Dangerous Goods Packing

It is very important to make sure that dangerous goods are packed thoroughly. This will help to transport them safely by air. Packing Instructions are provided for all dangerous goods which are acceptable for transport by air with a wide range of options for combination (consisting of inner and outer packaging) and single packagings. Very often it is required to use performance-tested specification packagings. But these are not required when dangerous goods are shipped in Limited Quantities (small amounts) under the provisions of the Limited Quantity "Y" Packing Instructions.

There are three Packing Groups and they represent: 1) Packing Group I Great danger; 2) Packing Group II Medium danger; 3) Packing Group III Minor danger.

Every class has its Packing Group. Classes 3 and 4, Divisions 5.1 and 6.1 and Class 8 and some Class 9 substances have Packaging Groups assigned to them. But Packing Groups are not assigned to Class 1 'explosives'; Class 2 'gases' and 'gas mixtures'; Class 6.2 'infectious substances' or Class 7 'radioactives.' Note that Packaging Group designators are always written in Roman numerals: for example PG 11.

The Packaging Group is the factor that determines the test protocol when performance testing a dangerous goods package in order to determine that the design of the package meets the minimum performance criteria required by the UN, and to attain the mandatory UN approval. Testing conducted on a package for a P.G. I product is considerably more stringent than the testing requirements for a P.G. III product.

All dangerous goods must be packed for transport, according to a specific Packing Instruction. It is important to note that all packagings must be of good quality, be compatible with their contents and be able to withstand the normal conditions of air transport. There are general packaging requirements they must meet. Moreover, it is required for some of them to meet prescribed specifications and performance tests for the design type of the packaging. This is a packaging specification marking.

Packagings may be combination packagings (e.g. a ‘bottle in a box’) or single packagings (e.g. a drum). Only combination packagings are permitted on passenger aircraft but some single packagings are also allowed for certain low hazard (i.e. Packing Group III) dangerous goods. However, many dangerous goods in small quantities can be contained safely in good quality combination packagings which meet construction requirements and are capable of withstanding drop and stacking tests but are not subject to a full testing regime. It is required to limit the quantity of such dangerous goods.

All dangerous goods must be leak proof and sift proof. For liquids goods it is important to include enough absorbent material to absorb the total amount of liquid. If goods are fragile, then cushion is needed to prevent damage in transport. 

Explosive charges for shells have to be packed hermetically in officially approved plastic tubes. These boxes should be stacked in the warehouse that will help to store the products efficiently.