UK
Types of UN Approved Chemical Drums
At Air Sea Containers, we stock a wide selection of chemical drums, tested and UN approved for the transport of dangerous goods. We have 5 types of UN approved chemical drums:
UN Steel Chemical Drums (1A1 / 1A2)
Ideal for transporting hazardous chemicals including flammable liquids, steel chemical drums are renowned for their strength and puncture resistance. We have a mixture of steel drums suitable for solids and liquids, Our steel chemical drums come in two types:
1A1 (Closed Head Steel Drum): Non-removable head, ideal for liquids, bung access (screw or plug type).
1A2 (Open Head Steel Drum): Removable head, perfect for solid substances or items requiring easy and frequent access.
UN Aluminium Chemical Drums (1B1)
Aluminium chemical drums 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
UN approved 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, also coming in two types:
1H1 (Closed Head Plastic Drum): Suitable for liquids
1H2 (Open Head Plastic Drum): Ideal for solids or semi-solids.
UN Fibre Drums
Fibre chemical drums are created using multiple plies of heavy paper (like Kraft paper) or fibreboard that is glued or laminated together. Our fibre drums have open heads (1G) and are suitable for solid and granular materials like dry chemicals & powders.
UN Composite Steel Chemical Drums
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, with our drums coming in two types:
6AH1 (Closed Head Steel Composite Drums)
6AH2 (Open 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 the UN chemical drum of choice 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, ensure your drum is suitable for the chemical’s behaviour to ensure safe transportation.
Packing Group Requirements
Each UN drum will have been tested to a for a specific Packing Group, there are 3 Packing Groups (PG):
- PG I (X – high danger)
- PG II (Y – medium danger)
- PG III (Z – low danger)
The chemical drum must be certified for the appropriate packing group specified in the relevant UN Model regulations.
Solid or Liquid Contents
The UN specification mark indicates whether a drum is tested for solids or liquids.
Capacity and Volume
You should carefully select the right size for your needs, from smaller 30L drums to large-capacity options, like our 220L drums. Factor in fill level, substance weight, density, pressure capabilities and shipping efficiency.
Closure Type
Depending on the hazardous substance being transported in our UN chemical drums, you should consider whether non removable heads or removable heads would be more suitable shippers must refer to the substances PI from permitted closure types:
- Closed-head (non-removable): Best for liquids
- Open-head (removable): Ideal for solids, semi-solids, or items needing frequent access.
The lids on our chemical drums 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 the drum. A UN mark indicates the drum has successfully passed the required performance testing stipulated in the Transport of Dangerous Goods Regulations.
Buying Chemical Drums with Confidence
At Air Sea Containers, we make shipping simple. Safety and regulation are central to our entire operation. Our inventory of UN approved chemical drums provide everything you need to ship chemicals and other hazardous substances responsibly.
