4GV Box Scenarios: Variation shouldn’t lead to Complication
So, you have a wide variety of inner containers, and you want to use one universal box to ship your dangerous goods. This is when 4GV (variation) boxes come to the rescue. Because 4GV boxes allow you to ship different inner containers than what the box was tested with, this seems like a match made in Heaven. There are still some specific guidelines that have to be followed, but overall 4GV packaging is a great option for dangerous goods shippers. Check out my previous blog for details.
Keep in mind, using a 4GV box isn’t a free for all. There are often times when consulting customers, that the topic of 4GV boxes comes up, and unfortunately, not everyone is using them correctly. Below are some common scenarios I have come across through the years.
4GV Scenarios
Scenario 1: My dangerous goods are in glass bottles and are already inside of a regular box, can I just place this box inside of a 4GV box and be compliant?
This is one of the more common scenarios, and the answer here is likely no. First of all, you must use any type of absorbent, inserts, or bags that the 4GV box was tested with, and the box should come with very clear packing instructions. Keep in mind, you must maintain cushioning distances between the inner containers (glass bottles in this case) that the packing instructions call out. So, the inner containers inside of the regular box must be separated and must each be surrounded by absorbent/cushioning at whatever distance the packing instructions display. You are much better off removing the inner containers from the original box in this case and placing them in a 4GV on their own. It just wouldn’t be practical to place a box inside of another box and would be nearly impossible to follow the packing instructions for the 4GV box and remain compliant.
Scenario 2: The box has a V printed on it, so am I allowed to vary the type of cushioning/absorbent when using the 4GV box?
This is an easy one, the answer is no. If the box is tested with a specific cushioning/absorbent, you must use that specific absorbent/cushioning when using the 4GV box. The inner containers you put in the box are allowed to vary, such as the glass, plastic, or metal bottles for example. But if your 4GV box was UN tested with vermiculite as the absorbent/cushioning, you must use vermiculite when you are shipping the box. You are not allowed to use another type of absorbent other than what was used during the UN testing. The absorbent/cushioning that the 4GV box was tested with can be found in the packing instructions.
Scenario 3: I will be shipping solids inside of the 4GV box, do I still need to use the absorbent it was tested with?
The answer in this case is yes. Whether you are shipping liquids or solids in the 4GV box, you are still required to use the same absorbent that the box was UN tested with and in the same manner. You are not allowed to remove absorbent, inserts, or polybags from the box if they were tested in a specific 4GV configuration. A good rule of thumb is to always follow the packing instructions closely and you will be in compliance.
Here at ICC, we offer a wide variety of 4GV boxes and kits. Our 4GV line includes several different dust-free options as well as options that require vermiculite. If you are interested in more information, call us or send us an email, we’re happy to help.
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