Packaging and Labelling Biological Hazards

Biological hazards must be safely packaged and labelled in accordance with the relevant packaging instructions to contain and prevent accidental exposure or release of substances during the whole transport process. Biological hazards must be packaged using suitable robust containers so that they do not leak during transport and have the relevant hazard warning labels, shipping documentation and contact details. Infectious substances must be packed using a UN approved triple packaging container system although other biological materials may require only a single or double packaging container system. The triple packaging container system is comprised of a primary container, surrounded by absorbent material, a secondary container, and an outer container with the relevant labels and markings. You should use UN approved triple packaging instruction containers PI 620 for category A infectious substances harmful to humans or humans and animals (UN 2814) or animals (UN 2900). You should use UN approved triple packaging instruction containers PI 650 for category B infectious substances harmful to humans or animals (UN 3373). A brief explanation of various types of packaging container systems are given below but full details can be found in the relevant regulations and supporting guidance documents.

Triple Packaging System

The UN approved triple packaging container system used for infectious substances consists of three layers as follows.

  • Primary container: Robust, watertight and leak proof packaging with seal containing the infectious substance. The primary container should be packaged with enough absorbent material around it to absorb all fluid in case of breakage.
  • Secondary container: Robust, watertight and leak proof packaging with seal to enclose and protect the primary container. Several cushioned primary receptacles can be placed in one secondary packaging but sufficient absorbent material should be used to absorb all fluid in case of breakage.
  • Outer container: Robust outer container with suitable cushioning material and relevant labels to enclose and protect the secondary container. The outer packaging should protect contents from physical damage during transit.

Single and Double Packaging Systems

There are many other packaging systems available for biological hazards and non infectious substances consisting of one or two layers depending on the materials. For example biological materials can be carried in medical transport bags or other specially designed transport containers and bags. These should be suitably robust and have the relevant hazard labels and markings on the outside. Note that there is no specified packaging for non hazardous biological material or exempt material but safe and suitable robust and leak proof containers and packaging materials are still required.

Chemicals and Refrigerants

Infectious substances and other biological hazards are often transported with another substance to stabilize or preserve them during the journey by using certain chemicals or coolants. Some of the chemicals used during transport of infectious substances and other biological hazards may also be hazardous such as flammable, corrosive or toxic as defined under the dangerous goods regulations. Great care is required in the use of coolants because of the risk of explosion if they are incorrectly used. The full details of how to use chemicals or coolants like dry ice or liquid nitrogen, the relevant packaging, hazard labelling, marking and documentation required are given in the dangerous goods regulations and guidance.

Markings and Labels

The UN approved triple packaging containers and other packaging containers must have the correct markings and labels with proper shipping names and relevant information on the outer container. There are specific hazard warning markings and labels for all the classes of dangerous goods including the UN number, category A infectious substances, category B biological substances, non infectious genetically modified organisms, dry ice or chemicals. Transport packages must be marked with the correct shipping names. The proper shipping name for UN 2814 is "Infectious Substance, Affecting Humans" and for UN 2900 is "Infectious Substance, Affecting Animals". The proper shipping name for UN 3373 is "Biological Substance, Category B". The proper shipping name for UN 3245 is “Genetically Modified Organisms” or “Genetically Modified Microorganisms”. The proper shipping names for exempt human and animal materials are "Exempt Human Specimen" and "Exempt Animal Specimen". There are specific shipping names for other classes of dangerous goods. There are specific labels which must be used for the various UN hazard classes and dangerous goods which are given in the relevant dangerous goods regulations and guidance. If you are transporting the biological materials then the containers must bear the appropriate signage with emergency contact information including contact names and telephone numbers. In the event of an incident during transport then this signage will identify a member of university staff who can be contacted for safe collection of the biological materials. Note that for external transport using a dangerous goods carrier there are specific requirements for markings, labels and information that must be used on the containers as given in the relevant dangerous goods regulations and guidance.

Documentation

There are specific documents and forms that are required to be completed for sending packages by carriers including dangerous goods declaration forms, airway bills and shippers declaration for dangerous goods. The carriers will provide the relevant documents and forms for you to complete and provide advice where needed.

Biological Sample or Medical Transport Bags

There are a variety of very useful commercially available UN 3373 approved biological sample or medical transport bags or similar robust carrying containers which can be used for the transport of samples during fieldwork, between sites or for example from hospitals to the university. Where possible the use of such purpose designed bags and containers should be encouraged but if custom containers are to be used then these must meet the specification required for UN 3373. Biological sample and medical transport bags have UN 3373 labels are rigid, sealable, have document pouches and usually insulated to maintain low temperatures.

Suppliers of Dangerous Goods Packaging Containers

Dangerous goods transport packaging container systems for transporting biological and other relevant hazards can be obtained from several suppliers.


These companies supply a range of very useful transport bags and containers for carriage of category A, category B, biological materials and medical samples.