IATA, Class 1 - Packing Instructions

All Class 1 packagings must be designed and constructed so that they meet the following criteria:

• They will protect the explosives, prevent them from escaping, and ensure they cause no increase in risk of unintended ignition or initiation when subjected to normal conditions of transport.
• The complete package can be handled safely during normal conditions of transport.
• The packages can withstand any loading, such as stacking, that will not add to the risk and the containment function cannot be harmed.

In addition, the following criteria may apply:

• The closure device of packagings containing liquid explosives must ensure double protection against leakage.
• The closure device of metal drums must include a suitable gasket; if the closure device includes a screw-thread, the ingress of substances into the screw-thread must be prevented.
• Packagings for water-soluble substances must be water resistant.
• Anti-freeze must be used if the packaging includes water that may freeze during transport.
• Nails, staples, and other metal closure devices without protective coverings must not penetrate to the inside of the outer packaging, unless the inner packaging provides sufficient protection from the explosives against contact with metal.
• Inner packagings, fittings, and cushioning materials must be used to prevent explosive articles or substances from becoming loose in the outer packaging during normal conditions of transport.
• Packagings must be made of materials compatible with the explosives contained within.

The following criteria may also apply:

• The ingress of explosive substances into the recesses of seamed metal packagings must be prevented.
• Plastic packagings must not generate static electricity that could cause ignition of explosive substances.
• Explosives must not be packed in inner or outer packagings where the pressure differential could cause explosion or rupture.
• Metal packagings must have an inner liner if the explosive substances could be uncased and come in contact with the metal interior.
• Electro-explosive devices must be adequately protected against electro-magnetic radiation and stray currents.
• Large explosive articles, normally intended for military use, may be carried unpackaged if they have at least two means of protecting against initiation or ignition.
• Specific packing instructions are listed in Subsection 4.2 of the IATA List of Dangerous Goods. The packing instruction numbers are in the 100 range.

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