Source: Adam Gregor/Shutterstock.com
Summary:- Salvage packaging is designed for damaged or leaking hazardous materials; overpacks are for intact products.
- Salvage drums must not exceed 119 gallons (450 L); overpacks have no capacity restrictions.
- Salvage packaging must be sent to a recovery or disposal facility; overpacks can be used for various applications.
- Both must be appropriately marked and labeled.
What Is Salvage Packaging?
Salvage packaging is designed to safely transport leaking, damaged, defective or non-compliant packages or goods containing hazardous materials for recovery or disposal. Salvage packaging consists of the following:Salvage Drums
Salvage drums are visually similar to oil drums or barrels and are available in various materials, such as steel, polyethylene and aluminum. For a storage drum to be UN/DOT-compliant, it must be tested according to UN standards for solids and liquids (UN 1A2, 1B2, 1N2, or 1H2). In addition, it must pass a leakproofness test of 3-PSIG (pounds per square inch gauge). The storage drum must not have a capacity exceeding 119 gallons (450 liters).
Source: CNGPICTURES/Shutterstock.com
Salvage Drum Requirements
These are the requirements for a salvage drum:- A maximum capacity of 119 gallons (450 L)
- A removable head
- Compatible with the lading
- Meets DOT specifications with applicable UN markings
- Absorbent and cushioning material compatible with the hazardous material
- The proper shipping name of the hazardous material inside the packaging
- The name and address of the consignee
- All applicable hazmat labels
What Is an Overpack?
An overpack is an enclosure that a single consignor uses to provide protection or convenience in handling a package or consolidating two or more packages. Unlike a salvage drum or cylinder, an overpack is designed to transport packages that have not been breached or damaged — i.e., packages that are not leaking or compromised. The packages contained in an overpack still meet Department of Transportation requirements.Overpack Requirements
The requirements that an overpack must meet, according to the law, are as follows:- Is marked with the proper shipping name and identification number.
- Is labeled for each hazardous material contained therein unless markings are visible through the overpack.
- If orientation markings are required, they must consist of arrows on opposite vertical sides with the arrows pointing in the direction of orientation.
- If the type of package contained inside the overpack isn’t visible from the outside, the overpack must be marked with the word “Overpack.”
- The lettering for an overpack must be at least ½" in height.
Basic Comparison of Salvage Packaging vs. Overpacks
One of the most crucial differences between the two systems is that salvage drums are designed for transporting damaged or leaking hazardous materials, whereas what you transport in an overpack must be intact. While salvage drums are limited in capacity, overpacks are not. If you use a salvage drum, the hazardous materials contained therein must be sent to a disposal facility, whereas there are no limitations on the intended uses for overpacks. DOT specification packaging is required with salvage drums but not with overpacks.Manufacturer/Distributor Liability
If you are a manufacturer or distributor of overpacks, you should only sell products that meet specific regulatory requirements. The Department of Transportation does expect manufacturers to adhere to a specific set of standards when designing, manufacturing and marking UN/DOT-compliant products.
Source: SubstanceTproductions/Shutterstock.com
