Transport of Biological Materials by Road
in University and Private Vehicles
Date of publication: 11 January 2012
Reviewed: January 2014
1
Scope
This document covers:
 packaging, labelling and safety requirements for the transport of Category C and
Exempt biological materials by road, in university (fleet) vehicles driven by staff or
students
 packaging, labelling and safety requirements for the transport of non-human
Category C and Exempt biological materials by road, in private vehicles driven by
staff or students. Deakin’s Risk Management Unit has advised that the
transportation of human samples must only be in suitable Deakin University
owned vehicles and not private vehicles.
This document does not cover:
 the transport of infectious substances in Categories A and B (pathogenic
microorganisms) (refer to AS/NZS 2243.3: 2010 Section 13 or Dangerous Goods
Division 6.2 Infectious microorganisms, if required)
 transport by courier companies
 transport of human body parts for medical purposes.
A flow chart summarising the requirements is in Figure 1.
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Figure 1: Flow chart for transport of biological materials in university and private vehicles
Do the biological materials contain,
or have a high probability of
containing, infectious substances
(e.g. microbiological cultures)?
Yes
Categories A&B
These pathogenic infectious substances are not covered
by this document. Refer to Section 13 of AS/NZS 2243.3
& Dangerous Goods legislation Division 6.2
No
Would the material cause community
concern if leaked or spilled onto the road
in the event of an accident? (e.g. human
samples, animals or parts thereof)
Yes
Category C
These are biological materials with a low probability of
causing disease in humans (e.g. human and animal
tissues or body parts). They would cause community
concern if leaked or released
Packaging requirements:
 Primary container = leak-proof e.g. specimen
container
 Secondary container = leak-proof with absorbent
material for liquids e.g. ziplock plastic bag or screwcap jar with cotton wool
 Outer packaging = solid, strong & durable e.g. sturdy
box or plastic esky
 Wet ice must be held within its own container
 If using dry ice or liquid nitrogen allow for escape of
gases. The package is to be transported separate to
the passenger compartment (e.g. boot or back of
ute)
 Secure packaging within vehicle
* Note: Animal carcasses too large to comply with the
above packaging guidelines should be secured within
the vehicle
No
Exempt
Examples are plants, aquatic organisms, water &
soil samples, bird carcasses
Packaging requirements:
 None - Transported in a secure manner
 If using dry ice or liquid nitrogen allow for
escape of gases. The package is to be
transported separate to the passenger
compartment (e.g. boot or back of ute)
Labelling requirements:
 ‘Dry Ice’, ‘Liquid Nitrogen’ or ‘Ethanol’ as
appropriate
Refer to Section 5 for more detail
NOTE: For transport of materials that fall
under OGTR, DA or SSBA legislation,
the relevant documentation must be
consulted
Labelling requirements:
 Contents
 Contact name
 Organisation
 Emergency contact telephone number
 ‘Dry Ice’, ‘Liquid Nitrogen’ or ‘Ethanol’ as appropriate
Refer to Section 3 for more detail
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2
Categories of biological materials and examples
Biological materials are categorised into four categories: A, B, C and Exempt. Categories A and
B are pathogenic infectious substances and transport of these materials is covered in Section
13 of AS/NZS 2243.3 and Dangerous Goods legislation. The Biosafety and Biosecurity Officer
can also be contacted for advice.
For transport of GMOs and quarantine materials, see Section 7 below.
Category C and Exempt Category biological materials are defined as follows:
2.1
Category C: materials with a low probability of causing disease in humans, such as
human and animal tissues, that would cause community concerns if the samples were to leak
or be released from their packaging (adapted from AS/NZS 2243.3:2010)
Examples of biological materials that fall into this category are:
 all samples of human origin (except fixed slides etc);
 bat carcasses
 animal body parts, tissues and fluids, diagnostic samples
Note: Animal carcasses may fall under this category if they would cause community concern if
spilled onto the road (eg mammals). However it may not always be practicable to fulfil the
packaging requirements as described in Section 3. See Section 4 for information.
2.2
Exempt Category: materials with a low probability of causing disease in humans that
would not cause any cause community concerns if the samples were to leak from their
packaging.
Examples of biological materials that fall into this category are:
 plants or parts thereof eg leaves
 bird carcasses, aquatic organisms (eg starfish), fish or parts thereof or samples of their
fluids or tissues
 water samples (which may contain living microbes, crustaceans etc)
 soil samples (which may contain living microbes etc).
3
Packaging and labelling of Category C biological materials (except animal
carcasses)
Category C biological materials must be transported in primary containers within secondary
sealed containers and with outer packaging. They must be restrained in vehicles to minimise
the likelihood of contamination of the environment or persons in the event of a road accident.
Outer packaging must also be suitably labelled.
The following requirements have been extracted from AS 4834: 2007. For full details please
refer to this standard on-line.
3.1
The packaging shall be of good quality, strong enough to withstand the shocks and
loadings normally encountered during transport and closed to prevent any loss of contents
that might be caused under normal conditions of transport by vibration or by changes in
temperature or humidity.
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3.2
The packaging shall consist of three components:
(a) primary receptacle(s) eg screw top container or blood tube
(b) secondary packaging eg plastic snap lock bag or screw capped jar
(c) outer packaging eg sturdy box or plastic esky
3.3
The primary receptacle(s) shall be leak proof and packed in secondary packagings in
such a way that, under normal conditions of transport, they cannot break, be punctured or
leak their contents.
3.4
Secondary packagings shall be leak proof and secured in outer packagings with
suitable cushioning material. Any leakage of the contents shall not compromise the integrity of
the cushioning material or of the outer packaging. For liquids, absorbent material should be
present in case of leakage and for cushioning, if necessary. A liquid nitrogen dry shipper shall
not be used as secondary packaging.
3.5
Outer packaging shall be a solid, strong and durable container fitted with a secure
closure to prevent loss of contents under normal transport conditions. An unsupported
expanded polystyrene container (commonly referred to as an esky) shall not be used as the
outer packaging.
3.6
If wet ice is used, the outer packaging or overpack shall be leak proof. The ice shall be
contained within its own container, for example a freezer brick or gel pack, or within the
outer packaging or overpack. Interior supports shall be provided to secure the secondary
packagings in the original position after the ice has melted.
3.7
If solid carbon dioxide (dry ice) is used the outer packaging shall permit the release of
carbon dioxide gas to prevent a build-up of pressure that could rupture the packagings.
The CO2 shall be placed between secondary and outer packagings or overpack. Interior
supports shall be provided to secure the secondary packagings in the original position after the
dry ice has dissipated.
3.8
If liquid nitrogen (LN2) is used, the outer packaging shall have provision for the escape
of the expanding refrigerant when a dry shipper is not used.
3.9
Documentation shall be placed between secondary and outer packaging.
3.10
Masking tape can be used to seal outer container and attach address label.
3.11
The outer packaging shall be marked with the following information:
(a) Contact name and organization
(b) Emergency contact telephone number
(c) If refrigerants are used, mark with ‘Dry ice’ or ‘Liquid nitrogen’ as appropriate.
3.12
Package shall be secured during transport eg by supplied webbing or netting in
vehicle.
Note: If using dry ice, liquid nitrogen, ethanol or other Dangerous Goods refer to Section 6.
4
Packaging of animal carcasses
Animal carcasses that are too large to be packaged according to the requirements in Section 3
should be transported in a manner that secures them against accidental release from the
vehicle.
Note: If using dry ice, liquid nitrogen, ethanol or other Dangerous Goods refer to Section 6.
5
Packaging and labelling of Exempt Category biological materials
Biological materials that are categorised as Exempt should be transported in a manner that
preserves the integrity of the samples. There are no specific packaging or labelling
requirements for this category, unless they are transported in dry ice or liquid nitrogen (LN2).
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The following requirements have been extracted from AS 4834: 2007. For full details please
refer to this standard on-line.
5.1
If refrigerants are used to cool/freeze samples during transport, outer packaging
should be labelled with ‘Dry ice’ or ‘Liquid nitrogen’ as appropriate and requirements in
Section 6 followed.
5.2
If wet ice is used, the outer packaging or overpack should be leak proof. The ice should
be contained within its own container, for example a freezer brick or gel pack, or within the
outer packaging or overpack.
5.3
If dry ice is used the outer packaging shall permit the release of carbon dioxide gas to
prevent a build-up of pressure that could rupture the packagings.
5.4
If liquid nitrogen is used, the outer packaging shall have provision for the escape of
the expanding refrigerant when a dry shipper is not used.
6 Transport of specific Dangerous Goods: biological materials in dry ice, liquid nitrogen
& ethanol
Both solid carbon dioxide (‘dry ice’) and liquid nitrogen (LN2) can produce life-threatening
levels of gases resulting in asphyxiation. They must therefore only be transported in wellventilated areas or if in small amounts, only by following careful management procedures.
Solid carbon dioxide (CO2) or liquid nitrogen (LN2) may be transported by vehicle in approved
closed insulated containers, closed dewars or closed vacuum flasks. When transported by
vehicle, these containers must be positioned upright and properly secured (by belts, webbing,
etc), so they will not lose their lids or closures in the event of an incident (e.g. should a vehicle
be upside down).
Ethanol (usually 80% v/v) is used for the storage of biological materials; these may be
transported in ethanol at ambient temperatures, or in ethanol using dry ice or liquid nitrogen
as a refrigerant. Transport of biological materials in small quantities of ethanol is covered by
this document under Section 6.3.
6.1 Packaging, labelling and transport of Dangerous Goods
All Dangerous Goods must be packaged correctly, be fully labelled and have the appropriate
hazard division diamond affixed, and be loaded, secured, segregated and unloaded safely. For
further information see Section 9.4 below or contact the University’s OHS Unit.
6.2 Transport of large quantities of refrigerants (>1kg dry ice and >1litre LN2)
Large quantities of dry ice or liquid nitrogen (>1kg for dry ice and >1litre for LN2) must be able
to vent to the environment and not into the passenger space within the vehicle e.g. the back
of a utility vehicle with the cabin fully separate to the ventilated load space, or a purpose-built
compartment with external venting. Note: This is required for large quantity dewars.
6.3 Occasional transport of small quantities of refrigerants (<1kg dry ice and <1litre LN2) or
ethanol (<2.5L) in a vehicle boot
If small quantities of dry ice or liquid nitrogen are required to be transported occasionally (and
not routinely) without outside venting, or biological materials in small quantities of ethanol,
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action must be taken to minimise the possibility of the gases, or flammable ethanol vapours
(in the event of an incident), entering the passenger space of the vehicle:
(i) the boot has been checked and confirmed there are no air gaps into the passenger space, and
that possible air gaps are not likely to open up into the passenger space in the event of an
accident
Reason: It is better to allow the build-up of vapours in the boot than to allow the solid CO2 or
LN2 containers, or ethanol containers, to be in the passenger space (even if the space is kept
ventilated), as in an emergency this means there is a clear segregation of the occupants from
the asphyxiant gases or flammable vapours.
(ii) the vehicle mechanical ventilation system is set to a moderate rate of fresh air (and tagged so
as not able to be changed to recycle),
(iii) rear vehicle windows are slightly open with at least a 0.5cm clear gap in case there is an
accident and the mechanical ventilation ceases to operate.
Reason: Should a car end up on its roof this allows the ethanol vapours or cold vapours of CO2
or nitrogen to escape from the vehicle or if the vehicle is right way up allows air to enter and
exit from the car.
(iv) at the end of the journey, the boot space shall be opened and allowed to ventilate prior to
removal of containers.
Reason: This will allow the release of any built-up of ethanol vapours, or cold gases vapours
which will tend to accumulate in the bottom of the car boot.
6.4 Commercially available containers for LN2 that prevent any liquid from escaping
Another option is to purchase commercially available containers for LN2 that prevent any
liquid from escaping. MVE Vapor Shippers are dewars designed for the safe shipment of
specimens in liquid nitrogen. By employing a hydrophobic compound, any spilled liquid
nitrogen is absorbed. See Attachment 1.
7
Other legislation that may be applicable
7.1 Transport of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs)
GMOs must be transported according to the Office of the Gene Technology Regulator (OGTR)
Guidelines for the Transport, Storage and Disposal of GMOs at:
http://www.ogtr.gov.au/internet/ogtr/publishing.nsf/Content/transport-guide-1
7.2 Transport of quarantine materials
Biological materials that must be handled in Department of Agriculture (DA) Quarantine
Approved Premises (QAPs) must follow Quarantine Approved Premises Criteria (a) 5.1 for
Quarantine Containment Level 1 (QC1) Facilities and (b) 5.2 for Quarantine Containment Level
2 (QC2) Facilities.
7.3 Transport of Security Sensitive Biological Agents (SSBAs)
The transport of microorganisms and toxins classified as Security Sensitive Biological Agents by
the Department of Health and Ageing must be done according to Part 6 Transport of the
Security Sensitive Biological Agent Standards, 14 July 2011.
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Transport of live animals
For transport of live animals, the following Minimum Standards are provided by the
Department of Primary Industries:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Food and water must be provided to the animals wherever possible during transport.
Animals must not be transported for more than 24 hours without food and water.
An assessment of the health and welfare of the animals must be made upon arrival.
Containers for domestic, local and internal transportation of animals must be:
a) adequately ventilated (with reduced stocking rates in containers with filters);
vermin- and escape-proof;
b) durable (including crush-proof);
c) sufficiently spacious (higher stocking densities than normal housing may be
required to prevent injury);
d) provided with appropriate bedding (for thermoregulation and impact
absorption);
e) clearly labelled.
For further guidance, please refer to the Department of Primary Industries website
NOTE: The transport of all animals used for research and teaching by Deakin personnel must
be conducted in accordance with the conditions outlined in the Animal Welfare Committee
approval documentation.
9
Supporting information contained in references
9.1 AS/NZS 2243.3:2010
The flow diagram in Section 13 of this standard is useful for determining UN numbers and
associated Packaging Instructions that must be followed for the transport of specific biological
materials by air etc.
9.2 AS 4834:2007
See Section 5 Packaging Requirements and Section 6 Marking and Documentation; and Section
8 Refrigerants for packaging requirements in dry ice or liquid nitrogen.
Appendices D and E in this standard give examples of packaging and labelling.
9.3 ADG Code, 7th edition – Category C Biological Materials not covered
Interpretation of this Code was provided by John Borig, who was involved in its compilation.
The ADG Code does not provide for the existence of Category C biological materials under
‘Division 6.2 Infectious Substances’. The materials to be transported under the requirements
of this document fall into the Exempt category (2.6.3.2.3), under 2.6.3.2.3.1 and 2.6.3.2.3.6 in
the ADG Code.
Advice given by John Borig is that the biological materials do not need to be placarded as they
are <10Kg of Category B substances (Category C not defined). If samples to be transported are
< 25% of 10Kg, ie <2.5 Kg (actual sample weight, not including packaging), then these materials
are exempt from the transport regulations and therefore the ADG Code.
If any person needs to transport samples weighing >2.5 Kg, please consult the Biosafety and
Biosecurity Officer for advice.
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9.4 ADG Code 7th Edition: Transport in Dry Ice, Liquid Nitrogen (LN2) or Ethanol
As the small volumes of dry ice, LN2 or ethanol used are covered by the Special Provisions of
Tools of Trade (Vic DG Transport Reg 26), these samples are exempt from the full application of
the ADG code, provided they are transported in accordance with Victorian Regulation 26.
For this situation, the Vic Dangerous Goods Transport Regulation 26 requires that any sample
(a) complies with the packaging requirements appropriate to the quantity of dangerous goods,
as specified in Part 4 of these Regulations on pages 39-54, (which refers to the ADG Code); and
(b) is appropriately marked as in Regulation 80 on page 55, (which refers to the ADG Code); and
(c) is loaded, secured, segregated, unloaded and otherwise transported in such a way as to
ensure that—
(i) its packaging remains fit for its purpose; and
(ii) the risk to any person, property or the environment is eliminated, or if it is not possible
to eliminate the risk, is minimised to the maximum extent that is practicable.
10
References
The following were consulted in preparation of this document:

AS/NZS 2243.3: 2010 Australian Standard Safety in laboratories Part 3:
Microbiological safety and containment, Section 13

Packaging for surface transport of biological material that may cause disease in
humans, animals and plants (AS 4834:2007)

Australian Code for the Transport of Dangerous Goods by Road and Rail (7th edn),
Vol 1 Part 2

Victorian Dangerous Goods (Transport by Road or Rail) Regulations 2008:
Regulation 24 (1) (b) and Regulation 26 for Tools of Trade (1), (2) & (3), which
cover the requirements for Solid Carbon Dioxide & Liquid Nitrogen

John Borig, consultant with Noel Arnold and Assoc, who provided the technical
specialist knowledge for the compilation of the ADG Code

Jeff Simpson, Deakin University Senior OH&S Consultant (Chemicals Management)
contacted Worksafe Victoria

Office of the Gene Technology Regulator (OGTR) Guidelines for the Transport,
Storage and Disposal of GMOs

Department of Agriculture (DA) Quarantine Approved Premises Criteria (a) 5.1 for
Quarantine Containment Level 1 (QC1) Facilities and (b) 5.2 for Quarantine
Containment Level 2 ( QC2) Facilities

Department of Health and Ageing Security Sensitive Biological Agent Standards 14
July 2011, Part 6 Transport

Department of Primary Industry Code of Practice for the Housing and Care of
Laboratory Mice, Rats, Guinea Pigs and Rabbits Sept 2011.
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Attachment 1
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