Chapter 9: Transporting and Shipping Biohazards

At times, it may be necessary to transfer biohazards between labs, whether across the hall, campus, or to another institution. Depending on the shipping method, distance of transfer, and type of biohazard, different rules and regulations apply. Ultimately, if you need guidance or assistance in transferring biohazards, please contact the biosafety office. Current contact information can be found in the Biosafety section of the EHS website (http://www.ehs.wvu.edu).

1.     DEFINITIONS:

1.1. Secondary Containment: A leak-proof, durable container with a tight-fitting lid that is used to provide an additional level of containment around a primary container of biohazardous material.

1.2. Shipping: In the context of WVU’s Biosafety manual, shipping refers to the transfer of a biohazard from one lab to another using a courier service.

1.3. Transporting: In the context of WVU’s Biosafety manual, transporting refers to the transfer of a biohazard from one lab to another on campus by the PI, biosafety office, or a member of the lab.

2.     PROCEDURE:

2.1. Transporting Biohazards

Biohazards may be transported between labs on campus. Secondary containment is required for transport. Secondary containment must be a leak-proof, durable container with a tight fitting lid. It cannot be made of glass or other non-shatter proof material. It must be marked with the Universal Biohazard Symbol and labeled “Lab use only-No Food or Drink”. Some examples of acceptable secondary containment include plastic coolers, plastic storage containers/totes, or plastic storage bags (Figure 1).

Packing biohazard samples for transportation

Close the primary container housing the biohazard with a lid and then the lid, and wrap the lid with parafilm. Parafilm or foil alone is not a suitable lid for transportation.

Load the primary container(s) into the secondary container and include absorbent material, such as paper towel or absorbent pad. The amount of absorbent material must be sufficient to contain the liquid biohazard should the primary container break.

Close and seal the secondary container.

NOTE: Samples that must be transported refrigerated may include ice packs or ice. DO NOT use dry ice in a sealed secondary container because of the potential for increased pressure inside and the risk of explosion of the secondary container.

If the sample is to be transported between buildings on campus, generate a List of Contents for the package (see Figure 2 for an example of a List of Contents). The List of Contents should also include contact name and phone number of a responsible party, in the event the package is lost or misplaced.