Reaffirmed 2019

National Foreword

This Indian Standard which is identical to ISO 15867 : 2003 'Intermediate bulk containers (IBC_S) for non-dangerous goods - Terminology' issued by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) was adopted by the Bureau of Indian Standards on the recommendation of the Transport Packages and Packaging Codes Sectional Committee and approval of the Transport Engineering Division Council.

The object of this standard is to define the various terms used in the classification and characteristics of intermediate bulk containers.

Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBC_S) comprise a family of large packaging which are intermediate between those described in (a) and the 'tanks' described in (b) below:

a) Transport packaging such as drums and sacks (bags) are generally manufactured within an upper size limit irrespective of the form of the contents, Such upper size limits are generally not specified for non-dangerous contents though they are for dangerous goods, drums for example are limited to a capacity of 450 litres and to a mass of contents of 400 kg; and

b) Forms of 'tank' include road tank vehicles (for example for motor spirit) and rail tank wagons. They also include portable tanks which may, for instance, be similar to the containment vessel of a road tank vehicle but fitted with lifting devices. 'Tanks' are normaliy regarded as items of transport equipment rather than as packaging and their use may redescribed as transport in bulk. In some circumstances however, such as in the marine mode, the term 'bulk transport' may be restricted to tank ships.

To define an IBC, it is necessary to take account of size, the capability for mechanical handling, the nature of the contents and the methodology for assessing performance.

The term Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBC_S) originated in the English language to denote a specific family of containers. It is often translated into other languages as a non-specific term. In such instances reference may be made to this standard for a definition.

Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of patent rights. BIS shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.

The text of ISO Standard has been approved as suitable for publication as an Indian Standard without deviations. Certain conventions are, however, not identical to those used in Indian Standards. Attention is particularly drawn to the following:

a) Wherever the words 'international Standard' appear referring to this standard, they should be read as 'Indian Standard'.

b) Comma (,) has been used as a decimal marker in the International Standard while in Indian Standards, the current practice is to use a point (.) as the decimal marker.

For the purpose of deciding whether a particular requirement of this standard is complied with, the final value, observed or calculated, expressing the result of a test or analysis, shall be rounded off in accordance with IS 2 : 1960 'Rules for rounding off numerical values (revised)'. The number of significant places retained in the rounded off value should be the same as that of the specified value in this standard.