General requirements for all packagings and packages

The package shall be so designed in relation to its mass, volume and shape that it can be easily and safely transported. In addition, the package shall be so designed that it can be properly secured in or on the conveyance during transport. 

Attachments and any other features on the outer surface of the package which could be used to lift it shall be designed either to support its mass in accordance with the requirements of para. 607 or shall be removable or otherwise rendered incapable of being used during transport. 

As far as practicable, the packaging shall be so designed and finished that the external surfaces are free from protruding features and can be easily decontaminated. 

As far as practicable, the outer layer of the package shall be so designed as to prevent the collection and the retention of water. 

Any features added to the package at the time of transport which are not part of the package shall not reduce its safety. 

The design of a package with respect to the manner in which it is secured (retained) within or on the conveyance considers only routine conditions of transport (see para. 612). 

For additional guidance on the methods of retaining a package within or on a conveyance, see paras 564.1-564.2 and Appendix V. 

In the selection of materials for lifting attachments, consideration should be given to materials which will not yield under the range of loads expected in normal handling. If overloading occurs, the safety of the package should not be affected. In addition, the effects of wear should be considered. 

This requirement is intended to prevent inadvertent use of package features that are not suitably designed for handling operations. 

An exterior surface with a smooth finish having low porosity aids decontamination and is inherently less susceptible to absorption of contaminants and subsequent leaching out ( hide-ouf) than a rougher one. 

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