When to Use 4GV Hazmat Boxes
4GV Hazmat Boxes: When to Use Them
What Is 4GV / Variation 2 Packaging?
4GV/Variation 2 packaging are a form of 4G hazmat boxes that allow for the shipment of articles or inner packaging (inner containers) of any type, whether solids or liquids, versus regular UN packaging that is for either solids or liquids separately.
But they are not simply just a carton.
More than just being a box, 4GV packaging is combination packaging made of an “outer packaging” (a durable corrugated cardboard box) and one or more units of “inner packaging” (such as glass jars, plastic jugs, or metal cans, all of which have UN 4GV packaging options here to properly transport).*
Why do you need UN 4GV packaging?
You need them because they are UN compliant hazmat boxes that not only identify, but safely ship packages containing hazardous materials. By UN compliant, it means that they successfully meet the United Nations’ and Department of Transportation’s regulations for the transportation of dangerous goods. This is done through a standardized marking system developed by the United Nations that indicates what type and how much of a material is allowable within a package. Adhering to it keeps not only your product materials secure, but also your customer trust, and thus, your business. Additionally, UN 4G compliant boxes reduce the risk of in-transit accidents and handle a variety of hazardous materials such as chemicals, infectious substances, radioactive materials, compressed gases, dry ice, liquid nitrogen, lithium batteries, and more.
4GV/Variation 2 packaging kits are tested and manufactured in accordance with 178.601(g)(2). This exception from the normal testing requirements is useful when a shipping situation requires the use of multiple primary containers that are shipped in common configurations, and when the number of containers to be shipped is few enough to make a certification test impracticable.
4GV/Variation 2 packaging’s rating style/order will look very similar to one of a regular UN 4G packaging, with the exception of a “V” in the packaging identification code right behind the “G” to signify it being “variation packaging.” The following diagram illustrates this:
“4” is the first part of the packaging identification code, which signifies that the package type is a box.
“G” is the second part of the packaging identification code, which means that the material of the package is fiberboard.
“V” for variation packaging.
“Y” known as the performance level means that the packaging is designed for and UN rated for the shipment of Packing Groups II (medium hazardous materials) and III (low hazardous materials).
“50.7” is the density/maximum gross weight of this particular box. For solids that have inner packaging, as this UN 4G packaging does, they need to be marked with the maximum gross mass (weight) in kilograms.
“S” shows that this combination packaging is designed to handle solid materials in its inner packaging rather than liquids.
TWO FINAL IMPORTANT THINGS TO NOTE:
- In order to qualify as a UN rated hazardous packaging container, all components that come in your 4GV packaging set must be used. Otherwise, the packaging’s UN rating will be void, which means you won’t be able to transport your dangerous liquid and solid materials with a full guarantee of safety. UN compliant 4GV boxes can include locking rings, containers, sealing tape, and foam inserts, depending on what is needed. Their distinctive UN ratings are printed directly on the boxes too for immediate awareness of what contents are in or should be in the box. UN 4GV hazmat boxes meets UPS requirements for sea, ground, and air shipments, depending on what kind of what specific box you get so that you can transport these materials by sea, land, or air.
- Be sure to follow the closing instructions. Just as important as the components that come in the 4G packaging set and the implementation of all of them, is the awareness and implementation of the closing constructions too. Because what good is having all of the proper shipping pieces to transport your hazardous materials without properly closing them? That kind of defeats the purpose, right? Be sure to follow these instructions provided by your particular packaging’s manufacturer in order to assemble and close your packaging correctly, and thus, securely. For instance, 4G packaging that is rated for air shipment has very unique packing and closure requirements for hazardous liquids. Be sure you are checking all the boxes for your 4G packaging, whether by air, ground, or sea.
So, whether you use 4GV hazmat boxes or regular hazmat boxes for your hazmat packaging based on your specific needs, shipping situation, and product materials being shipped in the inner packaging, all UN compliant hazmat boxes will get the job done for you safely and compliantly. Keep your product, your customer trust, and your business secure.