Overpacks must pass a drop test from what height?

Overpacks must pass a drop test from what height?

• A. 1.2 m
• B. 1.8 m
• C. 9 m
• D. Overpacks do not require package testing

Answer: (D)

Overpacks are used to consolidate and protect already-packaged hazmat shipments, not to serve as the primary packaging that actually contains the dangerous material. The tests for packaging, such as drop tests, are designed to verify that the container directly holding the hazardous contents can withstand handling without breaking or leaking. Since an overpack itself isn’t carrying the material and isn’t adding a new hazard, it doesn’t have its own drop-height testing requirement. In practice, the inner packagings must meet the applicable tests, while the overpack simply provides protection and consolidation. If the overpack were to act as the packaging holding the material directly, then it would be subject to the standard testing rules.