Where the packing instructions in this Chapter authorize the use of a particular type of packaging (e.g. 4G; 1A2), packagings bearing the same packaging identification code followed by the letters "V", "U" or "W" marked in accordance with the requirements of Part 6 (e.g. 4GV, 4GU or 4GW; 1A2V, 1A2U or 1A2W) may also be used under the same conditions and limitations applicable to the use of that type of packaging according to the relevant packing instructions. For example, a combination packaging marked with the packaging code "4GV" may be used whenever a combination packaging marked "4G" is authorized, provided the requirements in the relevant packing instruction regarding types of inner packagings and quantity limitations are respected.

Unless otherwise indicated in ADR, pressure receptacles conforming to:

(a)    the applicable requirements of Chapter 6.2; or

(b)    the national or international standards on the design, construction, testing, manufacturing and inspection, as applied by the country in which the pressure receptacles are manufactured, provided that the provisions of 4.1.3.6 are met, and that, for metallic cylinders, tubes, pressure drums, bundles of cylinders and salvage pressure receptacles, the construction is such that the minimum burst ratio (burst pressure divided by test pressure) is:

(i)    1.50 for refillable pressure receptacles;

(ii)    2.00 for non-refillable pressure receptacles,

are authorized for the carriage of any liquid or solid substance other than explosives, thermally unstable substances, organic peroxides, self-reactive substances, substances where significant pressure may develop by evolution of chemical reaction and radioactive material (unless permitted in 4.1.9).

This sub-section is not applicable to the substances mentioned in 4.1.4.1, packing instruction P200, table 3.

Every design type of pressure receptacle shall be approved by the competent authority of the country of manufacture or as indicated in Chapter 6.2.

Unless otherwise indicated, pressure receptacles having a minimum test pressure of 0.6 MPa shall be used.

Unless otherwise indicated, pressure receptacles may be provided with an emergency pressure relief device designed to avoid bursting in case of overfill or fire accidents.

Pressure receptacle valves shall be designed and constructed in such a way that they are inherently able to withstand damage without release of the contents or shall be protected from damage which could cause inadvertent release of the contents of the pressure receptacle, by one of the methods as given in 4.1.6.8 (a) to (e).

The level of filling shall not exceed 95% of the capacity of the pressure receptacle at 50 °C. Sufficient ullage (outage) shall be left to ensure that the pressure receptacle will not be liquid full at a temperature of 55 °C.

Unless otherwise indicated pressure receptacles shall be subjected to a periodic inspection and test every 5 years. The periodic inspection shall include an external examination, an internal examination or alternative method as approved by the competent authority, a pressure test or equivalent effective non-destructive testing with the agreement of the competent authority including an inspection of all accessories (e.g. tightness of valves, emergency relief valves or fusible elements). Pressure receptacles shall not be filled after they become due for periodic inspection and test but may be carried after the expiry of the time limit. Pressure receptacle repairs shall meet the requirements of 4.1.6.11.

Prior to filling, the packer shall perform an inspection of the pressure receptacle and ensure that the pressure receptacle is authorized for the substances to be carried and that the requirements of ADR have been met. Shut-off valves shall be closed after filling and remain closed during carriage. The consignor shall verify that the closures and equipment are not leaking.

Refillable pressure receptacles shall not be filled with a substance different from that previously contained unless the necessary operations for change of service have been performed.

Marking of pressure receptacles for liquids and solids according to 4.1.3.6 (not conforming to the requirements of Chapter 6.2) shall be in accordance with the requirements of the competent authority of the country of manufacturing.

Packagings or IBCs not specifically authorized in the applicable packing instruction shall not be used for the carriage of a substance or article unless specifically allowed under a temporary derogation agreed between Contracting Parties in accordance with 1.5.1.

Where large and robust articles cannot be packaged in accordance with the requirements of Chapters

6.1 or 6.6 and they have to be carried empty, uncleaned and unpackaged, the competent authority of the country of origin2 may approve such carriage. In doing so the competent authority shall take into account that:

(a)    Large and robust articles shall be strong enough to withstand the shocks and loadings normally encountered during carriage including trans-shipment between cargo transport units and between cargo transport units and warehouses, as well as any removal from a pallet for subsequent manual or mechanical handling;

(b)    All closures and openings shall be sealed so that there can be no loss of contents which might be caused under normal conditions of carriage, by vibration, or by changes in temperature, humidity or pressure (resulting from altitude, for example). No dangerous residue shall adhere to the outside of the large and robust articles;

(c)    Parts of large and robust articles, which are in direct contact with dangerous goods:

(i)    shall not be affected or significantly weakened by those dangerous goods; and

(ii)    shall not cause a dangerous effect e.g. catalysing a reaction or reacting with the dangerous goods;

(d)    Large and robust articles containing liquids shall be stowed and secured to ensure that neither leakage nor permanent distortion of the article occurs during carriage;

(e)    They shall be fixed in cradles or crates or other handling devices or to the cargo transport unit in such a way that they will not become loose during normal conditions of carriage.

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2 If the country of origin is not a contracting party to ADR, the competent authority of the first country contracting party to the ADR reached by the consignment.

Unpackaged articles approved by the competent authority in accordance with the provisions of 4.1.3.8.1 shall be subject to the consignment procedures of Part 5. In addition the consignor of such articles shall ensure that a copy of any such approval is attached to the transport document.

NOTE: A large and robust article may include flexible fuel containment systems, military equipment, machinery or equipment containing dangerous goods above the limited quantities according to 3.4.1.