The impact test has been found useful in laboratory simulation of impacts such as those encountered in manual and mechanical handling and transportation. The impact test simulates some types of shocks that could occur in the handling of packages or shipping units and helps evaluate the ability of the package to protect the contents against these shocks. The test may also permit observation of progressive failure of a package and damage to the contents.

The test results within a given laboratory using this test method may be useful for evaluating and comparing packages. However, because of the variability of test machines that have been used in the past, especially the impact surface (backstop), it has been found that interlaboratory correlation of test results has been poor.

These procedures are not intended to simulate rail car coupling environment. Refer to Test Method D 4003 and Test Methods D 5277.

This test method fulfills the requirement of ISO 2244.

Note 1—ISO 2244 may not meet the requirements for this test method.

1.1 This test method covers two procedures for conducting impact tests on loaded containers or shipping units (pallet loads), as follows:

1.1.1 Procedure A, to test the ability of a container or shipping unit to withstand impacts, and

1.1.2 Procedure B, to test the ability of a container or shipping unit or interior packing, or both, to provide protection to the contents, when subjected to impacts.

1.2 Either of these two procedures may be used to evaluate different designs of containers of the same size and carrying the same load. These procedures are suitable for testing various types of containers such as boxes, crates, barrels, drums, kegs, bags, sacks, or pails made of various materials or combinations of materials and for shipping units such as pallet loads or palletized units.

1.3 The procedures described in this test method are particularly suitable for testing large or heavily loaded containers.

1.4 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.

1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. Specific precautionary statements are given in Note 1 and Section 7.