UN Packagings - Drums

Steel drums are divided into two categories:

• 1A1 - Steel drum with a non-removable head
• 1A2 - Steel drum with a removable head

Steel drums must be constructed of a suitable type of steel sheet with an adequate thickness for its intended use.

Aluminum drums are also divided into two categories:

• 1B1 - Aluminum drum with a non-removable head
• 1B2 - Aluminum drum with a removable head

The body and heads must be constructed of aluminum that is at least 99% pure or of an aluminum base alloy. The material must be constructed of a suitable type with an adequate thickness for its intended use.

Metal drums, other than steel and aluminum, are divided into two categories:

• 1N1 - Metal drum with non-removable head
• 1N2 - Metal drum with removable head

The body and heads must be constructed of a metal or a metal alloy other than steel or aluminum. The metal must be of suitable type and adequate thickness for its intended use.

The maximum capacity for steel, aluminum, and other metal drums is 450 L, and the maximum net weight is 400 kg.

For more details on drum specifications, including requirements for welding, openings, and closures, you can review the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations, Subsections 6.2.1, 6.2.2, and 6.2.7.

Plywood drums are coded as 1D.

• The wood used must be well-seasoned, commercially dry, and free from any defects that could lessen the effectiveness of the drum.
• The plywood must be at least two-ply for the body and at least three-ply for the heads.
• The plies must be glued together with water-resistant adhesive with their grain arranged crosswise.
• The lids must be lined with kraft paper or an equivalent material.
• The maximum capacity of plywood drums is 250 L (66 gallons) and the maximum net weight is 400 kg (882 lbs.)

Fiber drums are coded as 1G.

• The body of the drum must consist of multiple plies of heavy paper or fiberboard without corrugations, firmly glued or laminated together.
• The heads must consist of natural wood, fiberboard, metal, plywood, or other suitable material.
• A protective layer may be used on the body or heads.
• The maximum capacity of fiber drums is 450 L (119 gallons) and the maximum net weight is 400 kg (882 lbs.)

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