Our Quincy Resource Group design engineers work directly with our customers in the process for obtaining United Nations (UN) and/or U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) certification for packages containing dangerous goods.
Upon successful completion of all testing a certificate of compliance will be granted, which allows Quincy Resource Group to apply the UN markings on the complete package assembly on behalf of our customer. Our customers can provide this compliance certificate to our design team or we can assist with securing compliance certification on their behalf.
Testing Services Include:
- Compression Testing
- Leak Testing
- Package Integrity Testing
- Package Strength Testing
- Shock Testing
- Validation
- Vibration Testing
UN regulations for certification are defined by the “Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods” AT/SG/AC.10/1/Rev. 12, Part 6. Read more at the UN website.
DOT regulations for Transport of Dangerous Goods are defined by Title 49 CFR Parts 173 & §178. Read more by visiting the DOT website.
Testing Services Defined
The following tests are performed on a 4G (corrugated board) combination package. The packaging group and product density of the actual filler determines performance levels used for testing.
Drop Test — five complete packages are dropped from the required drop height; a sample is dropped once, in five different orientations for a total of five drops. Primary inner packages (i.e. bottles) made of plastic are conditioned to 0ºF for 24 hours prior to testing. All other inner package materials are conditioned at ambient conditions (73ºF/50% RH) for 24 hours prior to testing. Reference: UN §5.1.6.3 and 49 CFR §178.603.
Stack Test — this test is performed on three complete packages by loading each individual box with a weight equivalent to a 3-meter stack of identical boxes. This test may be performed with or without the primary inner packages (i.e. bottles). The test duration is 24 hours per sample. Samples are conditioned at ambient conditions (73ºF/50% RH) for 24 hours prior to testing. Reference: UN §5.1.6.6 and 49 CFR §178.606.
Vibration Test — this test is performed on three complete packages and requires the operator to determine the acceleration needed to cause the package to leave the surface of the test table. This is accomplished by increasing frequency of the shaker until the package separates enough so that a 1/16-inch shim can slide between the package and the table surface. Once the test level is determined, the test duration is one hour. Samples are conditioned at ambient conditions (73ºF/50% RH) for 24 hours prior to testing. Reference: 49 CFR §178.608.
Cobb Water Absorption Test — this test is performed on the corrugated box in accordance with ISO 535 & 49 CFR §178.516. Samples are conditioned at ambient conditions (73ºF/50% RH) for 24 hours prior to testing, which consists of a 30-minute soak in water. Five samples are prepared for this test.
Optional Tests
Hydrostatic Pressure Test — this test is performed on three primary inner packages (i.e. bottles) by pressurizing the bottles to the required pressure with water for a specified duration. This test is only required for inner packages that contain liquid and will be
shipped by air. Testing is performed on three samples, including the closures. Reference: UN §5.1.6.5 and 49 CFR §178.605.
ISTA Series 3 Test — this is a drop and vibration test performed on three complete package designs. A ten-drop sequence and loose load vibration test are performed. This test is only required if UPS will be used to ship your package design containing hazardous materials.