Categorization

3.0 Classification

The operator(s) that carry a product is (are) completely dependent on the shipper for classification

3.0.2 Hazard Classes

Some hazard classes are further subdivided into hazard divisions due to the wide scope of the class. The nine hazard classes and their divisions are listed below. The order in which they are numbered is for convenience and does not imply a relative degree of danger.

1. Explosives

2. Gases

2.2 Non-Flammable, Non-toxic

Nitrogen, Refrigerated liquid

3. Flammable liquids

4. Flammable solids;

5. Oxidizing substances and Organic Peroxide

6. Toxic and Infectious Substances

6.1 – Toxic substances.

6.2 – Infectious substances.

7. Radioactive Material

8. Corrosives

9. Miscellaneous

Dry Ice or carbon Dioxide, solid

Genetically modified micro-organisms

3.0.3 Packing Groups

3.0.3.1 Dangerous goods are assigned to the relevant packing group according to the degree of hazard they present:

Packing Group I – great danger

Packing Group II – medium danger

Packing Group III – minor danger

NB: Not Applicable to Class 6.2 or Packing Instruction 602

3.0.5 Shipper’s Responsibility

The shipper is responsible for identifying and classifying all dangerous goods intended for transport by air in compliance with these Regulations. Specifically, before packing any dangerous goods for transport by air, the shipper must:

1. identify, correctly and fully, all dangerous articles and dangerous substances within the consignment;

3.0.5 Shipper’s Responsibility

2. classify each item of dangerous goods by determining under which of the nine classes it falls and, where relevant, determining any subsidiary hazards; where relevant,

3. assign each item of dangerous goods to one of the three packing groups within the assigned class or division.

3.0 Classification – Biological Material

Distinct meaning for: –

Infectious substance

Genetically modified organisms

Biological products

Diagnostic specimens

Clinical & Medical Waste

3.6.2 Division 6.2

Infectious substances

3.6.2.1 Definition

Division 6.2 includes substances which are infectious to humans and/or animals and include genetically modified micro-organisms and organisms, biological products, diagnostic specimens and clinical and medical waste as described in 3.6.2.1.1 to 3.6.2.1.5

Classification Division 6.2

3.6.2.1.1

Infectious Substances: Substances known to contain, or reasonably expected to contain micro-organisms … that are known or reasonably expected to cause infectious disease in humans or animals.

Infectious substances are not subject to Regs. if they are unlikely to cause disease.

WHO – Laboratory Biosafety Manual (2nd Edition, 1993)

Biological Products

DGR 3.6.2.1.3

derived from living organisms manufactured used for disease

treatment

prevention

diagnosis

Include – vaccines and diagnostic products

3.6.2.3 Classification of
Biological Products

(c) those known or reasonably expected to contain pathogens in risk groups 2,3, and 4. Specimens transported for the initial or confirmatory tests fall within this group.

Packing Instruction 602

(b) those manufactured and packaged in accordance with the requirements of national government health authorities for the purpose of final packaging or distribution, and used for personal healthcare by medical professionals..
Not subject to these regulations or 6.2

(a) Those which contain pathogens in risk group 1; those which contain pathogens under such conditions that their ability to produce disease is very low to none; those known not to contain pathogens.
not considered infectious substances for the purpose of these Regs.

Diagnostic Specimens

DGR 3.6.2.1.4

– any human or animal material including but not limited to, excreta, secreta, blood and its components, tissue and tissue fluids, being shipped for purposes of diagnosis, but, excluding infected animals.

3.6.2.4 Classification of

Diagnostic Specimens

(a) those known or reasonably expected to contain pathogens in risk groups 2,3, and 4.
Those where a relatively low probability exists that risk group 4 are present.
Specimens transported for the initial or confirmatory testing for the presence of pathogens fall within this group
Packing Instruction 602

(b) those where a relatively low probability exists that pathogens of risk group 2 or 3 are present. Specimens transported for the purpose of routine screening tests or initial diagnosis for other than the present of pathogens fall within this group

Packing Instruction 650

(C) Those known not to contain pathogens (not restricted).

Note: Diagnostic specimens should only be regarded, as in (C) above if there is no reason to suspect a pathogen in risk group 2, 3or 4 is present.

3.6.2.1.2 Genetically Modified Micro-organisms and organisms

These are micro-organisms and organisms in which genetic material has been purposely altered through genetic engineering in a way that does not occur naturally.
They are divided into four groups

(a) Genetically Modified Micro-organisms which meet the definition of an infectious substance.

They must be classified in division 6.2 and assigned un2814 or un2900.

(b) animals which contain, or are contaminated with, genetically modified organisms that meet the definition of an infectious substance
They must not be transported by air unless exempted by the states concerned under provisions 2.6.1.

(c) Genetically Modified Organisms, which are known or suspected to be dangerous to humans, animals or the environment.
They must not be transported by air unless exempted by the states concerned under provisions 2.6.1.

(d) Except when authorised for unconditional use by the Sates of origin, transit and destination, genetically modified micro-organisms which do not meet the definition of infectious substances but which are capable of altering animals, plants or micro-biological substances in a way which is not the result of natural reproduction must be classified as class 9 and assigned UN 3245.

Genetically modified micro-organisms and organisms which do not meet the definition of an infectious substances, and which are not otherwise included under (a) – (d) above are not subject to these Regs.

3.6.2.1.5 Clinical Waste and Medical Waste

Wastes transported under UN 3291

low probability that infectious substances are present.

Waste infectious substances

which can be specified must be assigned to UN 2814 or UN 2900.

Decontaminated wastes not subject to these Regulations

Animals

DGR 3.6.2.5

Live vertebrate or invertebrates animals must not be used to consign infectious substances unless such substances cannot be consigned by any other means.

Infected live animals must not be transported by air unless exempted in accordance with 2.1.2