An Overpack drum is commonly constructed from which materials?

• A. Aluminum
• B. Steel or plastic
• C. Fiberboard
• D. Stainless steel

Answer: (B)

Overpack drums are built to securely contain one or more inner containers during transport, so they must be strong, durable, and compatible with a range of hazardous materials while meeting packaging standards. Steel provides great rigidity and crush resistance, helping protect contents from impacts and compression. Plastic, usually a high-density polyethylene, offers excellent chemical compatibility and corrosion resistance while keeping weight down, which makes handling and transport easier. Together, these materials cover the common needs for an overpack: strong containment and broad chemical compatibility at a reasonable cost.

Aluminum is less commonly used because it can be more expensive and, for some contents, not the ideal balance of strength and cost. Stainless steel is durable but heavier and costlier, often unnecessary for standard overpack drums. Fiberboard isn’t suitable for rigid overpacks intended to hold multiple inner drums securely, as it lacks the structural integrity and weather/impact resistance required for hazardous materials transport.