Bergamaschi BMS can advise and guide the customer in choosing the type of packaging product according to storage, handling and transportation conditions. Chemical compatibility between HDPE packaging and your product should be verified. It is also important to carefully analyze the compatibility of the contents with the caps and their seals.
Product density and handling conditions determine the maximum stacking weight. When the product density is greater than 1.3 g/ml, caution should be exercised when defining the stacking height.

Storage of an empty canister or drum

Keep away from sparks and heat sources, such as hot tanks and radiators.
Store in clean, uncontaminated area.
Avoid storing the containers outdoors and exposing them to direct sunlight for a long time because UV radiation degrades polyethylene at the molecular level, making the structure of the containers brittle.
Colored containers (black, blue, etc.) offer greater protection by the pigment itself.

Filling jerry cans and drums

Avoid damaging or wetting the closure neck with the filling tube.
Fasteners must be screwed in accordance with the values (Nw/m) specified on the data sheets.
Do not reuse vent closures.
It is advisable to fill containers to 98 percent of their capacity to minimize air gaps: this prevents temperature-influenced changes in air volume ( and thus internal pressure) from causing the container to swell or implode, thus reducing the mechanical strength of the structure. Stacking of containers should be done as per the directions in the data sheets.

Hot filling of jerry cans or drums

Do not stack canisters or drums while still warm.
As temperature increases, mechanical properties degrade rapidly.
A maximum temperature of 80°C can be reached for a short period of time ( a few hours) without any damage to the mechanical properties of the containers. For longer intervals, 60° C should not be exceeded.
Some chemicals may not be compatible with polyethylene when the temperature is above 25° C; therefore, chemical compatibility should be evaluated at the filling temperature.
Good quality pallets should always be used to avoid the risk of sagging: the bottom of the containers must find adequate support and not be only partially supported by the pallet.
After filling:
to prevent the package from collapsing, do not close canisters or drums until the product reaches room temperature.

Handling and storage of full jerry cans or drums

Use pallets suitable for the size of the packaging. Avoid jerry cans or drums protruding from the pallet itself. Check for nails, sharp points and debris that could damage the canisters or drums.
Ensure that the end user is informed of these operating instructions.
Canisters and drums with vent plugs should be stored vertically.
Stack only jerry cans and drums of the same size.
Avoid excessive stretch film tension to prevent the collapse of canisters or drums. When filming light-weight canisters, plastic cartons or corners can be used for protection. Food substances
Check organoleptic compatibility in advance for filling and transporting food substances. UN approval and marking
li UN mark certifies the compliance of jerry cans and drums with UN recommendations and laws (RID/ ADR, IMDG) for the transport of dangerous goods.
The approval group (density, packing group, hydraulic pressure) mentioned with the UN mark represents the performance level for water-like chemicals.
For other standard liquids, the level of performance is generally lower.
For more details, see the UN Declaration of Conformity or call Bergamaschi BMS customer service.
he hydraulic pressure value displayed on the UN mark corresponds to the maximum pressure with which jerry cans and drums, when tested, withstand for a maximum period of 30 minutes; the hydraulic pressure value cannot be used as a reference for emptying jerry cans and drums under pressure.
The rated capacity should be taken as an approximate value.
Stacking tests for approval are performed with a guide load: do not apply these maximum values for stacking. EXTRACTS FROM THE REGULATIONS FOR THE USE OF PACKAGING FOR HAZARDOUS PRODUCTS.

• Listed below are some points, extracted from current regulations, that must be observed when using packaging for hazardous products:
• li packaging of hazardous substances involves the responsibility of the user to ensure that the packaging complies with regulations and is suitable and compatible with the product to be transported
• The company must designate a dangerous goods transport safety advisor ( Legislative Decree No. 40 of Feb. 4, 2000) whose responsibilities include “packaging status and periodic inspection”
• If a container is reused to transport hazardous substances, its good condition and ability to pass all the tests required in the ADR regulations should be checked, this also applies to the closure systems ( caps, lids, discharge valves) which should be replaced if necessary.
• Among the infractions of Ministerial Decree March 3, 1197 “Implementation of Directive 95/59/EC … Concerning the Adoption of Uniform Procedures for Roadside Checks of Dangerous Goods,” Annex Il “Infractions” mentions: