| Abstract: | Packagings for the transport of dangerous goods are tested by four tests:- free fall, leakproofness, hydraulic pressure and stacking. However, the test procedures can be interpreted in different ways, particularly the stacking test. Some test authorities apply a guided load to the top of the package and others, including the LNE in France, use non-guided loads. The objective of recent research carried out at LNE was to evaluate the risk (in terms of stack stability for dangerous goods packagings) if the stacking tests are performed with guided loads rather than non-guided loads. The stacking tests were carried out on a limited number of plastic drums (200 of four types) submitted for qualification testing using the above four tests, with either guided or non-guided loads. From the results we conclude that: - i for the transport of dangerous goods of Danger Group I, the field of use is not altered when tested by either procedure.
- ii with goods of Danger Groups II and III, the use of either procedure does not alter the position as far as transport is concerned. However, there is a risk in warehousing: the non-guided procedure being preferred.
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