ISO 13274:2013

Overview

ISO 13274:2013 - Packaging - Transport packaging for dangerous goods - Plastics compatibility testing for packaging and IBCs specifies requirements and test methods for assessing the chemical compatibility of plastics packagings and Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBCs) (including composite packagings with plastic inners) intended to contain liquids. The standard covers conditioning of packagings with the packaged substance or an applicable standard liquid, post-conditioning inspections and a suite of mechanical and integrity tests to verify safe transport of dangerous goods. Where regulations conflict with ISO 13274:2013, the regulation takes precedence.

Key technical topics and requirements

• Scope of testing
  • Applies to plastics packagings/IBCs and composite packagings with plastic inners containing liquids.
  • For polyethylene-based packagings, standard liquids (as defined in ADR/RID) may be used as substitutes for the actual packaged substance when assimilation is demonstrated.
  • Annex B provides small-scale laboratory tests for assessing assimilation to standard liquids.
• Conditioning procedures
  • Includes ambient (six-month ambient conditioning is referenced in UN Recommendations) and accelerated conditioning options; procedures and handling after conditioning are specified.
  • Requirements for reuse and documentation of standard liquids are included.
• Post-conditioning inspections and tests
  • Leak checks and then mechanical/integrity testing such as drop test, stacking test, hydraulic pressure test, leakproofness test, bottom/top lift tests, vibration test (references to ISO 16495 Annexes for test methods).
  • Permeability testing is required for most plastic packagings when transporting benzene, toluene, xylene or mixtures containing these substances.
• Equivalent testing
  • Alternative methods may be accepted if equivalency to the reference methods is demonstrated and approved by competent authorities.
• Reporting
  • Test reports shall record conditioning, test results and any assimilation or specification details for the packaged substance.

Practical applications and users

ISO 13274:2013 is used to:

• Demonstrate chemical compatibility of plastic drums, jerricans and IBCs with liquid dangerous goods.
• Support compliance for road, rail, air and maritime modal regulations (ADR, RID, UN Recommendations, IMDG, ICAO TI) where applicable. Primary users:
• Packaging manufacturers and designers
• Chemical producers and shippers of hazardous liquids
• Testing laboratories and conformity assessment bodies
• Regulatory compliance officers and transport safety managers

Related standards and references

• ISO 16495 (Test methods for transport packaging)
• ISO 291, ISO 527-2, ISO 16770 and other plastics test standards referenced in ISO 13274
• ADR, RID, UN Recommendations, IMDG Code, ICAO Technical Instructions

Keywords: ISO 13274:2013, plastics compatibility testing, transport packaging, IBCs, dangerous goods, standard liquids, conditioning, permeability, ADR, RID.