UN Dangerous Goods and US DOT Package Testing
Smithers Pira has been at the forefront of Dangerous Goods package testing in the UK and Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT) package testing in the US since the very earliest days of the UN requirements. Throughout this history Smithers Pira has maintained an unrivalled knowledge of UN package testing. We remain uniquely placed to offer detailed guidance to companies that are faced with the complexities of the Transport of Dangerous Goods Regulations and US DOT Hazardous Materials Regulations HAZMAT).
Smithers Pira's testing labs at Leatherhead in the UK, and Lansing (Michigan) in the US, are independent from packaging suppliers.
Client testimonials are shown below.
Packaging Types Tested
Smithers Pira's test facilities are accredited to undertake UN testing on a broad range of package types including:
- Bags - paper, plastic, textile (all codes - 5M1, 5M2, 5H4 etc)
- Boxes/Combination Packs - of all materials (all codes - 4D, 4G, 4GV, 4H2, 4A etc)
- Drums and Jerricans - steel, fibre, plastic, composite (all codes - 1A1, 1H2, 1G, 3H1, 3H2 etc)
- Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBC's) - metal, plastic, fibreboard, wood, flexible, composite (all codes - 31A, 31H2, 31HA1, 11G etc)
- Large Packagings - metal, plastic, fibreboard, wood, composite, flexible (all codes - 50A, 50H, 50G etc)
- Specialist Packs - for infectious substances and diagnostics (Division 6.2 substances, UN 3373).
Our knowledge covers testing requirements for the following classes:
Class 1 - Explosives
Class 3 - Flammable Liquids
Class 4 - Flammable Solids
Class 5 - Oxidizing Substances and Organic Peroxide
Class 6 - Toxic and Infectious Substances
Class 8 - Corrosive Substances
Class 9 - Miscellaneous Dangerous Substances.
Smithers Pira's Dangerous Goods and Hazardous Materials Services
- A highly responsive testing service with turnaround to meet your needs
- Expert assistance in understanding complicated regulatory requirements
- For the UK and Europe, on site access to the independent UK certifying body (VCA-DGO)
- Certificate revalidation testing to meet the new requirements of the UK certifying body.
The team also provides:
- Additional distribution testing to allow for a detailed assessment of pack performance
- Random vibration, horizontal impact hazards and unit load testing not included in the UN tests
- An ongoing validation service to ensure continued use of approved specification
- Testing to cover the non-mandatory 'capability' performance requirements (limited quantities, diagnostic specimens and consumer commodities).
What our Dangerous Good and Hazardous Materials Package Testing Clients Say
"I would like to express my thanks for the excellent work which Smithers Pira have carried out....The help and flexibility provided will enable the MoD to keep to our original delivery date within challenging timescales."
Ian Matthews (MoD, UK)
"Smithers Pira has given me the support I need in a Third Party testing lab. The professional knowledge and advice in the area of Hazmat Dangerous Goods, has enabled me to run an efficient packaging line here at ICC The Compliance Center. From their customer service staff to lab personnel, I know I will continue my affiliation with Smithers Pira."
Al Mariani (ICC The Compliance Center Inc.)
"The response was good and very professional, assistance and advice was always available when needed...the results were well presented and I found discussion (with the team) very helpful".
John Gawn (DuPont (UK) Ltd)
"We... were all impressed by the clarity that you (Smithers Pira) brought to a situation where ignorance had complicated arrangements with a Spanish customer. Our team has an excellent impression of Smithers Pira and will certainly come back to you when tests are needed."
Ian Palmer (Dolav UK Ltd)
"Initial contact and service was excellent. There were a lot of changes required and a lack of familiarity on our part with the process made much easier with the support provided."
Joe Sweetman (Atlantic Industries)