Materials with explosive, flammable, or reactive properties often require formal testing and certification before they can be shipped. Proper compliance with the requirements set forth by the United Nations (UN) and Department of Transportation (DOT) is critical to ensure the safe transport of dangerous substances.
Stonehouse coordinates required DOT/UN Hazardous Materials Testing through a PHMSA-approved laboratory. Our team works with you to determine appropriate test methods, ensure your materials are evaluated based on the relevant UN Manual of Tests and Criteria, and obtain competent authority approval.
Based on the properties of your material, various testing methods may be required.
Explosives: UN Class 1
UN Class 1 explosives testing services help determine the correct US DOT transportation classification for explosive substances. This includes identifying the appropriate shipping name, hazard class and division, and compatibility testing. All explosives testing is performed through a PHMSA-approved Explosive Test Lab.
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- UN Gap Test: Determines whether the material propagates a detonation.
- Time-Pressure Test/UN Deflagration Test: Determines whether the material propagates a deflagration.
- Koenen Test/Dutch Pressure Vessel: Determines the effects of heating the material under a defined confinement.
- Drop Impact Test (BAM Fallhammer): Determines the sensitivity of the material to impact.
- Friction Sensitivity Test (BAM Friction): Determines the sensitivity of the material to friction.
- Thermal Stability Test: Determines the sensitivity of the material to thermal stability.
Flammable Liquids: UN Class 3
UN Class 3 flammable liquids testing helps determine whether a liquid meets the criteria for flammability so it can be properly classified, packaged, and transported per UN/DOT requirements.
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- Flash Point Test (performed per ASTM D92, ASTM D93, and ASTM D3278): Used to classify liquids as flammable, combustible, or non-flammable.
- Fire Point Test (performed per ASTM D92): Determines the temperature at which a liquid, once ignited, will sustain combustion.
Flammable Solids and Self-Reactive Substances: UN Class 4
Division 4.1: Flammable Solids
Division 4.1 testing determines whether a solid is classified as flammable.
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- Burning Rate Test (N.1): Determines the burning rate and whether combustion is sustained.
- SADT Evaluation: Determines the self-accelerating decomposition temperature of a substance.
- Adiabatic Storage Test (H.2)
- Heat Accumulation Storage Test (H.4)
Division 4.2: Substances Liable to Spontaneous Combustion
Division 4.2 testing determines whether a material can self-heat and ignite when in contact with air.
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- Pyrophoric Solids Test (N.2): Determines whether a solid will spontaneously ignite when exposed to air at room temperature.
- Self-Heating Substances Test (N.4): Determines the point at which the temperature of a substance starts to increase independently or an external heat source.
Division 4.3: Dangerous When Wet
Division 4.3 testing involves wetting a substance and both looking for evidence of gas generation and looking to see if evolved gas can be ignited.
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- Dangerous When Wet (N.5): Determines whether a substance emits a flammable gas when in contact with water.
Oxidizing Substances and Organic Peroxides: UN Class 5
Division 5.1: Oxidizing Substances
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- Oxidizing Solids Test (O.1): Determines the potential for a solid substance to increase the burning rate or burning intensity of a combustible substance when the two are thoroughly mixed.
Division 5.2: Organic Peroxide
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- Organic Peroxide Testing: Determines the thermal stability and explosive potential of organic peroxides.
Get in touch
To learn more about our expertise and services in dust explosion prevention & mitigation, call us at +1 609 455 0001 or email us at [email protected] today.
We also offer tailored virtual and in-company process safety training programs on Dust Explosions, Static Electricity and HAC (Hazardous Area Classification) and more. Find further information here.
