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The United Nations established a set of standards requiring transport containers for hazardous goods or materials to be specially rated. UN ratings are comprised of a series of numerical and alphabetical codes. These codes represent what exactly the container is regulated to hold. The regulations are determined by a number of tests, which are mandatory if the drums are intended to be UN rated.
UN ratings are regulated and enforced by the Department of Transportation (D.O.T). However, it is the responsibility of the shippers to choose the right packaging or drum to transport their materials. The ratings are guides to help shippers to determine the correct containers.
Order a New or Reconditioned Poly DrumChoosing the wrong materials to transport hazardous goods can be potentially catastrophic. While a poly drum might suit certain items, other hazardous goods may require a more rugged container to ensure dangerous materials are packaged safely and correctly to avoid injury, damage or environmental harm. There are problems and opportunities in the use of reconditioned steel drums for hazardous materials, so they must be examined and tested before use.
But first, here are four things you must know:
- UN-rated drums are containers tested and regulated by the Department of Transportation (D.O.T) for the transportation of hazardous goods.
- Each drum is coded using a series of letters and numbers.
- There are two types of codes for solids and liquids.
- Shippers are responsible for transporting their goods in the correct containers.
Understanding UN Ratings
At a glance, UN ratings are intimidating. However, once you have the lists of codes, you can easily read and identify UN ratings. The following guide takes you through each step of the process.
Types of Ratings
There are two types of UN ratings. Both ratings are similarly structured but contain some key differences.
- UN markings for solids
- UN markings for liquids
It’s important to note you’re permitted to use a container with a higher UN rating when shipping hazardous materials, but you can never use a lower-rated container. For example, if you’re transporting hazardous liquids with a specific gravity of 2.4, you can use a container with a 2.5 rating but not a 2.3.
UN Ratings Explained
To effectively explain how ratings are categorized, it’s most useful to use examples. First, we will break down packaging for liquid hazardous materials. Then we will analyze packaging for solid hazardous materials.
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Liquid Hazardous Materials
Code: 3H1/X1.2/250/17/USA/98H13G
How Tall Is a 55 Gallon Drum? Find Out in Our GuideThe first three (3H1) figures represent the packaging identification code:
| Packaging Identification Code | |
| Package Type | 1: Drums/Pails 2: Barrels 3: Jerricans 4: Boxes 5: Bags 6: Composite receptacle 7: Pressure receptacle |
| Materials | A: Steel B: Aluminum C: Material Wood D: Plywood F: Reconstituted Wood G: Fiberboard H: Plastic L: Textile M: Paper, Multi-wall N: Metal other than Steel or Aluminum P: Glass Porcelain, Stoneware |
| Category | 1: Closed head or no removable top 2: Open head T: Tested with water |
The next group of figures (X1.2) represent the packing group and specific gravity:
| Packaging Group and Specific Gravity | |
| Packaging Group | X: Meets group I, II and III’s tests Y: Meets group II and III’s tests Z: Meets III’s test |
| Specific Gravity | 1.2 For single packages containing liquids, you’ll find the specific gravity of a material. |
The next figures (250/17/USA/98H13G) are explained in the table below:
| Remaining UN rating codes explained | |
| Hydraulic Pressure (kPa) | 250 |
| Year of Manufacture | 17 |
| Location of Manufacture | USA |
| Manufacturer Code | 98H13G |
Solid Hazardous Materials
Code: 1H2/Y250/S/16/USA/42S45B
The first three (1H2) figures represent the packaging identification code.
| Packaging Identification Code | |
| Package Type | 1: Drums/Pails 2: Barrels 3: Jerricans 4: Boxes 5: Bags 6: Composite receptacle 7: Pressure receptacle |
| Materials | A: Steel B: Aluminum C: Material Wood D: Plywood F: Reconstituted Wood G: Fiberboard H: Plastic L: Textile M: Paper, Multi-wall N: Metal other than Steel or Aluminum P: Glass Porcelain, Stoneware |
| Category | 1: Closed head or no removable top 2: Open head T: Tested with water |
The subsequent set of figures (Y250) are slightly different when it comes to solids. Instead of a specific gravity value, solids are quantified by density.
| Packaging Group and Density | |
| Packaging Group | X: Meets group I, II and III’s tests Y: Meets group II and III’s tests Z: Meets III’s test |
| Density, measured in kg | 250kg |
The final set of figures (S/16/USA/42S45B) are explained in the table below:
| Remaining UN-rating codes explained | |
| Solid Rating | “S” is present only on UN ratings for solids |
| Year of Manufacture | 16 |
| Location of Manufacture | USA |
| Manufacturer Code | 42S45B |
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When deciding on what containers you need for shipping, accuracy and details are vital. For safety and practical reasons, ensure you use custom size cardboard boxes, adequate packaging materials and regulation containers where necessary. Need to know how tall is a 55 gallon drum? Check out our guide!
Air Sea Containers carries an extensive selection of packaging materials and containers for transporting hazardous goods. Explore our range online and contact our experienced staff at (866) 596-9448 to discuss which drums, totes and barrels are suitable for your shipping needs.
