Dangerous Goods by Road
Preparation for testing
The flexible bulk container shall be filled to not less than 95% of its capacity and to its maximum
permissible gross mass.
Method of testing
The flexible bulk container, lying on its side, shall be lifted at a speed of at least 0.1 m/s to an upright
position, clear of the floor, by no more than half of the lifting devices.
Criterion for passing the test
There shall be no damage to the flexible bulk container or its lifting devices which renders the flexible
bulk container unsafe for carriage or handling.
Tear test
Applicability
For all types of flexible bulk containers as a design type test.
Preparation for testing
The flexible bulk container shall be filled to its maximum permissible gross mass.
Method of testing
With the flexible bulk container placed on the ground, a 300 mm cut shall be made, completely
penetrating all layers of the flexible bulk container on a wall of a wide face. The cut shall be made at a
45º angle to the principal axis of the flexible bulk container, halfway between the bottom surface and
the top level of the contents. The flexible bulk container shall then be subjected to a uniformly
distributed superimposed load equivalent to twice the maximum gross mass. The load must be applied
for at least fifteen minutes. A flexible bulk container which is designed to be lifted from the top or the
side shall, after removal of the superimposed load, be lifted clear of the floor and maintained in that
position for a period of fifteen minutes.
Criterion for passing the test
The cut shall not propagate more than 25% of its original length.
Stacking test
Applicability
For all types of flexible bulk containers as a design type test.
Preparation for testing
The flexible bulk container shall be filled to its maximum permissible gross mass.
Method of testing
The flexible bulk container shall be subjected to a force applied to its top surface that is four times the
design load-carrying capacity for 24 hours.
Criterion for passing the test
There shall be no loss of contents during the test or after removal of the load.
Test report
A test report containing at least the following particulars shall be drawn up and shall be available to
the users of the flexible bulk container:
1. Name and address of the test facility;
2. Name and address of applicant (where appropriate);
3. Unique test report identification;
4. Date of the test report;
5. Manufacturer of the flexible bulk container;
6. Description of the flexible bulk container design type (e.g. dimensions, materials, closures,
thickness, etc) and/or photograph(s);
7. Maximum capacity/maximum permissible gross mass;
8. Characteristics of test contents, e.g. particle size for solids;
9. Test descriptions and results;
10. The test report shall be signed with the name and status of the signatory.