Hazardous Materials Packaging Glossary
CFR-49 (CODE OF FEDERAL REGULATIONS - TRANSPORTATION)
A codified set of regulations formulated by the U.S. Dpartment of Transportation (DOT) governing the packaging and shipping of hazardous materials. Latest revision is October 1, 1996.
COMBINATION PACKAGING
One or more inner packagings used in combination with a non-bulk outer packaging. This does not include a Composite Packaging.
COMPOSITE PACKAGING
A packaging consisting of an outer packaging and an inner receptacle. It is constructed so that the inner receptacle and outer packaging form an integral packaging. Once assembled it remains a single unit and is filled, stored, transported, and emptied as such.
D.O.T.
Department of Transportation.
HM-181
A set of the proposed new packaging and shipping regulations which since have been incorporated into CFR-49. This document is no longer applicable.
HAZARD CLASSIFICATION
Materials are grouped as to the specific hazard they present. The groups are Explosives, Gases, Flammable Liquids, Flammable Solids, Oxidizers, Poisonous Materials, Corrosive Materials and Miscellaneous.
HAZARDOUS MATERIAL
A substance having properties capable of having adverse affects on the health or safety of individuals.
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS TABLE
An alphabetical listing of the hazardous materials found in CFR-49, section 172.101. It lists the product by proper shipping name, and its UN number. It lists the hazard classification, packing group, and the sections in CFR 49 that apply to the packaging and shipping of a specific product.
INNER PACKAGING
A packaging for which an outer packaging is required. This does not include the inner receptacle of a composite packaging.
JERRICANS
Metal or plastic containers of a rectangular or polygonal cross-section.
LIMITED QUANTITY
The quantity of hazardous material that may be shipped in packaging that is not UN certified. The quantity will vary depending on the specific product shipped, the mode of transportation, and the country the shipping occurs.
MASS
The maximum combined mass (weight) of inner packagings, or single packagings intended for solids, and the contents thereof.
MSDS
Material Safety Data Sheet. It is provided by manufacturers of hazardous materials, and describes the properties and nature of the material.
OUTER PACKAGING
The outermost packaging or enclosure of a combination or composite packaging along with any other cushioning or absorbent material and other components necessary to protect and contain inner packagings or receptacles.
OVERPACK
An enclosure used to provide protection or convenience in handling of a package or to consolidate two or more packages. The package being overpacked must be eligible to be transported by itself, and properly prepared for shipment with the proper markings and labeling. The marking and labeling on each of the packages being overpacked must be reproduced on the outside of the overpack unless visible from outside of the overpack.
PACKAGE
The end result of the packaging process, which includes all of the hazardous contents, and all of the packagings properly closed and prepared for proper marking and labeling.
PACKAGING
Containers, receptacles and all components necessary for the container or receptacle to perform its containment function and meet the requirements of CFR 49, parts 171-180. In general, these receptacles and components and other requirements are contained within CFR 49, part 173.
PACKING GROUP
The degree of hazard. Within each hazard classification there are three packing groups (I, II, and III). Packing Group I represents the greatest hazard, Group II a moderate hazard, and Group III the least hazard. In the marking of packagings, Group I corresponds to "X", Group II corresponds to "Y", and Group III corresponds to "Z".
PERFORMANCE ORIENTED PACKAGING
A set of criteria establishing the acceptability of a packaging to be used for hazardous materials based on its performance in established test procedures.
SINGLE PACKAGING
A single receptacle into which material is loaded other than a combination or bulk packaging. A drum is an example of a single packaging.
UN MARKING
The marking applied to a certified packaging indicating the Packing Group, and the severity of the testing performed.
UN PACKAGING
A packaging approved and certified for hazardous materials that has passed all required performance tests.
UN RECOMMENDATIONS
A set of recommendations proposed by the U.N. Panel of Experts regarding the packaging and shipping of hazardous materials. These are only recommendations, but have been incorporated into the regulations of most countries and carrier organizations. They form the basis of HM-181 and the changes to CFR-49.