Before shipping any Hazmat the shipper MUST be trained. The requirements for training are both specific and mandatory.

The shipper is the responsible party, and is responsible for all the aspects of the shipment.

The first step in any shipment is classifying the goods. For Infectious Substances the definition of what is regulated is not entirely specific. The agents listed in 42 CFR 72.3 are only a partial list. Each shipment must be classified prior to shipping. In addition if your specimen is one on the list of select agents there will be extra requirements.

Biological Products have their own definition in 49 CFR as well.

Once a shipment has been classified the next step is to package the goods. Packaging requirements are very specific and packages must have been performance tested.

49 CFR requires that each package be Marked as follows;

Proper Shipping Name

Technical Name

UN Number

Orientation Marks

Consignee's and Consignor's name and address

Hazard Label for Infectious Substance

For each shipment of hazmat a Shipping Paper must be prepared;

Applicability

General entries

Description of hazardous materials

Empty packages must be marked as empty.

Postal Service

Hazardous Matter

Etiologic Agents

General

Definitions

Marking & Labeling