UN big bags

UN big bags are FIBC that comply with the United Nations Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods and the European ADR agreement. Compared with standard FIBC they are built extra strong so the contents cannot leak even when the bag is dropped, toppled or stacked, and every design is tested by an independent test house. DIV Trades supplies UN bags of types 13H1 to 13H4 for packing groups II and III with a volume of up to 3.0 m³, and hands the ADR certificate over to the buyer.

Background: UN Recommendations and ADR

The UN Recommendations define how strong a big bag for dangerous goods must be and how it has to be tested. Most European countries have signed the European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road (ADR), which adopts these recommendations.

UN packing groups

Do I need a UN bag for my product?

That depends on the goods and the legislation of the countries involved. The UN list of dangerous goods gives a first indication; your safety adviser or the carrier will confirm the packing group. If you are unsure, contact our sales team with the UN number of your product.

Construction of UN big bags

UN bags have a stated SWL and a maximum stacking load but no safety factor in the usual sense; they are always single-trip bags. Their design is limited in a few ways:

• Size: the bag must not be higher than twice its shortest side and cannot have a volume above 3.0 m³.
• Inlet: an open top or a simple flap closure is not allowed; the top must be closed with an inlet spout or a skirt so the goods stay inside if the bag tips over. See filling options.
• Use: UN bags cannot be repaired and may be used only once.
• Perimeter belt: UN bags can carry an additional belt around the top of the bag; see lifting options.

UN construction can be combined with other types: formstable, conductive Type C, one- and two-loop and lined bags.

Marking of UN bags

Every UN bag design carries a unique UN code that identifies the bag type, packing group, maximum gross mass, year of manufacture, country and the manufacturer. In addition, UN FIBC must show a stacking load pictogram; optional ADR danger signs can be printed on request.

How UN bags are tested

1. 1

   Top lift test

   The bag is loaded with six times its maximum gross mass and held for 5 minutes. It must show no damage.

2. 2

   Stacking test

   The bag is filled to its maximum allowable gross mass, then 1.8 times the maximum stacking load is placed on top for 24 hours. No deterioration of the body or loss of contents is allowed.

3. 3

   Drop test

   The bag is filled to its maximum permissible gross mass and dropped from 1.2 m for packing group II or 0.8 m for packing group III. No loss of contents is allowed.

4. 4

   Tear test

   A 10 cm cut is made with a knife into the fully loaded bag. Twice the maximum gross load is applied for 5 minutes and the bag is then lifted for 5 minutes. The cut must not grow by more than 25%.

5. 5

   Topple test

   The bag is toppled from 1.2 m for packing group II or 0.8 m for packing group III. No loss of material is allowed.

6. 6

   Righting test

   The bag, filled to its maximum permissible mass and lying on its side, is lifted to the upright position at 0.1 m/s. It must show no damage.