Hazardous Material Package Selection – UN 4GV Packaging

As most hazardous material and dangerous goods professionals are aware, one of the most important responsibilities of a hazmat shipper is selecting a compliant dangerous goods packaging.  49CFR §173.22 states that a person shall determine that the packaging or container used to transport a hazardous material is an authorized packaging, and that it has been manufactured, assembled, and marked in accordance with applicable parts of the hazardous material regulations.  Essentially, this means that a person who is shipping a hazardous material must first choose the proper packaging.

There are a myriad of important considerations to take into account when choosing the most appropriate UN rated packaging for your hazardous material shipments.  These considerations include things such as ensuring the packaging is authorized for the specific hazardous material, and ensuring that the packaging system is compatible with the material, among others.

One of the most basic factors to take into account is when selecting a UN certified hazmat packaging is how the package was tested.  A hazardous material shipper must select a package that was tested in the same way that it will be used.  In other words, if you are shipping a liquid hazardous material in a one gallon paint can; generally speaking, you must select a UN rated combination packaging that is tested and certified for a 1 gallon paint can.  Another example; if a UN rated 4G box is tested with f-style plastic bottles, it could not be used to ship glass bottles.

Good News – UN 4GV Packaging Systems

Although the hazardous material regulations are explicit in these requirements that a packaging be used in a manner consistent with how it was tested, there is some relief from this requirement! 

Specifically, when a packaging is tested in accordance with the provisions of Selective Testing Variation 2, inner packagings of any type may be used.  Combination packagings tested in accordance with 49CFR 178.601(g)(2) are known as UN4GV or variation 2 packagings and can be used to ship inner packagings of any type. 

UN 4GV combination packagings may be used for solids or liquids, and even articles. Variation 2 fibreboard boxes are tested to meet the Packing Group I Performance Level, which makes them suitable for Packing Group I, II, and III materials.  Additionally, UN 4GV packagings incorporate absorbent cushioning material and liner bags which provides an enhanced level of protection when shipping liquid inner packagings.  Variation 2 Packagings are fully recognized by United States DOT, Canada TDG, IATA, ICAO, and IMDG.

Because UN 4GV Packaging Systems can be used to transport any inner container or article, they are the most flexible and versatile packaging choice available.  These packagings are an excellent solution for shipping laboratory or quality control samples, glass or other fragile containers, liquid materials, and occasional shipments of hazardous materials.

HAZPlus UN 4GV Kits

HAZPlus offers a wide selection of stock UN 4GV packagings.  From simple, cost-effective loose-fill vermiculite 4GV boxes, fully assembled and ready to ship 4GV kits that include absorbent lined bags, to 4GV kits specifically designed to meet the requirements IATA/ICAO requirements for air transportation. HAZPlus has the Variation 2 packaging to meet your needs. 

In addition to these UN 4GV kits, HAZPlus has a wide range of stock UN packaging options including:

• Paint Can Shippers
• Plastic Bottle Shippers
• Glass Bottle Shippers
• Metal Can Shippers
• Plastic Drums and Plastic Pails
• Steel Drums and Steel Pails
• Lithium Battery Boxes
• IBCs (Intermediate Bulk Containers)
• UN Rated Cubic Yard Boxes
• Salvage Drums
• Spill Kits
• Hazardous Material Labels and Placards
• Absorbent Material
• Poly Bags and other Accessories