Re: Vibration Test

[LIPTONW@detroitedison.com]

Obviously, the best way to certify the vibration test is to do it.  This is 
expensive, however, so other means are often used, such as:  "engineering 
judgment" and previous experience with similar packages. 
 
Your question regarding whether a "UN" package is acceptable cannot be 
answered without additional information.  There is a common confusion in 
thinking that the "package" is limited to the "packaging."  In fact, the 
package includes both the packaging and the contents.  What's acceptable for 
one type of contents (eg., feathers) may not be acceptable for another (eg., 
rocks).  Packages that are certified for solids are often unacceptable for 
liquids.  It is necessary to review the packaging tests and determine whether 
the intended contents are similar to the contents for which the package was 
tested.   
 
General purpose, UN certified packagings are available from commercial 
suppliers, such as (no endorsement implied):  Air Sea Atlanta (404-351-8600) 
or Hazmatpac (1-800-923-9123).  Your contents must be within the scope of the 
contents for which the packaging is certified and you must pack the material 
according to the vendor procedures for the certifications to be valid.   
 
There is also a book of DOT packaging test results available:  DOE/RL-96-57, 
"Test and Evaluation Document for the U.S. DOT Specification 7A Type A 
Packaging."  This can be viewed at the Web site, URL:  
http://www.hanford.gov/pss/t&p/dot7a/ptoc.htm 
 
The opinions expressed are strictly mine. 
Here's to a risk free world, and other fantasies. 
 
Bill Lipton 
liptonw@detroitedison.com

---

• To: Multiple,recipients,of,list,radsafe@romulus.ehs.uiuc.edu
• Subject: Vibration Test
• From: "radsafe@romulus.ehs.uiuc.edu" <radsafe@romulus.ehs.uiuc.edu>
• Date: 03 Jun 97 12:43:24
• Reply-to: radsafe@romulus.ehs.uiuc.edu

     
     Mr. Lipton wrote:
     "It is not necessary to perform this test, but the package must be 
     capable of passing this test, if performed."
     
     How then, would you be able to demonstrate compliance? Someone said 
     that using "UN" boxes would suffice, but what would that demonstrate 
     about the "package"? How are other people resolving the vibration test 
     requirement?
     
     

---