Infectious Substances
Infectious substances are transported every day by laboratories, hospitals, healthcare organisations, pharmaceutical companies, veterinary organisations, research facilities and specialist couriers. But transporting samples, cultures, clinical waste and other potentially infectious materials safely and legally can be surprisingly complex.
Infectious substances are classified as Class 6.2 Dangerous Goods, and the transport requirements depend on the nature of the material and the risk it presents. In particular, consignors need to determine whether material falls into Category A or Category B, or whether another dangerous goods classification or exemption applies.
For businesses and organisations involved in sending infectious substances, this creates a number of potential problems:
Getting the classification right — Category A substances can cause permanent disability, life-threatening or fatal disease following exposure and are generally assigned to UN2814 (affecting humans) or UN2900 (affecting animals). Category B substances are generally assigned to UN3373. The distinction is not always straightforward, particularly when dealing with diagnostic specimens, cultures, waste or emerging pathogens.
Understanding what the classification means in practice — the classification determines the applicable UN number, proper shipping name, packaging instruction and marking and labelling requirements. A mistake at the classification stage can therefore result in the wrong packaging and documentation being used.
Using the correct packaging — Category A and Category B shipments are subject to different packaging requirements. Category A specimens generally require packaging meeting Packing Instruction P620, while Category B material is generally transported in accordance with P650.
Preventing leaks, breakage and exposure — packaging needs to protect the contents throughout transport and prevent accidental release. Poorly packaged specimens can leak or become damaged, potentially exposing people who handle the consignment.
Getting marking and labelling correct — infectious substance consignments require specific marks, labels and information depending on their classification. Category A and Category B packages have different requirements, so simply putting an appropriate-looking hazard label on a package is not enough.
Understanding the rules for different modes of transport — road, air and sea transport are governed by different regulations and can have different packaging, quantity, documentation and handling requirements. Something that can be transported by road under one set of provisions may require additional controls when moved by air.
Knowing when ADR requirements apply — correctly packaged and marked UN3373 Biological Substance, Category B shipments meeting P650 can benefit from significant relief from the other requirements of ADR for road transport. However, those packaging and marking requirements still need to be met correctly.
Dealing with Category A materials and waste — Category A consignments have substantially more stringent requirements. For example, Category A pathogens require appropriate approved packaging, and Category A waste is subject to specific packaging provisions.
Managing samples where the infectious status is uncertain — clinical specimens may be collected before a diagnosis is confirmed. Determining the appropriate transport classification can therefore require professional judgement rather than simply relying on the name of the sample or the suspected disease.
Keeping staff competent and procedures consistent — it is not enough for an organisation to have the correct packaging sitting on a shelf. The people responsible for classifying, preparing, packaging, marking, documenting and handing over consignments need to understand what they are doing and why.
Avoiding rejected or delayed consignments — incorrect classification, packaging, marking or documentation can result in shipments being refused by carriers or laboratories, causing delays to diagnostic testing, research, treatment or waste disposal.
The consequences can go beyond regulatory non-compliance. A failure to package or handle an infectious substance correctly can create a genuine risk of exposure to people involved in preparing, transporting and receiving the consignment.
The good news is that you don't have to navigate the requirements alone.
Roadsafe can help you understand the classification and transport requirements, identify potential compliance gaps and make sure your people and procedures are equipped to deal with infectious substances safely and correctly.
Explore our training and consultancy solutions below to find out how we can help.