About the webinar
The session was for general awareness and security training for hazmat employees in packaging. The speaker talked about the Department of Transportation (DOT) rules, the types of dangerous materials, the different kinds of packaging used for different dangerous materials, and how important it is to know the UN marks on packaging for transporting dangerous goods.
Lesson Plan
- Introduction to DOT regulations.
- Explanation of hazardous materials classification.
- Overview of different types of packaging for hazardous materials.
- Discussion on UN marks and their importance.
- Q&A session
KEY LEARNINGS
The Department of Transportation (DOT) has specific regulations for hazardous materials transport.
During the webinar, it was explained that the DOT has specific rules set by the Pipeline and Hazardous Material Administration (PHMA). The regulations are found in the Code of Federal Regulations, which dictates the requirements for producing and certifying containers like steel drums, plastic drums, and how to classify dangerous goods. “DOT regulations are based on a set of model UN regulations,” the speaker noted, adding that the rules are slightly customized based on the country.
Greif produces a variety of containers for hazardous materials transport.
The speaker highlighted that Greif, originally founded as a barrel manufacturer in 1877, has evolved to meet changing market demands and now produces steel drums, fiber drums, plastic drums, jerry cans, and rigid intermediate bulk containers. “We also make paperboard and corrugated products as well as combination packaging,” the speaker said. Their products are designed to safely transport a variety of hazardous materials, from minor to great hazards.
Greif packaging undergoes rigorous testing and must meet certain performance standards.
The presenter explained that Greif packaging is subject to various performance tests to ensure it can safely contain and transport dangerous goods. “In order to mark our packaging as authorized for transporting these dangerous goods, we have to go through a series of performance tests for each design,” the speaker stated. These tests include drop tests, stack tests, hydrostatic and leak-proofness testing, and vibration tests. Furthermore, each packaging design must come with closing instructions, and DOT requires annual retesting of all single packaging designs.
The UN marking on Greif packaging is critical for transporting dangerous goods.
The speaker emphasized the importance of UN marking on Greif packaging. “UN marks are critical when it comes to transporting dangerous goods so that the end user knows what the packaging is rated for and is able to comply with Federal Regulations,” the speaker clarified. Each mark on the packaging must meet the specific requirements outlined in 49 CFR 178.8503, and anyone unsure about what a UN mark means on a drum is encouraged to reach out to the compliance team or their supervisor.
The safety of hazardous materials transport depends on strict adherence to regulations and the quality of packaging.
The speaker concluded by reiterating the importance of understanding the requirements and standards associated with producing dangerous goods packaging. “What we produce transports dangerous things every day, so the fact that we have so many people involved in the production of it means that we have to be especially mindful of understanding what it means to produce dangerous goods packaging,” the speaker emphasized. This highlights the pivotal role Greif plays in ensuring the safe transport of hazardous materials.
Insights surfaced
- DOT regulations are based on a set of model UN regulations, which are customized based on the country.
- Hazardous materials are classified from 1 through n, each identified by a UN number.
- Greif has been in business since 1877. It has changed from making wooden barrels to making steel drums, fiber drums, plastic drums, Jerry cans, and rigid intermediate bulk containers (IBC totes or “cages”).
- Hazardous materials are broken down into three levels of hazard: packing group one (great hazard), packing group two (medium hazard), and packing group three (minor hazard).
- Performance tests for drums and Jerry cans include drop tests, stack and compression tests, and hydrostatic and leak-proofness tests.
- Combination packaging is one of the newest additions to Greif collection. They are made up of one or more inner packages secured in a non-bulky outer.
- All packaging designs must come with closing instructions and are required to be retested regularly.
- UN marks are important for moving dangerous goods because they show the packaging’s rating and help make sure it follows federal rules.
