ASTM D3951-98

NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
Please contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information.
Designation: D 3951 – 98
Standard Practice for
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Commercial Packaging
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D 3951; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the Department of Defense.
1. Scope multiple handling, shipment by any mode, and storage periods
for a minimum of 1 year in enclosed facilities without damage
1.1 This practice establishes minimum requirements for
to the product. It also provides for package quantities suitable
packaging of supplies and equipment, exclusive of ammuni-
for redistribution without additional repackaging or marking.
tion, explosives, or hazardous materials, as covered in Title 49
of the Code of Federal Regulations.
5. Requirements
1.2 This standard does not purport to address all of the
5.1 General—The following requirements, unless specifi-
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
cally changed by the contract or order, shall apply. Suppliers
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
are encouraged to use advanced packaging technology.
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
5.1.1 Packaging—Preservation, packaging, packing, and
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
marking furnished by the suppliers shall meet or exceed the
2. Referenced Documents following minimum requirements:
5.1.1.1 Cleanliness— Items shall be free of dirt and other
2.1 ASTM Standards:
contaminants which would contribute to deterioration of the
D 996 Terminology of Packaging and Distribution Environ-
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item or which would require cleaning by the customer prior to
ments
use. Coatings and preservatives applied to the item for protec-
D 4169 Practice for Performance Testing of Shipping Con-
2
tion are not considered contaminants.
tainers and Systems
5.1.1.2 Preservation— Items susceptible to corrosion or
2.2 Code of Federal Regulations:
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deterioration shall be provided protection such as preservative
Title 49 Transportation (Parts 100 to 199)
coatings, volatile corrosion inhibitors, or desiccated unit packs.
3. Terminology
5.1.1.3 Cushioning—Items requiring protection from physi-
cal and mechanical damage or which are fragile shall be
3.1 Terminology found in Terminology D 996D 996 shall
protected by wrapping, cushioning, pack compartmentization,
apply.
cartonizing, or other means to mitigate shock and vibration to
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
prevent damage during handling and shipment.
3.2.1 safe delivery—in packaging, delivery of a shipment to
5.1.2 Unit Package:
its destination with minimal damage to the package and no
5.1.2.1 Unit Package—Aunit package shall be so designed
damage to the contents.
and constructed that it will contain the contents with no
4. Significance and Use
damage to them, and with minimal damage to the unit pack
during shipment and storage in the shipping container, and will
4.1 This practice covers the requirements for the commer-
allow subsequent handling.
cial preservation, packaging, packing unitization and marking
5.1.2.2 Unit Package Quantity—Unless otherwise speci-
for supplies and equipment. It includes the minimum require-
fied, the unit package quantity shall be one each part, set, or
ments for physical and mechanical protection and provides for
assembly. Excepted are small lightweight items, for example,
industrial hardware, which will be unit packaged in quantities
that are standard in the trade and suitable for retail sales. Bulk
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This practice is under the jurisdiction ofASTM Committee D-10 on Packaging
packaging is specifically excluded unless specified in the
and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D10.18 on Miscellaneous Packag-
contract or order.
ing.
Current edition approved Nov. 10, 1998. Published January 1999. Originally
5.1.3 Intermediate Package:
published as D 3951 – 80. Last previous edition D 3951 – 95.
5.1.3.1 The use of intermediate packaging is encouraged
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Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 15.09.
3 particularly when such use enhances handling and inventory-
Available from Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing
Office, Washington, DC 20402. ing.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
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NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
Please contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information.
D3951–98
5.1.4 Packing: and any applicable precautionary mark
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