What is the difference between ISTA and US DOT HazMat testing?

06 Sep 2010

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	What is the difference between ISTA and US DOT HazMat testing?

Solution US DOT HazMat tests apply to the packaging of Hazardous Materials (Dangerous Goods). These are different tests, with different purposes, than ISTA. This department of the US DOT is often referred to as UN/DOT, but is officially the "U.S. Department of Transportation Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Transportation Administration" or PHMSA.

ISTA tests are primarily used to evaluate or compare the effectiveness of packaging in protecting the product. US DOT HazMat tests are intended to ensure that people and the environment are protected from the product. The emphasis in US DOT HazMat testing is on safely containing the material, not necessarily preventing damage to it. US DOT HazMat tests have strict legal and environmental ramifications.

If you have a hazardous material (dangerous goods) to package then it must meet applicable regulations, which may include those from the US DOT, other nations' regulations, and perhaps the requirements of other organizations such as the International Air Transport Association (IATA). For many materials this means a "specification" package and compliance would include very specific marking, labeling, documentation and package testing. Depending on the product, package, and distribution type, packages may have to undergo drop tests, stacking tests, vibration tests, pressure tests, and others. Tests are defined in applicable regulatory documents, such as Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations (49 CFR) for US DOT regulations.

There are training requirements for employees of companies that ship hazardous materials or who supply packaging to hazmat shippers. It is very important to understand and be in compliance with all regulations concerned with hazardous materials (dangerous goods) packaging and shipping as this affects the public safety.

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08 Sep 2008 05:23 PM