• Drop tests are required at periodic intervals and whenever a company needs to qualify a package design.
• Depending on the sample, passing the drop test involves a specific scenario.

At periodic intervals and whenever a company needs to qualify a package design, it must perform drop tests from distances between 2.2 feet and 5.9 feet, as specified in 178.601(e) and 178.603. For other than flat drops, the center of gravity of the test packaging must be vertically over the point of impact.

To periodically test single or composite packagings constructed of stainless steel, nickel, or money, the drop test may be conducted with two samples—one sample each for the two drop orientations. The regulations allow companies to use samples that may have previously been used for the hydrostatic pressure or stacking test.

For details about exceptions for the number of steel and aluminum packaging samples used for conducting the drop test, contact the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA).

Passing the test

A package is considered to successfully pass the drop tests if, for each sample tested:

• Receptacles containing liquid, each receptacle does not leak when equilibrium has been reached between the internal and external pressures;
• Removable head drums for solids, the entire contents are retained by an inner packaging (e.g., a plastic bag) even if the closure on the top head of the drum is no longer sift-proof;
• A bag, neither the outermost ply nor an outer packaging exhibits any damage likely to adversely affect safety during transport;
• A composite or combination packaging, there is no damage to the outer packaging likely to adversely affect safety during transport, and there is no leakage of the filling substance from the inner packaging;
• A drum, jerrican, or bag, any discharge from a closure is slight and ends immediately after impact with no further leakage; and
• Class 1 materials, no rupture is permitted which would allow spillage of loose explosive substances or articles from the outer packaging.