Definition of non dangerous goods FIBCs

FIBC-types

An FIBC type for non dangerous goods is defined to be an FIBC of like design, manufactured using like materials and methods of construction (giving at least equal performance) to the same nominal cross-sectional dimensions.

  • Within a type, by comparison with samples passing a type test, the circumference may be increased by up to 10% provided the same geometry is maintained.
  • Where the type has a base discharge spout, smaller diameter discharge spouts of like design may be used or the discharge spout may be dropped. It is not allowed to use larger discharge spouts than certified.
  • The presence or absence of an inner liner does not constitute a change of type.

FIBC-categories

The FIBCs for non dangerous goods are divided into three categories:

  • Single-trip FIBCs (safety factor SF = 5 : 1)

    Such bags are made for example of polyolefin fabrics or paper, coated or uncoated with or without an inner liner. These bags are designed and intended to be used for one filling only. An FIBC of this category cannot be reused. Neither replacement of an inner liner nor repair of the FIBC is relevant to this category.

    Reuse of FIBCs certified and marked as single trip FIBCs is not in conformity with the standards.

  • Standard duty reusable FIBCs (safety factor SF = 6 : 1)

    Such bags are made for example of polyolefin fabric, coated or uncoated, with or without an inner liner and used mainly in closed loop between filler and discharge of the FIBC. These bags are designed and intended to be used for a limited number of fillings and discharges. An FIBC of this category cannot be reused if damaged, i.e. is not repairable. ( The replacement of a removable inner liner is not considered a repair.)

    FIBCs certified and marked as standard duty reusable FIBCs in conformity with the standards shall be reused only with the same type of contents as in the first use. Reuse of FIBCs with contents differing from those of the first use is not in accordance with the standards.

  • Heavy duty reusable FIBCs (safety factor SF = 8 : 1)

    Such bags are made for example of polymetric fabric continuously coated on one or both sides with plastics material, e.g. polyvinyl chloride. These bags are designed and intended to be used for a multitude of fillings and discharges, and both factory and field repairable in such a way that the tensile strength across a repair is at least as great as that of the original.

    Repairs should be carried out so that the repaired FIBC is capable of meeting the requirements of the new FIBCs as marked on the label. Before undertaking any repairs, the manufacturer or supplier should always be consulted. Factors which should be taken into account in deciding whether the FIBC is field repairable, factory repairable or not repairable include the materials of construction, the type and area of damage, the age of the FIBC, the conditions to which the FIBC has been subjected during service and the location of the damage.

    FIBCs certified and marked as heavy duty reusable FIBCs in conformity with the standards shall be reused only with the same type of contents as in the first use. Reuse of FIBCs with contents differing from those of the first use is not in accordance with the standards.
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