What does the “W” in a UN marking mean?
Marc Martens
Since the introduction of Square Drums, the familiar code 1H2 (open-top plastic drum or pail) has been extended with the letter “W” in the UN marking. But what does it mean?
A UN marking may include additional letters to indicate a special type of packaging:
- T: a salvage package that has passed additional testing and can be used to safely contain a leaking package.
- V: a special package that meets additional requirements and can serve as an outer packaging for various inner packages without further testing.
- W: a package that deviates from the prescribed specification of the base type (for example 1H2) but has been approved as equivalent by the competent authority. Such deviations may involve the manufacturing process or slightly different shapes.
Square Drums are identical in function and performance to Wide Neck Drums but have flattened side walls. That is why they carry the code 1H2W.
You can find the most up-to-date UN markings on the product pages of our website.
