Guidelines For The Safe Transport of Infectious Substances
Guidelines For The Safe Transport of Infectious Substances
Guidelines For The Safe Transport of Infectious Substances
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Introduction .................................................................................................... 1
Definitions ...................................................................................................... 2
Infectious Substances..................................................................................... 2
Refrigerants ................................................................................................... 10
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WHO/EMC/97.3 Safe Transport of Infectious Substances
Introduction
These guidelines are applicable to the transport of infectious substances and
diagnostic specimens both nationally and internationally. They provide
information for identifying and classifying the material to be transported and
for its safe packaging and transport. The guidelines stress the importance of
developing a working relationship between the groups involved – the sender,
the carrier and the receiver – in order to provide for the safe and expeditious
transport of this material.
Postal, airline and other transport industry personnel hold concerns about the
possibility of their becoming infected as the result of exposure to infectious
microorganisms that may escape from broken, leaking or improperly packaged
material. The packaging of infectious materials for transport must therefore
address these concerns and be designed to minimise the potential for damage
during transport. In addition, the packaging will serve to ensure the integrity of
the materials and timely processing of specimens.
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Definitions
For the purpose of describing transport safety measures the terms “infectious
substances” and “infectious materials” are considered synonymous. The term
“infectious substances” will be used in this document.
Infectious substances
Diagnostic specimens
Diagnostic specimens resulting from medical practice and research are considered a
negligible threat to the public health.
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Specimen data forms, letters and other types of information that identify or
describe the specimen and also identify the shipper and receiver should be taped
to the outside of the secondary receptacle.
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Figure 1
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The basic triple packaging system is used with the following additional
specifications and labelling and documentation requirements.
Figure 2
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Figure 3
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Name: Miscellaneous
Minimum dimensions: 100 x 100 mm
For small packages: 50 x 50 mm (black and
white)
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Labelling of the outer package for shipment of infectious substances must include
the elements listed hereafter.
If the outer package is further packed in an overpack (with dry ice for instance)
both outerpack and overpack must carry the above information, and the
overpack must have a label stating “INNER PACKAGES COMPLY WITH
PRESCRIBED SPECIFICATIONS”.
3. Required shipping documents – these are obtained from the carrier and are
fixed to the outer package:
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The basic triple packaging system is used with the following specifications and
labelling requirements.
Primary receptacles may contain up to 500 mL each, the total volume in the
outer package not to exceed 4L.
Labelling of the outer package for the shipment of diagnostic specimens must
include the following.
2. Required shipping documents – these are obtained from the carrier and are
fixed to the outer package:
Note: The infectious substance label and the shipper’s declaration of dangerous
goods are not required for diagnostic specimens.
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The address label must display the word “LETTRE” and the green Customs
Declaration Label for Postal Mail is required for international mailing. Diagnostic
specimens are to be identified with the violet UPU “PERISHABLE BIOLOGICAL
SUBSTANCES” label. Infectious substances are to be identified with the
International Infectious Substance label (see Figure 3). Infectious substances must
also be accompanied with a shipper’s Declaration of Dangerous Goods form
(see Figure 4 at the end of the document).
Refrigerants
Ice or dry ice when used in a shipment must be placed outside the secondary
receptacle. If wet ice is used it should be in a leak-proof container and the outer
package must also be leak-proof.
The secondary receptacle must be secured within the outer package to prevent
damage after the refrigerant has melted or dissipated. Dry ice must not be placed
inside the primary or secondary receptacle because of the risk of explosions. An
overpack (a specially designed insulated outer package) may be used to contain
dry ice. The outer package must permit the release of carbon dioxide gas if dry
ice is used. UN Packing Instruction 904 must be observed.
If dry ice is used for infections substances, the details must appear on the
shipper’s Declaration for Dangerous Goods. In particular, the outer most packing
must carry the “MISCELLANEOUS” hazard label for dry ice (see Figure 3).
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The principle of safe transport by this means is the same as for air or international
transport – the material should not have any possibility of escaping from the
package under normal conditions of transport.
Note: The practices 1 – 7 described above are not intended to supersede local
or national requirements.
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Transport Planning
It is the responsibility of the sender to ensure the correct designation, packaging,
labelling and documentation of all infectious substances and diagnostic
specimens.
The sender
1. makes advance arrangements with the receiver of the specimens including
investigating the need for an import permit;
The carrier
1. provides the sender with the necessary shipping documents and instructions
for their completion;
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3. assists the sender in arranging the most direct routing and then confirms the
routing;
The receiver
1. obtains the necessary authorisation(s) from national authorities for the
importation of the material;
• advance arrangements have been made between the sender, carrier and
receiver
• the receiver has confirmed with the national authorities that the material
may be legally imported
• the receiver has confirmed that there will be no delay incurred in the
delivery of the package to its destination.
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