Air Sea Containers, a leading UK supplier of compliant packaging for dangerous goods, has unveiled a new test laboratory in Wirral, specifically designed to provide performance testing for UN approved packaging. This facility is UKAS accredited under ISO/IEC 17025, ensuring that businesses across the UK can access comprehensive testing services for their dangerous goods packaging needs. The new lab will serve as a critical resource for companies seeking UN approval for packaging, helping to ensure compliance with stringent safety and regulatory standards.
Testing Services for Packaging Compliance
The new test lab is equipped with advanced testing technology and staffed by experienced professionals who specialise in dangerous goods packaging. It offers a wide array of essential tests to ensure packaging meets the rigorous requirements for UN approval. Key services provided by the lab include:
Drop Testing:
Drop tests simulate real-world handling conditions, assessing the packaging’s durability during transit and potential impact scenarios. This critical test helps to ensure that packages can withstand the physical stresses encountered during transport.
Stack Testing:
This test evaluates the package’s strength and stability under compression, simulating conditions such as stacking during long-distance transport or storage. It is vital for ensuring that packages can endure the pressures they face when stacked in transit or on shelves.
Material Specification Checks:
Air Sea Containers meticulously examines and records material specifications, ensuring that every production batch adheres to the exact materials and specifications needed for UN approved packaging. This service ensures that packaging consistency is maintained throughout production.
All tests are conducted using calibrated equipment and under strict environmental conditions to provide reliable and consistent results. By maintaining the highest standards, the lab ensures that its clients’ packaging will meet the safety and durability requirements necessary for transporting dangerous goods.
Comprehensive Testing Solutions for Various Packaging Types
With its new state-of-the-art facility, Air Sea Containers offers testing services for a broad range of packaging, including steel drums, fibre drums, fibreboard boxes, and plastic boxes. The lab is fully equipped to handle:
Testing of Customer’s Own Packaging:
Air Sea Containers offers tailored testing services for customer-owned packaging that requires UN approval, including drop, stack, cold conditioning, and material specification checks. This allows clients to ensure their existing packaging meets international safety standards.
Custom-Made Packaging Testing:
For customers requiring bespoke packaging, the lab provides a full-service solution that includes design, development, testing, coordination of UN certification, manufacturing, and ongoing maintenance of UN certification. The entire process is managed to ensure compliance and certification, helping customers streamline the packaging approval process.
Revalidation Testing Services:
UN approved packaging requires revalidation after a set period, typically five years in the UK. Air Sea Containers offers revalidation testing to ensure that packaging continues to meet the exact specifications required for UN certification. Revalidation ensures the packaging maintains its compliance with UN safety standards over time.
Capability Testing:
For packaging not mandated to be UN approved, but still needing to meet certain capabilities, such as limited quantity and lithium battery packaging, capability testing is available to ensure compliance. This service helps businesses address specific regulatory needs that fall outside of UN requirements.
UN Certification and VCA Authorisation
Each test conducted at the lab adheres to the stringent UN packaging regulations for the transport of dangerous goods. After passing the tests, Air Sea Containers works closely with the Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA) to secure UN certification for the packaging, providing fully certified results to their clients. This certification ensures the packaging meets global safety standards for the transport of hazardous materials.
Commitment to Regulatory Compliance and Safety
The launch of the Wirral-based testing facility reinforces Air Sea Containers’ dedication to providing compliant, certified, and safe packaging solutions. With over four decades of experience in regulatory compliance, the company has established itself as a trusted partner for businesses involved in the transportation of dangerous goods. The new lab will further enhance the company’s ability to support clients in achieving safe, compliant packaging for hazardous materials.
