How to ship UN2814 / UN2900 Class 6.2 Infectious Substance

If the product you wish to dispatch is on the category A list, then it is incumbent on the shipper to consignee the package according to the regulations. However what regulations apply and how do you comply.

To transport the package either in the UK or to overseas destination, then you will need to comply with:

Road Transport Regulations, either to destinations in UK, Europe or just to transport the sample to the appropriate airport in the UK.

But first why are the regulations different for Category A than those for Biological Substances, Category B.

The main different arises from a number of regulations surrounding security of these products from the Security Regulations and the fact that the ADR Regulations (Road Transport) have these products in ‘Transport Category 0’ which is high risk, high consequence dangerous goods.

If you are a shipper or a transport company who wishes to transport these substances then you are required to employ a ‘Dangerous Good Safety Advisor’. Their job is help you to comply with all aspects of the transport, from packaging, labelling and the transport arrangements.

Land Security, Department for Transport are required to audit your procedures.

At all times the package must be kept under control and secure. The packages cannot be left in a stores area for collection, it must be kept in a locked cupboard or enclosure.

Transport. The driver is required to be ADR trained. That is a regulated course and certification from the Department for transport. This is a one week course covering all aspects of dangerous goods from a driver’s perspective and the certification modifies the drivers driving licence. This licence must be shown to any police or transport inspectors that stop the vehicle when in transit. At all times the load must be kept secure and a road safety plan must be drawn up. Also a routing plan must also be drawn up to make sure all risks during transit are reduced.

The vehicle used must be a secure vehicle with appropriate locks and the vehicle doors must be locked during transit and stops. The vehicle must carry appropriate items as detailed under the ADR regulations these include two fire extinguishers (in the cab and the back of the vehicle, loading space), also an appropriate spill kit must be carried. The vehicle must also have orange placard front and rear to advise other road users and the authorities that the vehicle is carrying dangerous goods.

Training. All staff must be trained in how to deal with transport category ‘0’ material, road regulations just say to the appropriate level, other than the driver and of course the Dangerous Goods Safety Advisor. The air transport regulations on the other hand require those involved in transport of Category A material to be trained on approved courses; the regulations detail that this includes packers, shippers and the courier agents as well as the airline staff. In the UK these courses are regulated by the UK Civil Aviation Authority.

Before a shipper dispatches a transport category ‘0’ / Category A, Infectious Substance. It is incumbent under the regulations to make sure the companies and people who handle the products for them have been appropriately trained. So what do you need to ask for: