3H

Products or Packaged-Products in Mechanically 2

Handled Bulk Transport Containers 0
0
9

ISTA 3 Series ISTA, Distributing Confidence, Worldwide™

General
Simulation ISTA 3 Series tests are advanced tests.
Performance • They challenge the capability of the package and product to withstand transport hazards, but
Test • They use general simulation of actual transport hazards, and
Procedure • They do not necessarily comply with carrier packaging regulations.
When properly applied, ISTA procedures will provide tangible benefits of:
• Shortened packaged development time and confidence in product launch
• Protection of products and profits with reduced damage and product loss
• Economically balanced distribution costs
VERSION
• Customer satisfaction and continued business.
DATE
Last There are three sections: Overview, Testing and Report
TECHNICAL • Overview provides the general knowledge required before going into the testing laboratory and
Change: • Testing presents the specific instructions to do the testing in the laboratory and
JANUARY • Report indicates what data shall be recorded to submit a test report to ISTA.
2009
Two systems of weights and measures are presented in ISTA test procedures. They are the English system (Inch-Pound) and the
Last international system SI (Metric). Inch-Pound units are shown first with Metric units in brackets, except in some tables where they
EDITORIAL are shown separately.
Change: • Either system may be used as the unit of measure (standard units), but
JANUARY • The standard units chosen shall be used consistently throughout the procedure.
2009 • Units are converted to two significant figures and
• Not exact equivalents.

For complete VERY IMPORTANT:

listing of The entire document shall be read and understood before proceeding with a test.
Procedure
Changes and
Version Dates OVERVIEW OF PROCEDURE 3H
go to
www.ista.org Test Procedure 3H is a general simulation test for mechanically handled bulk loads.
• It is intended for bulk loads of the same product but it can also be considered for mixed loads.
• It can be used to evaluate the protective performance of bulk transport systems related to vibrations, shocks and other
Preface stresses normally encountered during handling and transportation.
• It can be used to evaluate interior dunnage.
• The test levels are based on general data and may not represent any specific distribution system.
• The package and product are considered together and not separately.
• Some conditions of transit, such as moisture, pressure or unusual handling, may not be covered.

Other ISTA Procedures may be appropriate for different conditions or to meet different objectives.

Refer to Guidelines for Selecting and Using ISTA Procedures and Projects for additional information.

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© 2009 International Safe Transit Association. All rights Reserved.
 3H OVERVIEW OF PROCEDURE 3H
Scope Test Procedure 3H covers testing of bulk loads made up of one transport container or system consisting of the same product that
because of their size and/or weight must be handled by mechanical means, for example, automotive parts in reusable racks.

Product Damage The shipper shall determine the following prior to testing:
Tolerance and • what constitutes damage to the product and
Degradation • what damage tolerance level is allowable, if any, and
Allowance • the correct methodology to determine product condition at the conclusion of the test and
• the acceptable package condition at the conclusion of the test.

For additional information on this determination process refer to Guidelines for Selecting and Using ISTA Procedures and Projects.

Samples Samples should be the untested actual package and product, but if one or both are not available, the substitutes shall be as
identical as possible to actual items.

Number of samples required:

• One sample is required for the tests in this procedure.

Replicate Testing Recommended:

To permit an adequate determination of representative performance of the packaged-product, ISTA:
• Requires the procedure to be performed one time, but
• Recommends performing the procedure five or more times using new samples with each test.

NOTE:
Packages that have already been subjected to the rigors of transportation cannot be assumed to represent standard conditions. In
order to insure testing in perfect condition, products and packages shipped to certified laboratories for testing must be:
• over-packaged for shipment to the laboratory or
• repackaged in new packaging at the laboratory.

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© 2009 International Safe Transit Association. All rights Reserved.
 3H OVERVIEW OF PROCEDURE 3H
Test Sequence The tests shall be performed on each test sample in the sequence indicated in the following table:

Sequence # Test Category Test Type Test Level For ISTA Certification
1 Atmospheric Temperature and Humidity Ambient Required
Preconditioning
2 Atmospheric Controlled Temperature and Temperature and Humidity Optional
Conditioning Humidity chosen from chart
3 Shock Horizontal Impact 2 mph (0.9 m/s) 15 ms Required
half sine
4 Shock Rotational Flat Drop 4 in (100 mm) Required
5 Shock Rotational Edge Drop 4 in (100 mm) Required
6 Shock Rotational Flat Drop 4 in (100 mm) Required
7 Shock Rotational Edge Drop 4 in (100 mm) Required
8 Vibration Random Overall Gr m s level varies Required
with Mode of Transport
9 Shock Horizontal Impact 4 and 6 mph Required for Rail
(1.8 and 2.7 m/s) Shipments Only
300 ms Trapezoidal
10 Shock Horizontal Impact 2 mph (0.9 m/s) Required
15 ms Half Sine
11 Shock Rotational Flat Drop 4 in (100 mm) Required
12 Shock Rotational Edge Drop 4 in (100 mm) Required
13 Shock Rotational Flat Drop 4 in (100 mm) Required
14 Shock Rotational Edge Drop 4 in (100 mm) Required
15 Compression Machine Apply and Release Calculated Test Force x Optional
(Alternative methods 1.4
allowed – select one
test type)
Machine Apply and Hold Calculated Test Force
Weight and load Spreader Calculated Test Load

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© 2009 International Safe Transit Association. All rights Reserved.
 3H EQUIPMENT REQUIRED FOR PROCEDURE 3H
Equipment Atmospheric Conditioning:
Required
• Humidity recording apparatus complying with of the apparatus section of ASTM D 4332.
Atmospheric
Conditioning • Temperature recording apparatus complying with the apparatus section of ASTM D 4332.

Optional Atmospheric Conditioning

• Chamber and Control apparatus complying with the apparatus section of ASTM D 4332.

Equipment Horizontal Impact Test:

Required • Horizontal Impact Test System complying with the apparatus section of ASTM D 4003.
Shock

Rotational Edge Drop Test:

• Rotational Edge Drop Test System complying with of the apparatus section of ASTM D 6179.

Equipment Random Vibration Test:

Required • Random Vibration Test System complying with the apparatus section of ASTM D 4728.
Vibration

Equipment The following alternatives are acceptable for the equipment required for the Compression Test:
Required
Compression Type of Compression Test Equipment In compliance with the apparatus section of:
Apply and Release Test Compression test system ASTM D 642
Apply and Hold Test Compression test system “Fixed-Platen Testing Machine” requirements

Apply and Hold Test Weight and load spreader NA

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© 2009 International Safe Transit Association. All rights Reserved.
 3H BEFORE YOU BEGIN PROCEDURE 3H
Identification Prior to beginning the tests identify the faces and edges according to the procedure below.
of Faces
and Edges
Step Action
1 Place the bulk container in its normal shipping position.
2 Position one of the smallest width faces of the container directly in front of you.
3 Identify faces according to the diagram below.
1 6

Edge 2-3
5

4 Identify edges using the numbers of the two faces forming that edge.
Example: Edge 2-3 is the edge formed by face 2 and face 3 of the packaged-product.
5 Go to next page for further Before You Begin details.

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© 2009 International Safe Transit Association. All rights Reserved.
 3H BEFORE YOU BEGIN PROCEDURE 3H
Bulk Container You shall know the bulk containers:
Weight and • gross weight in pounds (kg), and
Size • outside dimensions of Length, Width and Height (L x W x H) in inches (mm or m)
Measurement
Required Preconditioning:
Before You The bulk container should be stored prior to climate conditioning at laboratory ambient temperature and humidity for twelve (12)
Begin hours.
Atmospheric
Conditioning Optional Conditioning Recommended (to be performed after the required preconditioning):
To permit an adequate determination of the bulk container’s performance at anticipated atmospheric limits and where it is known
that the atmospheric extremes are detrimental to the product, ISTA:
• Requires the highest temperature and humidity limits of the product be used, but
• Recommends that both the highest and lowest atmospheric conditions be used.

Condition bulk container according to one or more of the conditions listed in the table below.
• Remaining test requirements should be performed as soon as possible after removing the bulk container from environmental
conditioning apparatus.
• If more than one conditioning sequence is selected, a new and complete test should be performed following each sequence
Anticipated Conditions Time in Hours Temperature in °C ±2°C (°F ±4°F) Humidity in %
Extreme Cold, 72 -29°C (-20°F) uncontrolled RH
Uncontrolled RH
Cold, Humid 72 5°C (40°F) 85% RH ±5%
Controlled Conditions 72 23°C (73°F) 50% RH ±5%
Hot, Humid 72 38°C (100°F) 85% RH ±5%
Hot, Humid 72 38°C (100°F) 85% RH ±5%
then then then then 30% RH ±5%
Extreme Heat, Moderate 6 60°C (140°F)
RH:
Elevated Temperature, 72 50°C (120°F) uncontrolled RH
Uncontrolled RH
Extreme Heat, Dry 72 60ºC (140ºF) 15% RH +/- 5%
Severe Cold, 72 -18ºC (0ºF) uncontrolled RH
Uncontrolled RH
User Defined High Limit 72 Based upon known conditions Known conditions
User Defined Low Limit 72 Based upon known conditions Known conditions
User Defined Cycle 72 Based upon known conditions Known conditions

Before You The following determinations must be made:

Begin • Determine if the mechanically handled bulk container and products will be shipped by rail.
Shock
Testing For rail shipments there are two possible loading orientations (axes) for a bulk container. Possible loading orientations are based
upon variables such as size of the bulk container and size of the transport trailer, container, or railcar that will be used. It also
depends are on whether or not the shipper can insure that only one orientation is ever used.

• Determine if the bulk container could and would be loaded with the:
• Longest faces parallel to the end walls of the vehicle only or
• Shortest faces parallel to the end walls of the vehicle only or
• Either the longest or shortest face parallel to the end walls of the vehicle

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© 2009 International Safe Transit Association. All rights Reserved.
3H BEFORE YOU BEGIN PROCEDURE 3H
Before You CAUTION:
Begin A restraining device or devices shall be used with the vibration test system to:
Vibration
• Prevent the test specimen from moving off the platform and
Testing
• Maintain test orientation of the bulk container or stack, but
• The restraining device or devices shall not restrict the vertical motion of the test specimen during the test.

The following determination must be made:

Determine if the mechanically handled bulk container and products will be shipped via railcar, steel spring truck trailers or air-ride
truck trailers. If only one type of transport is possible, then use the random spectrum associated with that mode from the following
spectra. If more than one mode is possible use the spectrum with the highest Gr m s value from the potential modes.

For Steel Spring Truck Random Vibration:

The following breakpoints shall be programmed into the vibration controller to produce the acceleration versus frequency profile
(spectrum) below with an overall Gr m s level of 0.54. The theoretical stroke required to run this vibration profile is 45.13 mm (1.777
in) peak to peak.
Frequency (Hz) PSD Level, g2/Hz ISTA Steel Spring Truck
1.0 0.00072 Random Vibration Spectrum
3.0 0.018 0.1
4.0 0.018
6.0 0.00072 0.01
12.0 0.00072 PSD, g2/Hz

16.0 0.0036
0.001
25.0 0.0036
30.0 0.00072
0.0001
40.0 0.0036
80.0 0.0036
0.00001
100.0 0.00036 1 10 100 1000

200.0 0.000018 Frequency, Hz

For Air-Ride Truck Random Vibration:

The following breakpoints shall be programmed into the vibration controller to produce the acceleration versus frequency profile
(spectrum) below with an overall Gr m s level of 0.28. The theoretical stroke required to run this vibration profile is 82.58 mm (3.251
in) peak to peak.

Frequency (Hz) PSD Level, g2/Hz ISTA Air Ride

Random Vibration Spectrum
0.6 0.0009 0.01

2.0 0.009
3.0 0.0072
5.0 0.00036
PSD, g /Hz

10.0 0.00036
2

0.001
15.0 0.0018
30.0 0.00054
50.0 0.00108
100.0 0.00018
0.0001
0.1 1 10 100 1000
Frequency, Hz
Continued on next page

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© 2009 International Safe Transit Association. All rights Reserved.
 3H BEFORE YOU BEGIN PROCEDURE 3H
Before You Continued from previous page
Begin
Vibration For Railcar Random Vibration:
Testing
Continued The following breakpoints shall be programmed into the vibration controller to produce the acceleration versus frequency profile
(spectrum) below with an overall Gr m s level of 0.13. The theoretical stroke required to run this vibration profile is 21.26 mm (0.837
in) peak to peak.

Frequency (Hz) PSD Level, g2/Hz ISTA Rail

Random Vibration Spectrum
1.0 0.00018 0.01

2.5 0.0027
4.0 0.0018
8.0 0.00018 0.001

PSD, g /Hz
20.0 0.000108

2
60.0 0.000108
100.0 0.000072 0.0001

0.00001
1 10 100 1000
Frequency, Hz

Calculating Test Time

Estimate the anticipated total distance of the ground shipment the packaged-product may encounter during distribution to
determine a test time from the following formulas:

Test Time duration in minutes = (Transport Miles) ÷ 5. Maximum test time 240 minutes

OR

Test Time duration in minutes = (Transport Kilometers) ÷ 8. Maximum test time 240 minutes

Examples:
If the estimated distance is 750 miles, the Test Time would be 150 minutes.
If the estimated distance is 1000 km., the Test Time would be 125 minutes.

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© 2009 International Safe Transit Association. All rights Reserved.
 3H BEFORE YOU BEGIN PROCEDURE 3H
Before You CAUTION:
Begin When using weights and a load spreader use extreme care to prevent injury.
Optional
Compression NOTE:
Testing Each of the formula has a numerical factor that compensates for other hazards that are not simulated in the test protocol.

Familiarity with the following formulas is required for bulk containers that will be warehoused for more than 48 hours prior to
shipment:

WAREHOUSING COMPRESSION (W)

English Units Metric Units
Compression Test System Test Force Pounds Force (lbf) Newtons (N)
Apply and Release (AR) Test Force W-AR-C Wt x (S –1) x F x 1.4 Wt x (S –1) x F x 9.8 x 1.4
Apply and Hold (AH) Test Force W-AH-C Wt x (S –1) x F Wt x (S –1) x F x 9.8
Weight and Load Spreader Test Load Pounds (lb) Kilograms (kg)
Apply and Hold (AH) Dead Weight Test Load W- AH - DW Wt x (S –1) x F Wt x (S –1) x F
Where
W Warehouse Compression
C Compression Test System
DW Dead Weight and Load Spreader

AR Test Load for Apply and Release

AH Test Load Apply and Hold
Wt Gross weight of the bulk container
S Total number of bulk containers in a stack

NOTE: If nothing is stacked on the packaged-product, then the S value = 1 (one),

the test load or force = 0 (zero) and no compression test is required.
1 Represents the bottom bulk container
1.4 Compensating factor for time of compression
F Compensating factor. Use a value of 3 for bulk containers warehoused for more than 48 hours prior to
shipment.*
9.8 Metric conversion factor

* Compensating factors account for effects not tested, such as temperature/humidity, stacking patterns, long-duration loading, etc.
Other factors may be used in certain situations. For example, if compression testing is performed in conjunction with atmospheric
conditioning which reduces container strength (e.g. corrugated containers under high humidity, plastic containers under high
temperature), Compensating Factors may be reduced. If the ISTA recommendations above are not followed, sufficient justification
must be included in the Test Report.

Continued on next page

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© 2009 International Safe Transit Association. All rights Reserved.
 3H BEFORE YOU BEGIN PROCEDURE 3H
Before You Continued from previous page
Begin
Optional Familiarity with the following formulas is required:
Compression
Testing VEHICLE COMPRESSION (V)
Continued
Bulk Container height = 55 inches (1.4 m) or over English Units Metric Units
Compression Test System Test Force Pounds Force (lbf) Newtons (N)
Apply and Release (AR) Test Force V-AR-C Wt x F x 1.4 Wt x F x 9.8 x 1.4
Apply and Hold (AH) Test Force V-AH-C Wt x F Wt x F x 9.8
Weight and Load Spreader Test Load Pounds (lb) Kilograms (kg)
Apply and Hold (AH) Dead Weight Test Load V- AH - DW Wt x F Wt x F
Bulk Container height = less than 55 inches (1.4 m) English Units Metric Units
Compression Test System Test Force Pounds Force (lbf) Newtons (N)
Apply and Release (AR) Test Force V-AR-C Wt x F x 1.4 Wt x F x 9.8 x 1.4
Apply and Hold (AH) Test Force V-AH-C Wt x F Wt x F x 9.8
Weight and Load Spreader Test Load Pounds (lb) Kilograms (kg)
Apply and Hold (AH) Dead Weight Test Load V- AH - DW Wt x F Wt x F
Where
V Vehicle Compression
C Compression Test System

DW Dead Weight and Load Spreader

AR Test Load for Apply and Release
AH Test Load Apply and Hold
Wt Gross weight of the bulk container
1.4 Compensating factor for time of compression
F Compensating factor.
Use a value of 1.5 for bulk containers with a height of 55 in (1.4 m) or over.
Use a value of 3 for bulk containers less than 55 in (1.4 m) in height.
9.8 Metric conversion factor

Continued on next page

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© 2009 International Safe Transit Association. All rights Reserved.
 3H BEFORE YOU BEGIN PROCEDURE 3H
Before You Continued from previous page
Begin
Optional Use the following table to determine which Load Force and what calculated test load to use in the Compression Test Block.
Compression
Testing Step Action
Continued
1 Calculate a test force/load using the appropriate formula and test conditions (Apply and Release, Apply
and Hold, Apply and Hold-Dead Weight) from the tables above as indicated in the table below:
IF the bulk container has a THEN use the Formula for …
height…
55 in (1.4 m) or over. Vehicle Compression (V) - load height 55 in (1.4 m) or over.
Less than 55 in (1.4 m). Vehicle Compression (V) - load height less than 55 in (1.4 m).
2 Determine if the Bulk Container will be subjected to stacking in a warehouse for more than 48 hours
before being shipped.
• If Yes, then continue with the next Step.
• If No, go to Compression Test Block. The Vehicle Compression (V) determined in Step 1 will be
used in the Compression Test Block.
3 Calculate a test force/load using the Warehousing Compression (W) formula and test conditions
(Apply and Release, Apply and Hold, Apply and Hold-Dead Weight) in Before You Begin Compression.
4 Use the larger of the Vehicle Compression (V) calculated in Step 1 or the Warehousing Compression
(W) calculated in Step 3 as the load/force to be applied in the Compression Test Block.
IF the calculated Warehousing Compression THEN use the...
(W) from Step 3 is …
Less than the calculated Vehicle Compression Vehicle Compression (V) calculated test load
(V) from Step 1 from Step 1 as the test load in the Compression
Test Block.
Equal to or greater than the calculated Vehicle Warehousing Compression (V) calculated test
Compression (V) from Step 1 load from Step 3 as the test load in the
Compression Test Block.

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© 2009 International Safe Transit Association. All rights Reserved.
 3H TEST SEQUENCE FOR PROCEDURE 3H
The test blocks that follow contain tables that indicate the required steps for each test in the procedure.

TEST BLOCK 1
TEMPERATURE AND HUMIDITY
Atmospheric
Conditioning Step Action
1 The bulk container should be stored at laboratory ambient temperature and humidity for twelve (12)
hours.
2 Is optional conditioning going to be performed?
• If Yes, go to Step 6.
• If No, go to the next Step.
3 Record the ambient laboratory temperature and humidity when testing starts.
4 At the end of all testing record temperature and humidity.
5 Go to TEST BLOCK 2 (Shock – Horizontal Impact).
6 Select an anticipated condition from the Before You Begin Block.
7 Check the conditioning apparatus to insure that the temperature and humidity are at the required levels.
8 Place the bulk container in the conditioning.
9 At the completion of the required conditioning time remove the bulk container from the conditioning
apparatus.
10 Record the ambient laboratory temperature and humidity when testing starts.

11 Go to TEST BLOCK 2 (Shock – Horizontal Impact) and perform the remaining test sequence as quickly
as possible.

TEST BLOCK 2
SHOCK - HORIZONTAL IMPACT
Shock
(Horizontal Step Action
Impact)
1 Conduct a horizontal Impact test on the bulk container according to the levels and sequence in the table
below.
Sequence # Pulse Shape Duration in Velocity Surface to Gap in inches (mm)
milliseconds Change in be Shocked
mph (m/s)
1 Half Sine 15 2 (0.9) 2 0
2 Half Sine 15 2 (0.9) 5 0
3 Half Sine 15 2 (0.9) 4 0
4 Half Sine 15 2 (0.9) 6 0
2 This Shock Test is now complete. Go to TEST BLOCK 3 (Shock – Rotational Flat Drop).

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© 2009 International Safe Transit Association. All rights Reserved.
 3H TEST SEQUENCE FOR PROCEDURE 3H
TEST BLOCK 3 SHOCK - ROTATIONAL FLAT DROP
Shock
(Rotational Step Action
Flat Drop)
1 Perform a rotational flat drop.
Sequence # Action
1 Place the bulk container onto a flat, rigid surface such as steel or concrete.
2 Lift edge 3-4 four (4) in (100 mm) off the surface.
3 Release the edge so that it falls freely onto a flat, rigid surface.

2 This Shock Test is now complete. Go to TEST BLOCK 4 (Shock – Rotational Edge Drop).

TEST BLOCK 4
SHOCK - ROTATIONAL EDGE DROP
Shock
(Rotational Step Action
Edge Drop)
1 Perform a rotational edge drop. Follow the sequence in the table below.
Sequence # Action
1 Place the bulk container onto a flat, rigid surface such as steel or concrete.
2 Support edge 2-3 with a timber or support 3.5 to 4.0 in (90 to 100 mm) in height and
width.
3 Lift the edge 3-4 four (4) in (100 mm) off the surface.
4 Release the edge so that it falls freely onto a flat, rigid surface.

2 This Shock Test is now complete. Go to TEST BLOCK 5 (Shock – Rotational Flat Drop).

TEST BLOCK 5
SHOCK - ROTATIONAL FLAT DROP
Shock
(Rotational Step Action
Flat Drop)
1 Perform a rotational flat drop.
Sequence # Action
1 Place the bulk container onto a flat, rigid surface such as steel or concrete.
2 Lift edge 3-6 four (4) in (100 mm) off the surface.
3 Release the edge so that it falls freely onto a flat, rigid surface.

2 This Shock Test is now complete. Go to TEST BLOCK 6 (Shock - Rotational Edge Drop).

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© 2009 International Safe Transit Association. All rights Reserved.
 3H TEST SEQUENCE FOR PROCEDURE 3H
TEST BLOCK 6 SHOCK - ROTATIONAL EDGE DROP
Shock
(Rotational Step Action
Edge Drop)
1 Perform a rotational edge drop. Follow the sequence in the table below.
Sequence # Action
1 Place the bulk container onto a flat, rigid surface such as steel or concrete.
2 Support edge 3-5 with a timber or support 3.5 to 4.0 in (90 to 100 mm) in height and
width.
3 Lift the edge 3-6 four (4) in (100 mm) off the surface.
4 Release the edge so that it falls freely onto a flat, rigid surface.

2 This Shock Test is now complete. Go to TEST BLOCK 7 (Vibration).

TEST BLOCK 7
Vibration VIBRATION - RANDOM
Step Action
1 Put the bulk container on the vibration table so that face 3 rests on the platform.
2 Start the vibration system to produce the random vibration spectrum determined in the Before You Begin
Block.
3 Stop the vibration testing at the end of the test time indicated in the anticipated transport miles chart in
the Before You Begin Block.
4 Vibration testing is now complete. Go to TEST BLOCK 8 (Shock – Horizontal Impact).

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© 2009 International Safe Transit Association. All rights Reserved.
 3H TEST SEQUENCE FOR PROCEDURE 3H
TEST BLOCK 8 SHOCK - HORIIZONTAL IMPACT
Shock
(Horizontal Step Action
Impact)
1 Will the mechanically handled bulk container with products be shipped via rail?
• If Yes, go to the next Step.
• If No, then go to TEST BLOCK 9 (Shock – Horizontal Impact).
2 Determine the possible loading orientations from the Before You Begin Block and perform the appropriate
action as indicated in the table below:
Could and would the only loading orientation Then in the next Step use the column labeled …
for the bulk container be with the …
Longest faces (2 and 4) parallel to the end walls of Longest Face to be Shocked
the trailer, container or railcar.
Shortest faces (5 and 6) parallel to the end walls of Shortest Face to be Shocked
the trailer, container or railcar.
Longest or shortest faces parallel to the end walls Longest Face to be Shocked and then the Shortest
of the trailer, container or railcar. Face to be Shocked
ALTERNATIVE:
If only the longest faces are tested now, then at the
conclusion of the tests, a new bulk container or the
one previously tested filled with product that has no
damage shall be tested by performing the
atmospheric conditioning and all shock tests in the
same sequence.
3 Conduct a horizontal test on the bulk container according to the levels and sequence in the table below.
Sequence # Pulse Shape Duration in Velocity Longest Shortest Gap* in
milliseconds Change in Face to be Face to be inches
mph (m/s) Shocked Shocked (mm)
1 Trapezoidal 300 4 (1.8) 2 5 0
2 Trapezoidal 300 4 (1.8) 4 6 0
3 Trapezoidal 300 6 (2.7) 4 5 4 (100)
4 Trapezoidal 300 6 (2.7) 2 6 4 (100)

*Gapped pulses are used to simulate void space that may be present in rail shipments. Gap is defined as
the distance in inches between the test sample and the bulkhead sail prior to the actual shock. The test
face of the container should be parallel to the bulkhead sail. See below:

G
4 This Shock Test is now complete. Go to TEST BLOCK 9 (Shock – Horizontal Impact).

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© 2009 International Safe Transit Association. All rights Reserved.
 3H TEST SEQUENCE FOR PROCEDURE 3H
TEST BLOCK 9 SHOCK - HORIZONTAL IMPACT
Shock
(Horizontal Step Action
Impact)
1 Conduct a horizontal test on the bulk container according to the levels and sequence in the table below.
Sequence # Pulse Shape Duration in Velocity Surface to Gap in inches (mm)
milliseconds Change in be Shocked
mph (m/s)
1 Half Sine 15 2 (0.9) 2 0
2 Half Sine 15 2 (0.9) 5 0
3 Half Sine 15 2 (0.9) 4 0
4 Half Sine 15 2 (0.9) 6 0
2 This Shock Test is now complete. Go to TEST BLOCK 10 (Shock – Rotational Flat Drop).

TEST BLOCK 10
Shock SHOCK - ROTATIONAL FLAT DROP
(Rotational Step Action
Flat Drop)
1 Perform a rotational flat drop.
Sequence # Action
1 Place the bulk container onto a flat, rigid surface such as steel or concrete.
2 Lift edge 3-4 four (4) in (100 mm) off the surface.
3 Release the edge so that it falls freely onto a flat, rigid surface.

2 This Shock Test is now complete. Go to TEST BLOCK 11 (Shock – Rotational Edge Drop).

TEST BLOCK 11
Shock SHOCK - ROTATIONAL EDGE DROP
(Rotational Step Action
Edge Drop)
1 Perform a rotational edge drop. Follow the sequence in the table below.
Sequence # Action
1 Place the bulk container onto a flat, rigid surface such as steel or concrete.
2 Support edge 2-3 with a timber or support 3.5 to 4.0 (90 to 100 mm) in height and
width.
3 Lift the edge 3-4 four (4) in (100 mm) off the surface.
4 Release the edge so that it falls freely onto a flat, rigid surface.

2 This Shock Test is now complete. Go to TEST BLOCK 12 (Shock – Rotational Flat Drop).

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 3H TEST SEQUENCE FOR PROCEDURE 3H
TEST BLOCK 12 SHOCK - ROTATIONAL FLAT DROP
Shock
(Rotational Step Action
Flat Drop)
1 Perform a rotational flat drop.
Sequence # Action
1 Place the bulk container onto a flat, rigid surface such as steel or concrete.
2 Lift edge 3-6 four (4) in (100 mm) off the surface.
3 Release the edge so that it falls freely onto a flat, rigid surface.

2 This Shock Test is now complete. Go to TEST BLOCK 13 (Shock – Rotational Edge Drop).

TEST BLOCK 13
SHOCK - ROTATIONAL EDGE DROP
Shock
(Rotational Step Action
Edge Drop)
1 Perform a rotational edge drop. Follow the sequence in the table below.
Sequence # Action
1 Place the bulk container onto a flat, rigid surface such as steel or concrete.
2 Support edge 3-5 with a timber or support 3.5 to 4.0 in (90 to 100 mm) in height and
width.
3 Lift the edge 3-6 four (4) in (100 mm) off the surface.
4 Release the edge so that it falls freely onto a flat, rigid surface.

2 This Shock Test is now complete. Did you determine that you will perform the Optional Compression
Testing?
• If Yes, then go to TEST BLOCK 14 (Optional Compression Testing)
• If No, then all testing is now complete. Go to the Reporting an ISTA Test section at the end of
this Procedure.

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 3H TEST SEQUENCE FOR PROCEDURE 3H
TEST BLOCK 14 COMPRESSION
Optional
Compression Step Action
1 Testing is to be conducted using the test force or load from Step 4 of Before You Begin Compression
and by performing the appropriate action as indicated in the table below:
IF the testing equipment to be used is a … THEN go to …
Compression Test System Step 2.
Weight and load spreader Step 7.
2 Center the bulk container with face 3 resting on the lower platen of the compression tester.
3 Start the test machine and bring the platens together at the rate of one-half (0.5) in (13 mm) per minute.
4 Perform the appropriate action as indicated in the table below:
IF the compression test is a… THEN …
Apply and Release Test Increase the force until it reaches the Test Force value
determined in Step 4 of Before You Begin
Compression. Then go to Step 5.

Apply and Hold Test Increase the force until it reaches the Test Force value
determined in Step 4 of Before You Begin
Compression. Then go to Step 6.
5 Release the force. Go to Step 11.
6 Maintain the force for one (1) hour, and then release the force. Go to Step 11.
7 Place the bulk container with face 3 resting on a smooth, flat, rigid surface.
8 Place a rigid load spreader that is larger than the top face of the test specimen on the bulk container.
9 Add weight to the load spreader to bring the total weight up to the Test Load determined in Step 4 of
Before You Begin Compression and maintain for one (1) hour.
10 Remove the weight and load spreader.
11 All testing is now complete. Go to the Reporting an ISTA Test section at the end of this Procedure.

ISTA 3H 2009 - Page 18 of 19

© 2009 International Safe Transit Association. All rights Reserved.
 3H REPORTING AN ISTA TEST
Reporting an ISTA Test Report Forms may be downloaded from www.ista.org. Custom forms with additional information are acceptable, but
ISTA Test: information on an official ISTA Report Form is considered to be the minimum.
Completing and
Submitting The packaged-product has satisfactorily passed the test if, upon examination, it meets the Product Damage Tolerance and
an ISTA Package Degradation Allowance.
Test Report ISTA Certified Testing Laboratories:
• Should file a test report on all ISTA Test Procedures or Projects conducted.
• Shall file a test report on all ISTA Test Procedures or Projects conducted to obtain Transit Tested Package Certification or
Acknowledgement.

For additional information, refer to Guidelines for Selecting and Using ISTA Test Procedures and Projects.
ISTA Transit Tested Program
The ISTA Transit Tested Certification Mark as shown is a:
• registered certification mark and
• can only be printed on certified packages and
• can only be used by license agreement and
• by a member of the International Safe Transit Association.

When a member prints this certification mark on a packaged-product, with their license number, they are showing their customer
and the carrier that it has passed the requirements of ISTA preshipment testing.
In order to maintain its certified status and eligibility for identification with the TRANSIT TESTED Certification Mark, each
packaged-product must be re-tested whenever a change is made in the:
• Product or
• Process or
• Package.
Changes in the product can include changes in:
• Design (configuration, components, accessories, etc.) or
• Size / weight (dimensions, shape, mass, center of gravity, etc.) or
• Materials (type, construction, fabrication, gage, etc.)
Changes in the process can include changes in:
• Manufacturing / assembly (vendor, location, automation, etc.) or
• Filling (equipment, speed, automation, etc.) or
• Distribution system (parcel delivery, LTL, intermodal, etc.)
Changes in the package can include changes in:
• Configuration (individual package or unit load, container type and sub-type, style, design, interior packaging, etc.) or
• Size / weight (dimensions, shape, mass, caliper, gage etc.) or
• Materials (corrugated, plastic, metal, glass, etc.) or
• Components (closures, labels, straps, pallets, skids, wraps, etc.)
If corrugated packaging is used, it is recommended that the basis weights of the constituent papers/paperboards be determined
after testing and documented to provide the best indicator of equivalence or change.

As a quality control procedure, packaged-products should be re-tested frequently, for example, yearly.
This Test Procedure is published by:
International Safe Transit Association
1400 Abbot Road, Suite 160, East Lansing, Mi 48823-1900 USA

© 2009 International Safe Transit Association

No part of the contents of this Test Procedure may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without the written permission of
the publisher.

Order Information: Additional copies of this Test Procedure and the ISTA® RESOURCE BOOK (in print or on CD-ROM) may be ordered online at
www.ista.org or by contacting ISTA at (+1) 517.333.3437. A listing of current procedure version dates is available at www.ista.org.

ISTA 3H 2009 - Page 19 of 19

© 2009 International Safe Transit Association. All rights Reserved.