US
Types of UN Approved Chemical Drums
At Air Sea USA, we stock a wide selection of chemical drums, all tested and certified for safe use with hazardous goods. Our range of UN rated chemical drums include:
UN Steel Chemical Drums (1A1 / 1A2)
A common choice for transporting hazardous chemicals and flammable liquids, steel chemical drums are renowned for their strength and puncture resistance. Our steel chemical drums come in two types:
1A1 (Closed Head Steel Drum): Non-removable heads, ideal for liquids, with various size bungs (screw or plug type).
1A2 (Open Head Steel Drum): Removable heads, perfect for solid substances or items requiring easy and frequent access.
UN Aluminium Chemical Drums (1B1)
Aluminium chemical drums/bottles are lightweight, but strong, offering corrosion-resistance and lower shipping rates compared to other types of drums. Our Aluminium drums / aluminium bottles come in smaller sizes than our steel drums, making them ideal for chemical samples in smaller quantities:
1B1 (Closed Head Aluminium Drum)
UN Plastic Chemical Drums
Our UN rated plastic chemical drums are made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE), offering excellent chemical resistance. These plastic drums are lightweight, highly cost effective and easy to handle, available in two types:
1H1 (Closed Head Plastic Drum): Suitable for liquids
1H2 (Open Head Plastic Drum): Ideal for solids or semi-solids.
UN Fiber Drums
Fiber chemical drums are created using multiple sheets of heavy paper (like Kraft paper) or fiberboard that is glued or laminated together. Fiber drums come in just one type (1G) and are suitable for solid and granular materials like dry chemicals, powders, and pharmaceuticals.
UN Composite Steel Chemical Drums
Our composite steel chemical drums combine the strength of steel with the chemical compatibility of polyethylene (plastic) drums, featuring a plastic inner lining for corrosion resistance. The steel exterior provides added strength and protection, our drums are available as closed head drums:
6AH1 (Closed Head Steel Composite Drums)
How to Choose the Right Chemical Drum
It’s important that individuals responsible for shipping chemical drums check the compatibility of the substance with our UN chemical drums to ensure suitability. Here are some things to keep in mind:
Material Compatibility
Shippers should always check that the drum material is compatible with the properties of the substance being transported. From lacquer-lined interiors to plain steel, match your drum to the chemical’s behavior to ensure safe transportation.
Packing Group Requirements
UN drums are performance tested for for Packing Groups:
- I (X – high danger)
- II (Y – medium danger)
- III (Z – low danger)
The chemical drum must be certified for the appropriate PG based on your product’s hazard classification.
Solid or Liquid Contents
UN markings indicate whether a drum is tested for solids, liquids or both. Liquid applications must also consider density and pressure tolerance before an appropriate drum is selected.
Capacity and Volume
You should carefully select the right size for your operational needs, from smaller 125ml drums to large capacity options, like our 59 gallon drums. Factor in fill level, substance weight and shipping efficiency.
Closure Type
Depending on the hazardous substance being transported in our UN chemical drums, you should decide whether closed-head or open-head drums are best suited for your application:
- Closed-head (non-removable): Best for liquids or powders
- Open-head (removable): Ideal for solids, semi-solids or items needing frequent access.
The lids on chemical drums should provide a secure, leak-proof seal, with different closure types like bungs, bolted rings or lever-lock closures available.
UN Certification
Look for the UN specification mark stamped on every drum. A UN mark indicates successful testing against rigorous performance requirements set out in modal regulations and reassures shippers that the drum has met legal requirements established under IATA, IMDG and the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations, specifically Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations (49 CFR), for UN rated drums.”
Purchase Chemical Drums with Confidence
At Air Sea USA, we make shipping simple. Safety and regulation are central to our entire operation. Our inventory of UN rated chemical drums provide everything you need to ship chemicals and other hazardous substances responsibly.
