| Packaged products transported via the feeder aircraft network (UPS, FedEx, and USPS) are found to experience altitudes as high as 19,000 feet in non-pressurized aircraft. Packages transported on ground may experience altitudes as high as 12,000 feet when shipped over mountain passes (UPS Study, RR: D10-1013). When exposed to these conditions, products and/or packaging systems can be adversely affected by the changes in the environment.; Several types of UN certified hazardous material combination packages for liquid product were obtained from three US manufacturers in consultation with FAA. Five different test methods were developed to evaluate the various types of conditions that these packages were likely to observe in high altitude shipments. After conducting the tests, it was evident that existing test procedures used by US-DOT, UN and ICAO do not prevent leaks in air-shipped HazMat packages.; Based on the new procedures developed to test liquid hazardous packages for high-altitude shipments, it has been recommended that a simulation of high altitude shipment should include simultaneous vibration and low-pressure environment. New tests and markings on packages have been recommended for ground and air shipments of hazardous materials. |
