UN Rated bags are designed to carry products that are classified as dangerous goods, these goods are carried in accordance with the UN association, commonly known as the Orange Book. Rated bags, carrying hazardous products can be classified as group 2 (Y) or group 3 (Z) which refers to the hazard level of goods they carry. Identifying the packaging group symbolises the hazard level of product that is, or will be carried within the unit in question.
UN Rated bags are subjected to a higher criteria of testing characteristics. These criteria include a series of six different performance tests, only when these test stages have been completed, can an appropriate UN certificate be issued. The most critical test within this group, is that of the one that defines whether the Rated bag belongs to packaging group 2 (Y) or group 3 (Z). This test is known as the drop test. This test involves filling the Rated bag in question to the Safety Working Load (SWL) as designated on the Safety Label of the bag, then dropping the bag from a height of between 80-120cms onto a smooth surface.