UNITED

NATIONS	ST

Secretariat	Distr.

GENERAL

ST/SG/AC.10/1998/16/Add.3

25 September 1998

Original: ENGLISH
COMMITTEE OF EXPERTS ON THE

TRANSPORT OF DANGEROUS GOODS

(Twentieth session,

Geneva, 7-16 December l998,

agenda item 2 (b))

WORK OF THE SUB-COMMITTEE OF EXPERTS ON

THE TRANSPORT OF DANGEROUS GOODS

Report of the informal Working Group on Packing Instructions

(Frankfurt, 7 - 11 September 1998)

Annex 4

Proposed introduction to packing instructions

Transmitted by the Expert from the United Kingdom on behalf of the Working Group

4.1.3	Packing instructions and special packing provisions

4.1.3.1	Packing instructions and special packing provisions applicable to dangerous goods of classes 1 to 9 are specified in this section. The packing instructions and special packing provisions apply to packagings, [large packagings] and IBCs. In the following packing instructions, the general packing provisions of 4.1.1 for packagings and 4.1.2 for IBCs shall be met. Unless otherwise specified, each packaging shall conform to the applicable requirements of Part 6. Generally packing instructions do not provide guidance on compatibility and the user should not select a packaging without checking that the substance is compatible with the packaging material selected e.g. most fluorides are unsuitable for glass receptacles. Where glass receptacles are permitted in the packing instructions porcelain, earthenware and stoneware packagings are also allowed.

GE.98-

4.1.3.2	Column 8 of the dangerous goods list shows for each article or substance the packing instruction(s) that shall be used. Column 9 includes special packing provisions applicable to packagings and IBCs.

4.1.3.3	Each packing instruction shows, where applicable, the acceptable single and combination packagings. For combination packagings, the acceptable outer packagings, inner packagings and when applicable the maximum quantity permitted in each inner or outer packaging, are shown. Maximum net mass and maximum capacity are as defined in 1.2.1.

4.1.3.4	When transported in solution in accordance with 3.1.3.2 solid substances assigned t packing instruction P002 shall be packaged according to P001.

4.1.3.5	The following packagings shall not be used when the substances being transported are liable to become liquid during transport:

Drums:	1D and 1G

Boxes:	4C1, 4C2, 4D, 4F, 4G and 4H1

Bags:	5L1, 5L2, 5L3, 5H1, 5H2, 5H3, 5H4, 5M1 and 5M2

Composites:	6HG1, 6HG2, 6HD1, 6PD1, 6PG1 and 6PH1

4.1.3.6	Where the packing instructions in this part authorize the use of a particular type of outer packaging in a combination packaging (e.g. 4G), packagings bearing the same packaging identification code followed by the letters "V", "U" or "W" marked in accordance with the requirements of Part 6 (e.g. 4GV, 4GU or 4GW) may also be used under the same conditions and limitations applicable to the use of that type of outer packaging according to the relevant packing instructions. For example, a combination packaging marked with the packaging code "4GV" may be used whenever a combination packaging marked "4G" is authorized, provided the requirements in the relevant packing instruction regarding types of inner packagings and quantity limitations are respected.

4.1.3.7	Gas cylinders and gas receptacles approved by the competent authority are authorized for the transport of any liquid or solid substance assigned to packing instruction P001 or P002 unless otherwise indicated in the packing instruction or by a special provision in column 9 of the Dangerous Goods List. The capacity of gas cylinders shall not exceed 450 litres. The capacity for gas receptacles shall not exceed 1000 litres.

[4.1.3.8	Large packagings (see Chapter 6.6) may be used for substances assigned to packing instruction P001 or P002 when they are packed in inner packagings. In addition, large packagings may be used when they are specifically identified in a particular packing instruction (e.g. P621).]

4.1.3.9	Packagings or IBCs not specifically authorized in the applicable packing instruction shall not be used for the transport of a substance or article unless specifically approved by the competent authority and provided:

(a)	the alternative packaging complies with the general requirements of this Part;

(b)	when the packing instruction indicated in the Dangerous Goods List so specifies, the alternative packaging meets the requirements of part 6;

(c)	the competent authority determines that the alternative packaging provides at least the same level of safety as if the substance were packed in accordance with a method specified in the particular packing instruction indicated in the Dangerous Goods List; and

d)	a copy of the competent authority approval accompanies each consignment or the transport document includes an indication that alternative packaging was approved by the competent authority.

Footnote: The Competent Authorities granting such approvals should take action to amend the Model Regulations to include the provisions covered by the approval as appropriate.

______________