Dangerous goods have to be packed and transported the proper way. This is where UN 4g boxes come in, which are made of fiberboard. It is made of an outer and inner packaging component, with the actual dangerous goods being in the inner component.
On its own, a 4G box is not approved for the transportation of dangerous goods. It is very important for those who transport it to be aware of this, so that they do not indivertibly break the law. The International Code for Air Transport clearly highlights what should appear with the 4G box in order for it to be completely legal.
Under the official recommendations, all packages have to be performance tested first. This has to be done as a completely assembled unit, so that they know that it will withstand the stresses of transportation. This is usually done by specific organizations who have the necessary qualifications and testing facilities to complete this.
How to Ensure UN 4G Boxes Are Properly Used
A number of things are necessary in order to make sure that UN 4G boxes are used properly. Besides their inner and outer components, therefore, they should have:
- Cushioning materials
- Seals
- Gaskets
- Caps
- Tape to ensure the box is closed
The package should then be labeled with the manufacturer’s name, address, and symbol. Then, and only then, should it be tested as a whole. If it passes the tests, it has to be certified and marked so that it clearly shows that it complies with all the necessary standards.
If a package is sent and it does not contain all the necessary markings and codes to show that it has been assembled properly, that it has been tested, and that it has all the manufacturer’s and tester’s details on them. If at any point the package is found not to be compliant, an explanation will be requested if possible. If this is not possible, then the package will be destroyed.
One thing of particular importance is that packaging manufacturers are sure that those who assemble the packaging know exactly what they are doing. In so doing, each package will be completely identical in how much cushioning material is used, how it is closed, how it is labeled, and so on. If there is any deviation from the accepted design, they must be tested again, leading to significant difficulties, as well as being a waste of precious time.
Transporting dangerous goods, quite rightly so, is incredibly complex and has to be done following very specific rules. Without those rules, there is a chance that these dangerous materials would be exposed to the environment, where they can do untold damage to public health. Hence, while some manufacturers and other developers are disappointed at the number of regulations they have to contend with, they also have to accept that it is for the greater good of the planet as a whole. While inconvenient, therefore, sometimes corners quite simply cannot be cut.