From flammable and explosive chemicals to corrosive and highly toxic substances, hazardous materials impose extremely high requirements on packaging due to their unique properties. Hazardous material packaging is not just a simple container; it is a comprehensive solution that integrates technology, regulations, and responsibility, aimed at ensuring that hazardous materials do not leak or explode during transportation, thereby protecting transport personnel, surrounding residents, and the environment from threats.

According to Article 17 of the Regulations on the Safety Management of Hazardous Chemicals: The packaging of hazardous chemicals must comply with the provisions of laws, administrative regulations, rules, as well as national standards and industry standards. This includes the material, type, specifications, methods, and individual quality (weight) of the packaging and containers, all of which need to be suitable for the nature and use of the hazardous chemicals being packaged.

Dangerous goods packaging refers to the containers used to hold hazardous materials, which must meet specific standards and requirements in their design and manufacture to ensure the safety of personnel and the environment during transportation, storage, and use. The following is a detailed explanation of dangerous goods packaging and its classification:

Definition of hazardous materials packaging

Dangerous goods packaging not only refers to traditional packaging containers, such as barrels, boxes, and cans, but also includes various types of intermediate bulk containers, large containers, pressure vessels, aerosol cans, small gas cylinders, portable tanks, and multi-gas containers. The capacity and net weight of these packaging containers are usually subject to restrictions, such as a capacity not exceeding 450L and a net weight not greater than 400KG.

Classification of Dangerous Goods Packaging

Dangerous goods packaging can be divided into several categories based on its characteristics and uses. The following are classification methods according to different standards:

1. Divided by level of danger.

For packaging purposes, substances other than Class 1 (explosives), Class 2 (gases), Class 7 (radioactive materials), Section 5.2 (organic peroxides), Section 6.2 (infectious substances), and Section 4.1 (self-reactive substances) are divided into three packaging categories according to their degree of hazard:

• Class I packaging: Suitable for the packaging of highly dangerous goods.
• Class II packaging: Suitable for the packaging of moderately dangerous goods.
• Class III packaging: Suitable for the packaging of low-risk goods.

2. Classification based on packaging form and material

The packaging forms of hazardous materials are diverse, and each form has its specific coding and applicable scope. Here are some common packaging forms and materials:

• Steel packaging: such as steel drums with non-removable tops (1A1) and steel drums with removable tops (1A2).
• Aluminum packaging: such as aluminum drums with removable tops (1B2W).
• Fiber packaging: such as fiber drums (1G).
• Plastic packaging: such as plastic drums with non-removable tops (1H1) and plastic drums with removable tops (1H2).
• Plywood packaging: such as plywood boxes (4D) and specialized plywood boxes (4DV).
• Composite packaging: such as composite packages with a plastic inner layer and a steel outer layer (6HA1).
• In addition, there are various forms and materials of packaging, including paper bags, woven plastic bags, intermediate bulk containers (IBC), etc.

International Regulations for the Packaging of Dangerous Goods

The transportation and packaging of dangerous goods are subject to several different international regulations established by organizations such as the United Nations, the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), and the International Rail Transport Committee (OTIF). For example, the International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code (IMDG Code), the International Air Transport Association Dangerous Goods Regulations, and the Regulations Concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Rail (RID) are included. These regulations provide detailed provisions and requirements regarding classification, packaging, marking, labeling, stowage, segregation, loading and unloading, management, transport conditions, and fire emergency measures for dangerous goods.

What type of packaging does the battery belong to and what materials are used for packaging?

1. Lead-acid batteries: Hazard class 8, usually packaged in Class III packaging, generally using ordinary cardboard boxes.

2. Non-overpower lithium batteries: Hazard class 9, usually packaged in Class II packaging, can also use ordinary cardboard boxes.

3. Overpower lithium batteries: Also classified as hazardous materials of class 9, typically packaged in Class II packaging; performance certificates and dangerous goods packaging certificates are required. Commonly used double corrugated cardboard boxes (4G) or plywood boxes (4D), with detailed information provided in the dangerous goods packaging certificate.

In international transport, it is recommended to use pallets or wooden boxes for packaging battery goods (especially hazardous materials such as lithium batteries and lead-acid batteries), as this can meet regulatory requirements for packaging performance and reduce transportation risks through physical reinforcement.