A salvage packaging is a special UN-tested outer packaging into which damaged, defective, leaking or non-conforming packages of dangerous goods, or dangerous goods that have spilled or leaked, are placed for carriage for recovery or disposal (1.2.1). It is not a routine transport packaging — it is the emergency outer box into which a damaged drum goes.
When to use it (4.1.1.19.1)
- A package is damaged, defective, leaking or non-conforming, or the goods themselves have spilled or leaked, and have to be moved off-site
- The salvage packaging of 6.1.5.1.11 or the large salvage packaging of 6.6.5.1.9 is the standard route
- A larger size packaging, an IBC of type 11A or a large packaging of appropriate type and performance level may be used instead, under the conditions of 4.1.1.19.2 and 4.1.1.19.3
Excessive movement of the damaged package inside the salvage packaging must be prevented, and where it contains liquids, enough inert absorbent material is added to eliminate free liquid (4.1.1.19.2). Measures must also ensure that no dangerous build-up of pressure occurs (4.1.1.19.3).
UN testing (6.1.5.1.11). Salvage packagings are tested and marked according to the requirements for packing group II packagings intended for solids or inner packagings, with two differences — the test substance is water and the packaging is filled to not less than 98 % of its maximum capacity, and the packaging must in addition pass a leakproofness test at 30 kPa. The letter T follows the packaging code (6.1.2.4) — e.g. 1H2T/Y100/S/23/NL/ABC is a removable-head plastics drum for solids or inner packagings, tested at the packing group II level for a maximum gross mass of 100 kg, salvage-tested, made in 2023, mark authorized by the Netherlands, manufacturer code ABC. ADR’s own worked example is 1A2T/Y300/S/01/USA/abc (6.1.3.13).
Transport document (5.4.1.1.5). Add the words SALVAGE PACKAGING after the description of the goods. For a leaking drum of nitric acid with less than 65 % nitric acid — UN 2031, NITRIC ACID, other than red fuming, with less than 65 % nitric acid, 8, II, (E), SALVAGE PACKAGING.
Package marking (5.2.1.3). In addition to the other marks, the word SALVAGE in lettering at least 12 mm high.
Salvage pressure receptacles (6.2.3.11). For damaged gas cylinders, a purpose-built salvage cylinder or containment vessel is used — different construction rules, same purpose of containing a leaking receptacle and moving it off the scene.
Common mistake — grabbing any larger drum from the yard because it fits around the leaking package. ADR does allow a larger size packaging, an IBC of type 11A or a large packaging instead of a purpose-built salvage packaging — but only one of an appropriate type and performance level, and only with the containment measures of 4.1.1.19.2 and 4.1.1.19.3. An uncertified drum meets neither condition.
References — ADR 2025 1.2.1 (definition), 4.1.1.19 (use), 5.2.1.3 (marking), 5.4.1.1.5 (transport document entry), 6.1.2.4 (letter T), 6.1.5.1.11 (testing), 6.2.3.11 (salvage pressure receptacles).