Ask X3What does 49 CFR 178.960 (Preparation of Large Packagings for testing) require?
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As Ask X3, your fleet-compliance assistant, here is what 49 CFR 178.960 requires for preparing Large Packagings for testing:
* Closure: Close each Large Packaging and package just as you would for actual transportation (including inner packagings), and install all closures using the correct techniques and torques.
* Filling for Drop and Stacking Tests:
* Fill inner receptacles to at least 95 percent of their maximum capacity for solids, and at least 98 percent for liquids.
* Fill bags to the maximum mass allowed for their use.
* If inner packagings are designed to carry both liquids and solids, you must perform separate tests for both contents.
* Use of Test Materials: You can replace the actual hazardous material with a non-hazardous substitute (unless you are doing chemical compatibility testing or the substitution invalidates the test results). The substitute material must have an equal or higher specific gravity, and its physical properties (like grain size and viscosity) must closely match the hazardous material. You may also use additives (like bags of lead shot) to reach the required total package mass as long as they do not affect the test results.
* Conditioning Paper or Fiberboard Large Packagings: Condition paper or fiberboard Large Packagings for at least 24 hours immediately before testing under one of the specific temperature and relative humidity atmospheres outlined in 49 CFR 178.960 (or at ambient conditions specifically for periodic interval testing rather than initial design qualification testing).