Understanding UN Approval for Containers, Drums, and IBCs in Waste Management

Dan Pegram

Published: 06/11/2024

UN approval is a certification that verifies a container’s suitability for transporting hazardous materials. It guarantees that containers have passed specific tests to withstand stress, pressure, and other environmental conditions encountered during transportation. Once a container passes these tests, it receives a unique UN code, signifying its compliance and marking it as fit to transport hazardous materials.

UN-approved containers bear a code stamped on them, which provides essential details about their specifications. Let’s break down the elements of a typical UN code:

• UN Symbol: Every code begins with “UN,” indicating the container complies with United Nations regulations.
• Type of Packaging: This is marked by a number-letter combination, like “1A1,” where:
  • 1 = Drums
  • 3 = Jerricans
  • 4 = Boxes
  • 5 = Bags
  • 6 = Composite packaging

The letter represents the material used (A for Steel, B for Aluminum, etc.).

• Group of Packaging: A capital letter follows, showing the type of hazardous materials the container can carry:
  • Y: Both hazardous and non-hazardous materials
  • X: Higher levels of hazardous materials
  • Z: Lower-hazard substances
• Specific Gravity or Weight: Numbers following the category letter indicate the maximum weight or specific gravity the container can safely hold.
• Year of Manufacture: This date helps track the container’s expiry.
• Country and Manufacturer: This part of the code shows the country of manufacture and the manufacturer’s unique code.
• Test Pressure: For containers carrying liquids, a pressure test result may be marked to indicate the container’s tested capacity to hold pressurised contents.

To maintain their integrity and compliance with safety standards, UN-approved containers come with expiration dates. Drums and IBCs, for example, typically have a five-year approval period from the manufacture date. Once this period has passed, even if the container appears undamaged, it’s no longer compliant for transporting hazardous materials. Regular inspections and recertifications ensure that containers meet safety standards over time.

Using expired or non-compliant containers can lead to severe legal repercussions. Hazardous waste regulations in the UK, EU, and globally mandate that only in-date and approved containers are used for transportation. Failing to adhere can result in liability for accidents, spills, or environmental damage, along with fines and other penalties for non-compliance.

• Safe handling and containment of hazardous materials.
• Accurate documentation of packaging codes and expiration dates.
• Compliance with regional and international hazardous materials transportation laws.

Understanding UN approval requirements for containers, drums, and IBCs is essential for those in waste management. By knowing how to read UN codes and ensuring containers are within expiry, companies can prevent accidents and avoid legal issues. Always verify a container’s approval status before transporting hazardous waste, as this is both a legal and a moral responsibility. Following these regulations supports safer operations and contributes to a cleaner, more secure environment.

For full compliance, contact Flame UK today to learn more about current legal guidelines specific to your region to stay up-to-date on hazardous materials regulations.