Ask X3What does 49 CFR 178.965 (Drop test) require?
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According to 49 CFR 178.965, the drop test requirements for Large Packagings include the following:
* General Requirement: You must conduct a drop test to qualify all Large Packaging design types, and perform it periodically as specified in 49 CFR 178.955(e).
* Preparation & Filling: Large Packagings must be filled according to 49 CFR 178.960.
* Temperature Conditioning: If you are using rigid plastic Large Packagings or Large Packagings with plastic inner receptacles, you must condition them by reducing the temperature of the packaging and its contents to −18 °C (0 °F) or lower. You may use a water/anti-freeze solution (minimum specific gravity of 0.95) to keep test liquids in a liquid state.
* Test Method:
* Drop test samples onto a rigid, non-resilient, smooth, flat, and horizontal surface, targeting the most vulnerable part of the base.
* After the drop, return the Large Packaging to an upright position to observe it.
* If the Large Packaging design type has a capacity of 0.45 cubic meters (15.9 cubic feet) or less, it must undergo an additional drop test.
* Drop Heights: Drop heights depend on the Packing Group (PG):
* Packing Group I: 1.8 m (5.9 feet)
* Packing Group II: 1.2 m (3.9 feet)
* Packing Group III: 0.8 m (2.6 feet)
*(Note: If using water for liquid tests where the substance's specific gravity exceeds 1.2, specific adjusted drop height formulas apply based on the specific gravity).*
* Test Materials: You must perform tests with the actual solid or liquid to be transported, or with a non-hazardous substitute that has essentially the same physical characteristics (including similar specific gravity and viscosity for liquids).
* Passing Criteria: The Large Packaging passes the test if it retains its entire contents with no loss of the filling substance from inner packaging(s) or article(s), and no ruptures occur that allow the spillage of loose explosive substances or articles (for Class 1 articles)—even if the closure is no longer sift-proof.