To fully understand the regulations for packing and transportation of Category B Biological substance please read the guidance below. Reading this guidance will help you understand how the products we sell are used in compliance of the regulation.
Guide to the Packaging & Transportation of Biological Specimens by Road
P650 PACKAGING INSTRUCTION
This packing instruction applies to Un No. 3373 (Diagnostic Specimens)
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1. The packaging shall be of good quality, strong enough to withstand the shocks
and loadings normally encountered during carriage, including transhipment
between vehicles or containers and between vehicles or containers and
warehouse as any removal from a pallet or over pack for subsequent manual or
mechanical handling. Packaging shall be constructed and closed to prevent any
loss if contents that might be caused under normal conditions of carriage by
vibration or by changes in temperature, humidity or pressure.
2. The packaging shall consist of three components
a) a primary receptacle;
b) a secondary packaging; and
c) an outer packing.
3. Primary receptacles shall be packed in secondary packaging in such a way
that, under normal conditions of carriage, they cannot break, be punctured or
leak their contents into the secondary packaging. Secondary packaging shall
be secured in outer packaging with suitable cushioning material. Any leakage
of the contents shall not compromise the integrity of the cushioning material
or of the outer packaging.
4. For carriage, the mark illustrated below shall be displayed on the external
surface of the outer packaging on a background of a contrasting colour and
shall be clearly visible and legible. The width of the line shall be at least 2mm;
the letters and numbers shall be at least 6mm high.
5. The completed package shall be capable of successfully passing the drop test
in 6.3.2.5. as specified in 6.3.2.3. and 6.3.2.4. except that the height of the
drop shall not be less that 1.2m. The smallest external dimension of outer
packaging shall be not less than 100mm.
6. For liquid substance:
a) The primary receptacle(s) shall be leak proof ;
b) The secondary packaging shall be leak proof;
c) If multiple fragile primary receptacles are placed in a single secondary
packaging, they shall be either individually wrapped or separated to
prevent contact between them;
d) Absorbent material shall be placed between the primary receptacles(s)
and the secondary packaging. The absorbent material shall be in
quantity sufficient to absorb the entire contents of the primary
receptacle(s) so that any release of the liquid substance will not
compromise the integrity of the cushioning material or of the outer
packaging;
e) The primary receptacle or the secondary packaging shall be capable of
with standing, without leakage, an internal pressure of 95 KPa
(0.95 bar).
7. For solid substances:
a) The primary receptacle(s) shall be sift proof;
b) The secondary packaging shall be sift proof;
c) If multiple fragile primary receptacles are placed in a single secondary
packaging, they shall be either individually wrapped or separated to
prevent contact between them.
8. Refrigerated or frozen specimens: Ice, dry ice and liquid nitrogen
a) When dry ice or liquid nitrogen is used to keep specimens cold, all
applicable requirements of ADR shall be met. When used, ice or dry
ice shall be placed outside the secondary packaging or in the outer
packaging or an over pack. Interior supports shall be provided to
secure the secondary packaging in the original position after the ice or
dry ice has dissipated. If ice is used, the outside packaging or over pack
shall be leak proof. If carbon dioxide, solid (dry ice) is used, the
packaging shall be designed and constructed to permit the release of
carbon dioxide gas to prevent a build up of pressure that could rupture
the packaging and the package (the outer packaging or the over pack)
shall be marked “Carbon dioxide, solid” or “Dry ice”.
b) The primary receptacle and the secondary packaging shall maintain
their integrity at the temperature of the refrigerant used as well as the
temperatures and the pressures, which could result if refrigeration were
lost.
9. Infectious substances assigned to UN No. 3373 which are packed and
packages which are marked in accordance with this packing instruction are not
subject to any other requirement in ADR.
10. Clear instructions on filling and closing such packages shall be provided by
packaging manufacturers and subsequent distribution to the consignor or to the
person who prepares the package (e.g. patient) to enable the package to be
correctly prepared for carriage.
11. If any substance has leaked and has been spilled in a vehicle or container , it
may not be reused until after it has been thoroughly cleaned and, if necessary,
disinfected or decontaminated. Any other goods and articles carried in the
same vehicle or container shall be examined for possible contamination.