What Is an Oxygen Generator Box and Why Do I Need One?

cabin oxygen mask airplane
 

When shipping items that contain or are made with potentially hazardous materials, there are strict regulations that mandate what type of packaging must be used, how the item can be transported, etc. An oxygen generator is one specific example of a product that must be shipped in a manner that complies with certain regulations. If you need to ship one of these devices by air, you can’t just send it in any old packaging you have lying around. It must be packaged in an oxygen generator box that is designed specifically for this application. What is an oxygen generator box, and why do you need one? Keep reading to find out the answers.

What Is an Oxygen Generator?


An oxygen generator, also known as an oxygen gas generator or O2 generator, is a device that contains compounds that produce oxygen upon release as the result of a chemical reaction. They are commonly found in passenger service units (PSU) for portable breathing equipment. Oxygen generators are widely used to produce oxygen for respiratory support in submarines, aircraft, spacecraft and other scenarios where breathing apparatus is required.

When the device is activated, a chemical reaction is initiated. This reaction produces both heat and oxygen. The device may be activated by an electric wire, a friction device or a percussion device. Initiation of the reaction typically requires a small explosive charge that is triggered upon activation of the device.

What Is an Oxygen Generator Box?


Simply put, an oxygen generator box is a shipping container used to transport an oxygen generator as cargo via air. These boxes are required due to the strict regulations that have been placed on shipping oxygen generators. The simultaneous generation of oxygen and heat can be dangerous, so there are safety measures in place to prevent inadvertent activation during shipment.

open empty cardboard box

The exact safety measures are detailed in 49 CFR §173.168(c). This section also establishes that when shipping oxygen generators, they must be packaged in rigid outer packaging that meets the Thermal Resistance Test as specified in 49 CFR Part 178 Appendix D and the Flame Penetration Resistance Test as specified in 49 CFR Part 178 Appendix E. Boxes that meet these requirements are commonly known as DOT31FP packaging.

Why Do Oxygen Generators Require Special Packaging?


On May 11, 1996, ValueJet Flight 592 crashed into the Florida Everglades approximately 10 minutes after takeoff from Miami International Airport. In addition to 105 passengers, the plane was carrying a number of oxygen generators. They were improperly packaged and carried as cargo in the airplane’s class D cargo compartment. These uncommunicated oxygen generators were named as the catalyst in the crash, and in the years since, more focus has been placed on the safe transport of dangerous goods.

Today, dangerous goods transport regulations mandate that chemical oxygen generators that contain explosive actuating devices can only be transported if they are excluded from Class 1 due to the character and nature of the explosive substance contained. In the United States, classification of explosives must be approved by the Associate Administrator for Hazardous Materials Safety at the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration. Without this approval, explosives–including those in oxygen generators–may not be transported. Upon approval, the manufacturer of the device will receive an approval document that specifies the device’s classification details as well as a product reference number known as an EX-number.

hazardous warning signs

The law also mandates that such devices must be placed in rigid outer packaging that is DOT31FP compliant. The assigned EX-number must be marked on the package or shown in association with the shipping name description on the dangerous goods shipping declaration.

Shipping Oxygen Generators


When shipping one or more oxygen generators, purchasing an oxygen generator box is the easiest and most cost-effective solution. These boxes meet the requirements set forth in 49 CFR 173.168, and they are DOT31FP compliant. They are made of sturdy fiberboard, and they bear all of the necessary markings and labels. This ensures that the cargo can be transported without delay. Oxygen generator boxes from Air Sea Containers can be used to ship oxygen generators, PBEs and PSUs by air, and they are a low-cost alternative to ATA300 CAT 1 boxes.

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