Aviation - General Packing Requirements

Any packaging used to transport hazardous material must be designed, constructed, maintained, filled, and closed to ensure the material is safely contained within the packaging. There can be no release of hazardous material during transport. This means that the effectiveness of the package must be maintained for changes in temperature, changes in humidity and pressure, and the shocks, loadings, and vibrations normally encountered during transportation.

Closures on packagings must be designed and closed to withstand normal conditions of transport. All closures must be leak-proof and secured against loosening. For air transport, stoppers, corks, or other friction closures must be held in place by positive means.

All cylinders transported by air must have protection to prevent operation of or damage to valves. You can equip cylinders with securely attached valve caps, protective head-rings, or place cylinders in a box or crate. Unless otherwise noted, venting packages to reduce internal pressure is not permitted when packages are being transported by air.

Cargo tanks and tank cars containing HAZMAT must not be transported aboard aircraft.

Packaging Liquids

The HMR recognize two different methods to verify the suitability of packages for the transportation of liquid HAZMAT. The packaging must be able to withstand the greater of the following two vapor pressure requirements:

1. Internal pressure which produces a gauge pressure of no less than 75 kPa or 11 psig for liquids in Packing Group III of Class 3 or Division 6.1, or 95 kPa or 14 psig for other liquids
2. A pressure calculated by either one of the following:
   • The total gauge pressure measured in the receptacle at 55°C (131°F) multiplied by a safety factor of 1.5
   • 1.75 times the vapor pressure at 50°C (122°F) less 100 kPa (15 psia)
   • 1.5 times the vapor pressure at 55°C (131°F) less 100 kPa (15 psia)

Unit load devices

A unit load device must not be loaded on an aircraft unless the device has been inspected and found to be free of leakage from, or damage to, any package containing hazardous materials.

Packages with Orientation labels

HAZMAT packages with text or arrows to indicate the proper orientation of the package must be stored and loaded in accordance with the markings. A package without orientation markings containing liquid hazardous materials must be stored and loaded with the top closure facing upward.

Movement Restricted

Packages must be secured in an aircraft in such a way that prevents movement during regular conditions of transport. Pay particular attention to Class 7 radioactive materials, and ensure that they are secured in a manner that fulfills the separation requirements of §175.701 and §175.702.

To learn more about Aviation HAZMAT visit our DOT Aviation HAZMAT Online Training web page.