UN Certified Bulk Bags

What is a UN Certified Bulk Bag or FIBC for Hazmat?

A UN certified bulk bags is an FIBC used for the transport of hazardous materials. The FIBCs for hazmat are made of woven polypropylene and are required to go through a meticulous testing scheme. Most notable are the drop test, topple test, and a 6:1 safety factor.

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UN Certified Bag Specifications

Elway Industries stocks UN bulk bags for Packaging Groups 2(Y) and 3(Z) currently. Each packaging group requires a more rigorous test, Packaging Group 1(X) being the most rigorous. These bulk bags for hazardous materials are made of the same materials as standard bulk bags but require more rigorous testing and a higher safety factor. UN Certified bulk bags for hazmat are made of woven polypropylene, and in some cases require a polyethylene inserted liner

Our most common UN Certified bulk bag is a 13H3 (Uncoated Fabric with Inserted Liner). They are rated for 2205# Safe Working Load; 6:1 SF. Our most common UN Certified bulk bag is a duffle top with plain bottom. It comes with a 3 MIL, clear, loosely inserted liner.

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We stock several sizes of the 13H3 including:

• 36x36x36”

• 36x36x42”

• 36x36x48”

• 35x35x64”

*Custom dimensions available at no additional charge

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UN Certified Bulk Bag Requirements

Along with the certificates issued for UN Certified bulk bags, Elway employees who buy, handle, and sell them must be certified by completing a UN packaging standards program in accordance with the DOT requirements. All of Elway’s UN Certified bulk bags are tested at TEN-E Packaging Services, Inc. Inventory items are tested on a yearly basis, and new custom UN Certified bulk bags can be tested upon ordering. UN Certified bulk bags must pass all the following tests:

• Top Lift Test: The bulk bag is lifted from the top by an approved lifting device.

• Tear Test: The bulk bag will be cut with a knife in the middle of the bag to see if it will prevent the cut from spreading more than 25% of the original cut length.

• Stacking Test: The bulk bag will go through a test where the bags are stacked for 24 hours.

• Drop Test: The bulk bag will be filled and dropped from specific heights.

• Topple Test: The bulk bag is toppled from specific heights.

• Righting Test: The bulk bag is lifted from only two lifting loops.

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When do you need a UN Certified FIBC?

The United Nations and Department of Transportation require that companies transporting hazmat or hazardous materials use UN Certified Hazmat Bulk Bags. Some common dangerous goods that require this type of bulk bag include:

• Solid Hazardous waste disposal

• Glass Recycling

• Oily Wet Products

• Asbestos

• Chemicals

• Explosives

• Flammable Liquids and Solids

• Toxic Substances

• Corrosives

• Radioactive Waste

• All Types of Hazardous Waste

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What is the difference between UN Certified Bulk Bags and standard FIBC bags?

When transporting hazardous materials, it is important that companies use the correct kind of bulk bag that meets all of the proper safety requirements. There are certain differences between a standard FIBC bag and a UN Certified bulk bag that make the UN certified bag the right solution for the Hazmat transportation industry. Some of the main difference include:

• UN Certified Bulk Bags have to go through and pass FIBC testing procedures.

• These hazmat bulk bags need to be tagged and labeled clearly and correctly based on the UN requirements.

• The UN bulk bags need to meet the requirements on max volume

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Why Elway?

Elway can custom manufacture UN bulk bags for any Packaging Group, as needed. Elway Industries certifies all FIBC bags for hazmat in the USA and recertifies a select inventory on a yearly basis. This select inventory is kept in stock for immediate delivery.