packaging
Single packaging
The substance is contained directly within the UN packaging and does not need a sperate outer packaging.
Examples include UN drums & UN jerricans.
Combination packaging
The substance is contained within an inner packaging which is then placed inside an approved outer packaging.
Examples include:
- Glass Inner + Plywood outer (e.g 4DV combination packaging)
- Plastic Inner + fibreboard outer (e.g 4GV or 4G combination packaging)
- Metal inner + fibreboard outer (e.g 4GV or 4G combination packaging)
Combination packaging can be particularly useful where additional protection is required around a fragile inner packaging.
Inner examples can be glass, plastic, tinplate, aluminium, steel, bottles, jerricans, drums etc.
Outer examples can be plywood, steel, composite, fibreboard, plastic, boxes, drums etc.
Check the UN packaging specification is suitable for all of the requirements set out on the packing instruction
Check the UN mark and the test certificate.
A typical UN packaging mark provides information about the packaging type, material, packing group and other performance levels. The test certificate provides further detailed information about the performance test the packaging has undertaken.
The packaging specification must be appropriate for the intended use. You can read more about UN specification marks here.
Check for special provisions and limitations
Some dangerous goods entries have additional packing provisions.
These may relate to issues such as:
- Venting
- Sealing
- Packaging lifespan
- Special construction requirements
This is why checking the relevant mode of transport regulations vital. What are the dangerous goods regulations? Here we explain the regulations and how to keep abreast of them.
A simple checklist
Before ordering packaging for a corrosive substance, identify:
Mode of transport, UN number, Proper shipping name, Class, Packing Group, Physical state, Packing instruction, Quantity, Packaging material, Chemical compatibility, UN packaging specification.
Visit our corrosive packaging product range for available packaging solutions.
Need help choosing packaging?
If you are unsure which packaging is suitable for your corrosive substance, contact Air Sea Containers and we can help identify suitable packaging options from our range of UN approved dangerous goods packaging.
