Training for Transport of Biological Hazards
It is vital that the transport of dangerous goods and biological hazards is carried out by properly trained and competent workers. All workers will require appropriate local training on the safe transport of biological hazards where this is part of their work. Personnel involved in the transport of dangerous goods and infectious substances must undergo appropriate additional training to ensure that they understand the relevant regulations and are competent to safely perform their duties. The specific requirements for the training of workers with responsibility for the transport of dangerous goods and infectious substances are set out in the dangerous goods regulations and guidance. The completion of an accredited training course is required for workers involved in the transport of dangerous goods and infectious substances.
Certified Personnel
University units must have trained workers appointed to coordinate the packaging and transport of dangerous goods and infectious substances and ensure that this is carried out safely and in accordance with the regulations. All workers who package or arrange the transport of dangerous goods and infectious substances should have completed an (IATA / ICAO / CAA) accredited training course and hold a current certificate. The training provides the shipper with an understanding of the applicable regulatory requirements daling with the identification, risk assessment, classification, packaging, marking, labelling and the required documentation for the transport of dangerous goods and infectious substances. The regulators require workers involved in the transport to be trained and certified every two years so certificates are valid for only two years and should be renewed as necessary. Certified training on the transport of dangerous goods and infectious substances is available and should be recorded.
Training Courses on Transport of Biological Hazards
Certified training on safe transport of dangerous goods and infectious substances to enable you to package and transport hazardous biological materials is available from a range of commercial suppliers including the following companies.
- Saftpak (Certified)
- Peter East Associates (Certified)
Guidance on the regulations for the transport of infectious substances is available from the Word Health Organization.
- WHO Guidance for the transportation of infectious substances (General guidance and information)
If you need any advice on training for transport of dangerous goods and infectious substances then please contact your safety coordinator who should be to advise you on the relevant training courses.