4.1 The purpose of this guide is to provide direction for uniform conditioning methodology when conducting special preparations of plastic packagings as prescribed for conducting United Nations (UN) drop test. This guide provides a uniform approach for conditioning of plastic packaging intended for liquid hazardous materials (dangerous goods).

4.2 The hazardous materials (dangerous goods) regulations certification process requires that plastic packagings undergo special preparations before performing the UN drop test. The regulations do not include uniform procedures for conducting special preparations. Non-uniform procedures allow for differences in methods between test facilities which may result in different test results.

4.3 The UN Orange Book and 49 CFR 178.603(c) state that drop testing conditioning is required for all plastic drums, plastic jerricans, plastic boxes (other than expanded polystyrene boxes), composite packagings (plastic material), and combination packagings with plastic inner packagings (other than plastic bags intended to contain solids or articles). It further states that drop testing shall be conducted when the temperature of the test sample (packagings and contents) has been reduced to -18°C or lower. Test liquids shall be kept in the liquid state, if necessary, by the addition of antifreeze. Water/antifreeze solutions with a minimum 0.95 specific gravity for testing at -18°C or lower are considered acceptable test liquids.

4.4 A 24-hour conditioning period may not be sufficient time for the packaging and contents to reach the required temperature.

4.5 This guide provides additional information not in the regulations that will facilitate consistent test sample conditioning among test facilities. The information and guidance provided here are intended to meet or exceed the minimum requirements of the regulations.

4.6 For more information on the UN certification tests, refer to Guide D4919.