Sodium Hydroxide Packaging
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All packaging for Hazardous substances, including Sodium Hydroxide packaging, has to be suitable to contain the Hazardous substance in a safe manner. Sodium Hydroxide packaging and the packaging of other chemical products, must be compatible with the substance contained therein. Any materials in direct contact must not be affected or have any effect on the Hazardous substance.
Suitable materials can be glass, plastic or metal for ‘inner’ or single packaging whilst ‘outer’ packaging materials include fibreboard, wood, plastics or metals. The size of the receptacle determines the standard of packaging to be used. Limits are applied to Hazardous substances in terms of volume (litres) or mass (kg) which are known as Limited Quantities. Up to and including these volumes/masses the packaging has to be suitable to contain the substance but does not have to carry the UN symbol. If these limits are exceeded then any packaging used must be UN-approved and as specified in ADR Transport Regulations.
UN-approved packaging is identified by a coding scheme which, in addition to the UN symbol, also displays references to:-
- The type of packaging
- The specific gravity of the substance to be contained
- The date of manufacture
- The country of manufacture
- The suitability for different packing groups
Two basic types of packaging are used:-
- ‘Stand-alone’ where the markings are applied directly to the container holding the substance. This type of container requires no further packaging for transport providing they are stowed and transported in a safe manner without loss of contents or undue movement.
- ‘Composite’ packaging where an ‘inner’ receptacle holding the substance is retained by an ‘outer’ package. An example would be a glass or plastic bottle in a fibreboard case, the ‘outers’ being designed to hold one or two multiple ‘inners’.
Damaged packaging is not acceptable for use and must be replaced, recycled or destroyed. Wherever possible it makes economical and environmental sense to re-use packaging providing it is in a suitable condition.
All closures used must be compatible with the containers and ensure a water tight seal to avoid leaks. Ideally they should be fastened to a specified torque setting.
Sodium Hydroxide packaging generally comprises plastic packaging, this being due to the Corrosive properties of the substance. Any material in contact with it must be able to withstand the chemical attack, therefore packaging such as glass or metal are not really suitable. Even at dilute concentrations Sodium Hydroxide will corrode metal surfaces over a substantial period. Various forms of packaging are available, combination packs, stand-alone containers or IBC’s.
Stand-alone Containers
This style requires no outer packaging and is UN approved in its own right. All markings are visible directly on the container surface. The material will be of a stronger construction than in combination packs taking the form of jerricans or drums with removable and non-removable heads.
Combination Packs
These consist of an inner receptacle contained in an outer package. The inner will be made of plastic, glass, metal etc and the outer composed of fibreboard or wood. All markings relating to the packaging will be visible on the outer. Combination packs may consist of either single or multiple receptacles.
IBC’s
These are used for containing larger volumes or Sodium Hydroxide and generally are made of either a rigid plastic or a flexible plastic contained within a rigid outer frame of metal.
Above certain quantities, the packaging must be UN approved and carry all the required markings. For Sodium Hydroxide packaging, the limits are:-
- 3 kg for solids
- 1 L for Packing Group II liquids
- 5 L for Packing Group III liquids
Typical coding for suitable packaging would be as follows:-
- Drums – Plastics, non-removable head 1H1
- Drums - Plastics, removable head 1H2
- Jerricans - Plastics, non-removable head 3H1
- Jerricans - Plastics, removable head 3H2
- Plastic receptacle with outer fibreboard box 6HG2
The first numeral refers to the kind of packaging e.g. 1 = Drum, 3 = Jerrican, 6 = Composite
The letter refers to the type of material e.g. H = Plastics, G = Fibreboard
The second numeral indicates the category of packaging.
Other markings are:-
- The UN packing symbol
- Indication of Packing Group suitability and density
- Either the letter ‘S’ denoting Solids or the hydraulic test pressure
- The last two digits of year of manufacture.
- Packaging of type 7H and 3H should also be appropriately marked with the month of manufacture
- The authorising state
- The name of manufacturer
For further information of Sodium Hydroxide labelling, Sodium Hydroxide uses and Sodium Hydroxide hazards, please refer to the relevant pages of this website. Please also remember that Sodium Hydroxide is commonly known as Lye, NaOH and Caustic Soda.
http://www.sodium-hydroxide.co.uk/sodium-hydroxide-packaging | Saved Thursday, January 28th, 2010 - 5:05 AM