In the first part of our two-part series on the rigorous testing procedures that UN Certified Bulk Bags go through, we covered bag preparation for testing, the vibration test, the top lift test, and the stack test. If you missed this post, be sure to click here and check it out.

In part two of this series, we will examine the last four testing procedures that UN Certified bags must pass including the drop test, the topple test, the righting test, and the tear test. For regular updates, subscribe to our blog by filling out the “Subscribe to our blog updates” form to the right.

Drop Testing

All UN Certified Bulk Bags must pass the drop test. During the drop test, the bags are filled in accordance with proper UN testing preparation. The bag is then dropped from specific heights based on the packaging group (PG I: 70.9”, PG II: 47.3”, PG III: 31.5”) on the most vulnerable part of the base of the bag. The criteria for passing the drop test is no loss of contents and only a slight momentary discharge is permitted.

Topple Testing

All UN Certified bags must pass the topple test. During the topple test the bag is toppled from a specific height based on the packaging group (PG I: 70.9”, PG II: 47.3”, PG III: 31.5”) and will need to be toppled onto any part of its top on a smooth surface. The criteria for passing the topple test is no loss of contents and only a slight momentary discharge is permitted.

Righting Test

The Righting Test is required for all UN Certified Bulk Bags that are designed to be lifted from both the top and/or the side. During this test, the bag is on its side and lifted to an upright position. The bag is then lifted at a specific speeds and must be able to be lifted by both one (bags with two lifting straps) or two (bags with 4 lifting straps) approved lifting devices.

Criteria for passing this test is no damage to the FIBC or lifting devices making them unsafe for transportation or handling.

Tear Test

The tear test is required for all UN Certified bags. During the tear test, the bag wall is punctured with a knife at a 45-degree angle halfway between the bottom of the bag and the top level of the contents. The tear test is split into two parts. Part one of this test is a uniform top load with twice the maximum permissible safe working load. To pass part one, the bag must remain intact for no less than five minutes with a 45-degree knife cut. For part two of this test, the bag must maintain its integrity with a 45-degree knife cut when being lifted and remain intact suspended for no less than five minutes.

The criteria for passing this test is the knife cut cannot grow more than 25% of its original length.

Thanks for reading!

As you can see, there are strict standards and extremely rigorous test for bulk bags that are UN Certified. These tests ensure that these bags are safe to work in extreme environments where there is risk of fire, explosion, chemical burns, toxic contamination, or environmental damage.

Download our Buyer's Guide to UN Bulk Bags and learn all you need to know about purchasing UN Certified Bulk Bags. By downloading, you'll get access to: 

1. What makes a UN certified bulk bag different? 
2. UN Bulk Bag ID tag break down
3. UN Bulk Bag rigorous testing procedures
4. Access to a comprehensive Hazardous Materials Chart

Be sure to read this guide before purchasing UN bulk bags!