DOT regulations govern the transportation of infectious substances.
Stringent state, federal and international regulations are applied in the packaging and transportation of infectious materials. The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) is one of the agencies that regulate the transportation of infectious materials. The DOT refers to infectious substances as those materials capable of posing an unreasonable risk to health, safety and property when transported in commerce. These regulations are necessary to prevent any accidents that may result in exposure to the infectious materials.
Infectious Substances
Infectious substances contain pathogens that cause diseases.
The DOT's Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR; 49 CFR parts 171-180) list the rules applicable to the transportation of infectious materials that it has classified under different categories. Infectious substances are specifically materials known to or expected to contain a pathogen that can cause diseases in human beings or animals. Such pathogens include viruses, bacteria, parasites and fungi. The Category A infectious substances are those substances dangerous enough to cause permanent disability or even death in human beings or animals if exposed. Such an exposure can occur when such dangerous pathogens are released outside of their protective packaging. Category B infectious materials are those not capable of causing permanent disability or death. Other infectious substances are patient specimens, genetically modified organisms, biological products, regulated medical waste and unregulated biological waste.
Packaging and Shipping Category A and B
Category A infectious substances must be triple packed.
All infectious substances are required to be assigned the identification numbers UN 2814, UN 2900 or UN 3373. UN 2814 is for Category A infectious substances that affect humans or both humans and animals, UN 2900 is for Category A infectious substances that affect only animals while UN 3373 is for Category B infectious substances. The packaging for Category A infectious materials must have three packages made up of a watertight initial container, a watertight secondary container and a rigid outer packaging strong enough to fulfill its intended use. A complete list of the contents must be enclosed between the secondary and outer packaging.
Category B infectious substances must be placed in three layers of packaging and the initial packaging must be arranged to prevent leaks, breaks and punctures. A cushioning material is required between the main and secondary packaging so that any leakage from the main packaging will not breach the secondary packaging.
Other Infectious Substances
Containers used to transport sharps must be puncture resistant.
Bulk packaging, such as that used in the transportation of medical waste, biological waste, patient specimens and genetically modified organisms must be UN standard packaging. Containers used to transport sharps must be puncture-resistant to withstand puncture from sharp medical waste like needles and blades while containers used to transport liquid must contain enough absorbent material to absorb the contents in the event of a spill.
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