Biological Safety unit, CRISP, FHML, MUMC+
Work instruction for transport of biological material
General:
There are strict rules concerning the packaging and the transportation of Biological material.
Road transportation of infectious matter and genetically modified organisms (gmo) must be done
by packaging the matter according to legal rules included in the ADR, the European agreement
concerning international transport of goods by road. Transport by air must be in accordance with
the rules of the International Air Transport Association.
Sending of small laboratory animals is always done in closed unbreakable cages. Also with this
measures are taken to prevent the laboratory animals from escaping. For the sending of laboratory
animals you can contact the Central Animal Facilities.
Transportation of waste which is possibly contaminated with pathogenenic micro-organism, is, as
described in UM’s waste regulations, dispensed in accordance with Regulations by acknowledged
companies.
1
Internal transportation
Non-infectious genetically modified organisms (gmo’s) (ML-I) are packed in a closed,
unbreakable leak proof package, which can be disinfected with inscription gmo. The
outside must be disinfected with 70% ethanol or another suitable disinfectant before
taking it from the laboratory.
Infectious material (gmo’s from ML-II and pathogens and microorganisms risk class 2 or
higher) must be transported in a closed, leak proof package, supplied with a Biohazard
symbol. This should be a box which can be closed and disinfected. The packaging must
be disinfected on the outside with 70% ethanol or another suitable disinfectant before it is
taken from the lab.
2
External transportation
Version, feb. 2012
Biological Safety unit, CRISP, FHML, MUMC+
For external transportation and sending of biological material a triple containment is
always necessary, it must consist of:
1.
Hermetically sealed, leak proof, unbreakable first container (Eppendorf tube,
bottle etc.) on which the contents and the obligatory containment level is
mentioned.
2.
Hermetically sealed, leak proof, unbreakable second container, in which the first
container is surrounded by sufficient absorbing material for the whole contents,
f.i. a 50 ml greiner tube, closed with a turning lid and seal, and in between the
tissues that can absorb the contents of the first container.
3.
The outside of the packaging of the triple containment must be a sturdy, f.i. a
firm box.
(Complete packaging: art. 1005205, warehouse azM)
In case the package contains (dry)ice or another cooling medium, a suitable
package must be used. A suitable package can be obtained from the azM
warehouse. For transport of the various samples by road specific packing and
labeling are a must. These are stated in the table.
Next to that the following regulations must be applied:
1
When transporting liquids the outside needs to have the following
orientation sticker on oppposite sides pf the package. Color black or red
on white background.
2
If the material is sent on dry ice addional specifications are required:
Maximum total weight of 25 kg per submission
Minimum size of box: 25x25x25
Version, feb. 2012
Biological Safety unit, CRISP, FHML, MUMC+
When transporting by road the package must be labelled with an extra label: UN
1845 on which the amoutn of dry ice is reported. When transporting by air the
label for class 9 needs to be administered.
The amount of dry ice must be sufficient for at least 3 days (10 kg). For
information about longer transport one can call Bohmdroogijs: 0181 600800. In
all cases the box with dry ice needs to be padded with styrofoam or another dry
filling material.
Packaging must be such that pressure build up is not possible inside the package.
The primary and secondary package must be able to withstand low temperatures.
3
If Liquid Nitrogen is used for shipping, an outside package orientation
label needs to be fitted (see 1) together with a ADR class 2 and a UNI1977
label (if possible integrated as in the following example).
Every transport by road or air must be equipped with a freight letter in which is
stated:
Place and date of drawn up
Name and adress of sender
Name and adress of carrier
Name and adress of adressee
Place and date of receipt of goods and the palce ment for deliverance of goods
Correct transportname of amterial: see colum 4 of the table.
Gross weight or the amount of goods.
4
If transporting animal material yourself, a sticker with Cat.1 for Research
and Diagnostics, realized in black and white letters behind the front
window of the car. Sticker can be obtained from the BSO.
Version, feb. 2012
Biological Safety unit, CRISP, FHML, MUMC+
Table: Overview of the packaging and labelling demands for sending biologiccal
material
Packaging material
Humane diagnostic
and research
material, not
contaminated with
pathogens class 3
or 4
Labeling:
Triple containment of
which the outside is
sturdy
Animal diagnostic
and research
material, not
contaminated with
pathogens of risk
class 3 or 4
For
Research
and
diagnostics
only black
and white
letters
Non infectious
GMO’s
Infectious material,
pathogenic for man
and animal of risk
class 2 or higher
and classified as
Cat. A
Version, feb. 2012
Documents
besides the
freight letter and
naming
Biological
Substance B
Remarks for
air transport
Trade document
if the
submission is
within the EU
(see work
instruction and
safe working
with animal
material) For
outside EU:
country specific
demands.
Max. 4 kg
Total
contents of
material
Max. 4 kg
Total
contents of
material
On the freight
letter the
indication:
”Genetically
modified
organisms”
UN approved sturdy
packaging that also go
for 2814
+
On the freight
letter the
indication:
infectious
substance
affecting
humans
Max.
contents
primary
container;
100 gram
Shippers
declaration is
signed by
recognized
carrier.
Biological Safety unit, CRISP, FHML, MUMC+
Infectious material,
pathogenic for
animals
UN approved sturdy
packaging that also go
for 2814
+ UN 2900
label
Freight letter
with indication:
Infectious
substance
affecting
animals
Maxi.
Contents
primary
container:
100 grams
Shippers
declaration
is signed by
recognized
carrier
Remark: in case of combined air- and road transport follow the demands of airtravel.
Version, feb. 2012
Biological Safety unit, CRISP, FHML, MUMC+
Example of Freightletter when sending GMO
Freightletter/transportation document
Date:
Sender
Name:
Address:
Name responsible for sending:
Telephone number sender:
Packing
Description
For example:
1 fibre box
genetically
modified
organisms
Consignee
Name:
Address:
Name consignee:
Telephone number consignee:
Class
Quantity
UN 3245
9 ADR
Total Quantity
……….
Version, feb. 2012