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FAQ on Drum Reconditioning

Can I reuse a steel drum to transport dangerous goods?

Can I reuse a plastic drum to transport dangerous goods?

Requirements for reconditioning and remanufacturing

What are the requirements for drum reconditioning?

What are the requirements for drum remanufacturing?

How do I identify a reconditioned drum?

Where can I find a drum reconditioning or remanufacturing facility?

Requirement to be Registered byTransport Canada

How do I register as a drum reconditioner or remanufacturer?

What are the quality assurance system requirements for a drum reconditioner or remanufacturer?

How do I renew a Certificate of Registration?

How do I change the company name or address on a Certificate of Registration?

Where can I obtain more information?

Can I reuse a steel drum to transport dangerous goods?

As specified in section 5.12(2)(a) of the TDG Regulations and by reference, part II of CGSB-43.126 make link to 43.126, steel drums with a capacity greater than or equal to 150 L must not be reused to transport liquid dangerous goods in classes 3, 4, 5, 6.1, 8 or 9 unless

  • the drum are reconditioned in accordance with the requirements specified in Part II of CGSB-43.126 before reuse, and
  • the thickness of the top, body, bottom of the drum permanently marked on the drum is greater than or equal to 1.0, 0.8 and 1.0mm

Can I reuse a plastic drum to transport dangerous goods?

As specified in section 5.12(2)(b) of the TDG Regulationsand by reference, part III of CGSB-43.126, plastic drums with a water capacity greater than or equal to 150 L must not be reused to transport liquid dangerous goods in classes 3, 4, 5, 6.1, 8 or 9 unless

  • The drums are reconditioned in accordance with the requirements specified in Part III of CGSB-43.126 before reuse, and
  • The drum is marked with a minimum thickness equal to or greater than 2.2mm
  • Less than sixty months have passed since the date of manufacture (except where a shorter period of use is prescribed because of the nature of the substance to be transported).

What are the requirements for drum reconditioning?

The requirements for reconditioning are set out in Part II (for steel drums) and Part III (for plastic drums) of CGSB-43.126. The drum reconditioning process includes, but is not limited to, the following steps: .

  • interior and exterior washing
  • interior and exterior inspection
  • chime straightening (for steel drums only)
  • leak testing
  • replacement of all non-integral gaskets
  • marking

Please consult the standard for the reconditioning steps in their entirety.

What are the requirements for drum remanufacturing?

The requirements for remanufacturing are set out in Part II (for steel drums) and Part III (for plastic drums) of CGSB-43.126.

Steel drum remanufacturing consists of one or more of the following processes:

  • Replacing any integral structural component (such as non-removable head)
  • Creating one or more new rolling hoops
  • Converting a UN steel drum from one specification to another (a type 1A1 converted to a 1A2)
  • Converting a non-UN standardized drum to a UN standardized drum (converting a DOT-5C, CTC-5C or TC-5C to a UN 1A1/X1.2/550 for example)

Plastic drum remanufacturing consists of one or more of the following processes:

  • Replacing flanges
  • Converting the plastic drum from one un specification to another (a type 1H1 converted to a type 1H2)

A remanufactured drum must be reconditioned in accordance with the requirements of section 6 (for steel drums) or section 10 (for plastic drums) following the remanufacturing process. Steel drums must also meet the requirements specified in paragraph 7.2.3 of the standard.

How do I identify a reconditioned drum?

A reconditioned drum will have a reconditioning mark displayed on it that meets the marking requirements set out in section 6.3 (for steel drums) or section 10.3 (for plastic drums) of CGSB-43.126. The marking must be durable, legible and in characters at least 12 mm high.

An example marking is as follows: CAN/29-1 ABC /11/RL

Each section must be separated from the next by a slash:

  • the country designation “CAN”
  • Certificate of Registration number “29-1” issued to the reconditioning facility. The name or symbol of the reconditioning facility “ABC” may also be included
  • the last two digits of the year of reconditioning “11”
  • “RL” indicating that the drum has been reconditioned and leak tested

Where can I find a drum remanufacturing, repair and reconditioning facility?

Search our database for drum reconditioners registered with Transport Canada.

How do I register as a drum remanufacturing, repair and reconditioning facility?

To recondition, remanufacture or repair drums in accordance with CGSB-43.126, a facility must be registered in accordance with Appendix A of CGSB-43.126. The registration process is initiated when the reconditioning or remanufacturing facility submits an application for registration to the Director.

The application must include the following information:

  • Name, site address, mailing address and contact information of the facility applying for registration;
  • Brief description of the facility, equipment and functions that will be performed;
  • Remanufacturing, reconditioning procedure or repair, including the type(s) of drums to be processed; and
  • Quality assurance system information in conformance with the requirement of paragraph 4.2.

A Certificate of Registration is issued when the Director is satisfied that the facility’s reconditioning, remanufacturing and repair procedures conform to the requirement of CGSB-43.126, and the facility is capable of consistently complying with the requirements of this standard. A facility is registered with the Director upon issuance of a Certificate of Registration by the Director. The Certificate of Registration is valid until its marked expiration date or its revocation for cause.

What are the quality assurance system requirements for a drum remanufacturing, repair and reconditioning facility?

A drum remanufacturing, repair and reconditioning facility must have an maintain a quality assurance system which meets the minimum requirements outlined in paragraph 4.2 of CGSB-43.126.

How do I renew a Certificate of Registration?

To renew a Certificate of Registration, the certificate holder must submit a written application for renewal to the Director at least three months prior to expiration of the current certificate. The renewal application must be include:

  • Statement indicating that the scope of the registration remains the same. If the scope of registration has changed, the new scope and any relevant information must be submitted.
  • Updated remanufacturing and reconditioning procedures, if applicable, or a statement indicating that the procedures have not changed.

How do I change the company name or address on a Certificate of Registration?

A Certificate of Registration is issued to an individual or to a corporate entity who is the certificate holder. A Certificate of Registration may not be conveyed from one certificate holder to another. A name change on a Certificate of Registration is only permitted if the certificate holder remains the same individual or corporate entity as before. In such a case the certificate holder may submit a written request to the Director. The request must include the Certificate of Registration number, the new certificate holder name, a justification that the conditions for name change apply, and the date on which the change is proposed to become effective.

Where can I obtain more information?

For more information on the drum reconditioning or remanufacturing requirements, including registration requirements, you may contact a means of containment specialist by fax at 613-993-5925 or by email at tdgcontainers-tmdcontenants@tc.gc.ca. Include the text "Small Means of Containment" in the subject line.

Quick Links

CGSB-43.126

Information on CGSB-43.126 (the standard on "Reconditioning, Remanufacturing and Repair of Drums for the Transportation of Dangerous Goods").

Drum reconditioners

Search the TDG database for drum reconditioners registered with Transport Canada in accordance with CGSB-43.126.

Date modified:
2011-06-09