How Must a UN FIBC Be Marked?

Several industries handle hazardous materials that can be dangerous without the proper containment. A UN flexible intermediate bulk container (FIBC), or bulk bag, can store, maneuver and transport these items while keeping you safe. The UN has laid out a number of visual identification symbols and labels required to show the type of hazardous product and its attributes inside each bag. The following is a comprehensive list of the eight hazardous material symbols you need to know so you can keep your products and anyone handling the bags safe:

• Class 4.1: Indicates flammable solids, desensitized explosives and self-reactive substances

• Class 4.2: Materials have the capacity to spontaneously combust

• Class 4.3: Substances within cannot encounter water without expending a flammable gas

• Class 5.1: Oxidizing chemicals are in this container

• Class 5.2: Organic peroxides exist inside

• Class 6.1: This indicates toxic materials

• Class 8: If you see this symbol, you will know there corrosive substances inside

• Class 9: The bag contains dangerous materials and articles of an uncategorized, miscellaneous nature

The above symbols are not the only information UN bags use to outline the attributes of contained products. These bags allow users to track the specific materials, origin, manufacturer, maximum gross mass and other important qualities through an additional labeling system with components that correspond to specific information. The bag label has numbers, symbols and letters that each refer to a quality the bag handler needs to know in order to determine safe handling practices. Below is what you will see when you check out the UN ID on a container:

A. The United Nations Packaging Logo will appear on every label no matter what the following information entails. 178.503(e)(1)(ii)

B. The code number in this section will let you know the FIBC design type. 178.702(a)

C. A capital letter will identify what performance standard this bag’s design type has been tested under with success.

D. Next listed are the month and year the container was manufactured, always presented in numerals.

E. Indicated here is the country that authorized the allocation of the mark. 178.503(e)(1)(ii)

F. This section gives the name and address or symbol of the container manufacturer or approval agency that certified compliance with subpart N and O of 178.

G. Section G lets you know, in kilograms, the stacking test load of the container.

H. The maximum gross mass each container can hold is listed last.

At Midwestern Bag and Supply, it’s our priority that you stay safe and follow legal guidelines while handling any type of materials, including hazardous products of any variety. Contact us online or by phone, email or fax if you need more information about how to mark a UN FIBC or want to place an order.