Materials deemed hazardous by the U.S. Department of Transportation must meet stringent guidelines for transportation within the United States and internationally. The performance characteristics of the packaging used to ship these materials are established by and governed by the United States Department of Transportation and must be designed and tested in accordance with these regulations. The danger level of the hazard and the mode of transportation require specific configurations of markings and protection during transit.
The wide range of hazardous materials, each subject to its own set of regulations, results in a wide range of required hazmat packaging supplies and solutions. The proper package is determined by the hazardous material, the level of hazard and the mode of transportation.
Types of Hazmat Packaging
Three of the more common categories of hazmat packaging are:
Combination Packaging – This is a type of packaging consisting of one or more inner packaging secured in an outer packaging. Inner components protect the primary container while the outer U.N. marked container protects the inner packaging during transit.
Single Packaging – This type of packaging consists of one container that holds the hazardous material, such as drums and pails.
Composite Packaging</