Since the adoption of performance oriented packaging standards (POPS) more than 10 years ago, the US has been the only country to allow manufacturers and reconditioners of UN certified packagings, to self-certify their containers. Taking the requirements from the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR49), there is no testing standard or protocol with which these tests are performed. Those performing the tests usually have no formal training other than past experience learned from another tester. The result has been that interpretations of the requirements can vary and performance of the tests are sometimes incomplete. At Skolnik, we believe that the establishment of a POPS Test training program will help new and ongoing packaging manufacturers to better understand the testing procedures and on July 23rd, 2008, we hosted a Testing Symposium in which 20 POPS Test specialists met to create a forum for beginning the training program (See Testing Symposium Pictures). In addition, Haldis Fearn of HMF2 attended to assess the knowledge and experience of the testing specialists with the intent to create a training curriculum. In addition to reviewing the regulatory requirements for the stack, drop, leakproofness and hydrostatic pressure test, attendees were able to witness the preparation and actual performance of each test. The day proved to be successful and all the attendee’s requested that we repeat this event, at least, annually. If you are interested in attending the next Symposium, please contact me directly to be added to our participant list.
August 13th, 2008 7:14 am by HSkolnik —
Filed under: DOT/UN, Safety
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The returning of products to a retail facility, sales agency, distribution center or manufacturer is referred to as Reverse Logistics. Reasons for return may include, but are not limited to, product obsolescence, malfunction, or damage rendering the product unfit for use. The persons engaged in packaging the products for return or offering the shipments in reverse logistics may often be laymen, retail store clerks or others, not readily identifiable within the definition of a “hazmat employee” as codified with 49 CFR. The packagings used for reverse logistics shipments are often not the original packagings as offered by the manufacturer and may consist of any packaging materials convenient within that facility. Equipment powered by internal combustion engines may have been used by the consumer prior to return and may contain residual hazardous material fuels. Reactive hazardous materials may not be properly segregated within the packaging or within over-packs and cargo transport units. These shipments may be wrongfully, and illegally, offered as “non-declared” hazardous materials and could be transported by all modes of transportation, including aircraft. The Council on the Safe Transportation of Hazardous Articles has partnered with the DOT (PHMSA) to obtain vital industry input through organized workshops, discussion groups, meetings, and other forums in order to develop acceptable and reasonable standards for these reverse logistic shipments. The product of the partnership should provide an assessment of the magnitude of the issue, the systems and standards that could be implemented to rectify potential problems citing means and materials needed to control these risks.
August 13th, 2008 7:11 am by HSkolnik —
Filed under: Associations, DOT/UN, HazMat, Industry News, Safety
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Today’s wine drinkers have come to expect consistency when buying wine. They want the bottle of wine they bought today to taste like the one that they bought months ago. Consistency and repeatability have become increasingly more important in today’s competitive wine market. Wine makers looking to capitalize on these important traits are increasingly turning to Skolnik’s complete line of stainless steel wine barrels. Ranging in size from 5 to 55 gallons, Skolnik’s wine barrels are constructed of 304 stainless steel. The high grade stainless steel provides the “blank slate” that allows a wine maker to craft a wine that meets consumers taste demands. It also allows the wine maker to create a wine with the same taste profile over and over again, realizing their goal of consistency and repeatability.
August 13th, 2008 7:08 am by DRicker —
Filed under: Wine
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