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1.1 This guide intends to provide a standardized method for special preparation conditioning of drop test samples for United Nations (UN) performance-oriented packaging certification.

1.2 This guide provides guidance on conditioning test samples for drop testing plastic packaging intended for liquid hazardous materials (dangerous goods) as required by 49 CFR §178.603(c)(1) and §178.810(b)(4). This guide also provides the minimum information that should be documented when conducting special preparation conditioning.

1.3 The user of this guide shall be trained in accordance with 49 CFR §172.700 and other applicable hazardous materials regulations including: the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Technical Instructions for the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air, the International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code (IMDG Code), and carrier rules such as the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Dangerous Goods Regulations.

1.4 Units—The values stated in SI units are regarded as the standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.

1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

4.1 The purpose of this guide is to provide direction for uniform conditioning methodology when conducting special preparations of plastic packagings as prescribed for conducting United Nations (UN) drop test. This guide provides a uniform approach for conditioning of plastic packaging intended for liquid hazardous materials (dangerous goods).

4.2 The hazardous materials (dangerous goods) regulations certification process requires that plastic packagings undergo special preparations before performing the UN drop test. The regulations do not include uniform procedures for conducting special preparations. Non-uniform procedures allow for differences in methods between test facilities which may result in different test results.

4.3 The UN Orange Book and 49 CFR 178.603(c) state that drop testing conditioning is required for all plastic drums, plastic jerricans, plastic boxes (other than expanded polystyrene boxes), composite packagings (plastic material), and combination packagings with plastic inner packagings (other than plastic bags intended to contain solids or articles). It further states that drop testing shall be conducted when the temperature of the test sample (packagings and contents) has been reduced to –18°C or lower. Test liquids shall be kept in the liquid state, if necessary, by the addition of antifreeze. Water/antifreeze solutions with a minimum 0.95 specific gravity for testing at –18°C or lower are considered acceptable test liquids.

4.4 A 24-hour conditioning period may not be sufficient time for the packaging and contents to reach the required temperature.

4.5 This guide provides additional information not in the regulations that will facilitate consistent test sample conditioning among test facilities. The information and guidance provided here are intended to meet or exceed the minimum requirements of the regulations.

4.6 For more information on the UN certification tests, refer to Guide D4919.