Introducing our Open Top 1A2 Reconditioned Steel Drums for Hazardous Materials
Orlando Drum has been picking up used steel and plastic drums since 1974. Drums that are reusable are reconditioned and sold to be refilled. Drums that are not re-usable are cleaned and recycled as scrap. This practice ensures that empty packaging is processed properly in the interest of public health safety and the environment.
Closed head UN 1A1 steel drums that have previously contained hazardous material are washed, rinsed, dried, and inspected at our facility. During the inspection process, drums that are not suitable to be reconditioned as closed tops due to interior staining, light rust, or compromised liners historically have been crushed and scrapped. Recently, we have developed procedures and testing to convert these tight head 1A1 drums into open head 1A2 drums. This is by far more sustainable than converting to scrap. After the drum is inspected and determined not suitable to be reconditioned as a closed head package, it is de-headed and converted into an open head drum. The side is embossed with the new un number (see below) and expanded with an additional rolling hoop for additional strength. Drums are then shot blasted, removing all coatings, linings, and rust. The drum is then painted on the inside and outside. Before assembly the drum is a leak tested and assembled with a new lid, ring, nut, and bolt, which is torqued to the proper torque setting.
Drums that are filled with hazardous materials are required to use UN (United Nations) approved containers. In order to know which container is suitable for those materials, the UN has adopted a series of numbers and letters that indicate the performance standard of each drum or container. This is regulated in the United States by the Department of Transportation. It is up to the filler to know the proper containers for the types of hazardous materials they will contain. This can be found in the Hazardous Materials Table found in the 49 CFR (Code of Federal Regulations).
This table contains the following:
- A Material’s Hazard Class
- The Material’s “Proper Shipping Name”
- 4-Digit UN Number
- Packing Group, I, II, III
- Packaging Authorizations, and
- Special Instructions (Where Applicable)
Hazard Classes are as follows:
- Class 1 – Explosives
- Class 2 – Gases
- Class 3 – Flammable
- Class 5 – Oxidizers and Peroxides
- Class 6 – Toxic and Infectious
- Class 7 – Radioactive
- Class 8 – Corrosive
- Class 9 – Miscellaneous Hazard
Package Markings for Steel Drums
As stated above, the UN has designated a series of numbers and letters to indicate which packaging is suitable for which hazardous materials. With new drums, these markings are permanently stamped or embossed on the bottom of the drum. After reconditioning the drum, the reconditioner puts its label on the side of the drum, which cannot exceed the permanent mark on the bottom. If a drum is converted from a tight head or closed top drum to an open head drum, they must-have a new, permanent embossment on the side of the drum. These drums are subject to the same annual performance test as new drums. The performance test of these converted drums is the drop test, stack test, leak test, and hydrostatic test. These tests determine the markings on the drum, which specifies the hazardous materials suitable for this package.
What Does the 1A2 UN Rating Mean?
The full UN marking on our reconditioned steel open top drum is:
1A2/Y1.2/100USA/M4649/20RL
This code indicates the following:
- Type of Packaging
- Hazard Class (Indicated in the Packing Group above)
- Specific Gravity of the Material
- Hydrostatic Vapor Pressure
- Country of Origin of Reconditioner
- DOT Number of Reconditioner
- Year of Reconditioning
- RL – which indicates the drum was reconditioned and leak tested
Type of Packaging
1. Drums
2. Barrels
3. Jerricans
4. Boxes
5. Bags
6. Composite
A. Steel
B. Aluminum
C. Wood
G. Fibre
H. Plastic
1. Closed Head
2. Open Head
1A2/Y1.2/100/USA/M4649/20RL
Hazardous Class
- I – Most Hazardous (Packaging Mark X)
- II – Moderate Hazard (Packaging Mark Y)
- III – Low Hazard (Packing Mark Z)
1A2/Y1.2/100/USA/M4649/20RL
Specific Gravity
- Specific Gravity of 1 = 8.3 lb/gal.
1A2/Y1.2/100/USA/M4649/20RL
Hydrostatic Pressure
- 100 KPA = 14.5 PSI
1A2/Y1.2/100/USA/M4649/20RL
Country of Origin/Manufacturer Number/Year of Manufacturing and RL
1A2/Y1.2/100/USA/M4649/20RL
What Are the Benefits of 1A2 Reconditioned Steel Drums?
There is a reason why 1A2 steel drums are one of the most popular and reliable container options. Here are just some of the benefits of using our 1A2 Reconditioned Steel Drums.
- They are strong, durable, safe, and environmentally friendly options for transporting a wide range of materials.
- They are suitable for either indoor or outdoor storage and built tough to meet the demands of transportation.
- Their open head design makes it easy to access and remove material while still keeping them safe and secure for transport with effective bolt ring and lever lock closure options.
- All drum interiors are coated with rust inhibitors to prevent contamination and corrosion.
- The 1A2 rating ensures that they meet the strict regulations set by the United Nations and Department of Transportation for storing and shipping dangerous materials.
Orlando Drum’s reconditioning process makes sure that every drum has been carefully inspected and renewed to its original condition.
What Separates our 1A2 Drums from the others?
- Only the heaviest drums are converted to the 1A2, ensuring maximum protection for your hazardous shipments
- Each top bead is rolled on engineered rollers that ensure each roll is uniform to a standard that makes sure each lid and ring are a perfect fit.
- We only use new lids, rings, nuts, and bolts for each drum. That way, all lids and rings fit all our drums.
Contact Orlando Drum Today to Discuss Our 1A2 Reconditioned Steel Drums
Orlando Drum, based in Orlando, Florida, has been receiving, reconditioning, and reselling 55-gallon steel drums in the Southeastern United States for over 40 years. We are committed to our customers and the environment, and make sure that every drum meets current UN standards. If you need to purchase our 1A2 reconditioned steel drums, or are interested in our pickup, delivery, or disposal services, contact us today.