Packaging

According to 49CFR173.196, the packaging for a Category A infectious substance is a triple packaging consisting of the following components:

1. A watertight primary receptacle.
   
   Figure 2.4.1: Packaging and Labeling of Infectious Substances

2. A watertight secondary packaging.
   

3. A rigid outer packaging at least 100 mm (3.9 inches) in its smallest overall external dimension.

4. An absorbent material which is sufficient to absorb the entire contents of all primary receptacles must be placed between the primary receptacle and the secondary packaging for a liquid infectious substance.
   Figure 2.4.2: Cellulose wadding

5. An itemized list of contents enclosed between the secondary packaging and the outer packaging.

6. A primary receptacle or secondary packaging that is capable of withstanding, without leakage, under the following conditions:
   
   a). An internal pressure producing a pressure differential of not less than 95 kPa (0.95 bar, 14 psi).
   b). Temperatures ranging from −40 °C to +55 °C (−40 °F to +131 °F).
   

7. A packaging must meet the test standards of 49CFR 178.609.
   

8. A marking of packaging must conform with 49CFR 178.503(f).
   

9. The maximum net quantity of Category A infectious substances that can be contained in an outer shipping package:

10. Surface transport (road, rail and sea)

    • Solids: 400 kg
    • Liquid: 450 l

    Cargo air transport :

    • 50 ml or 50 g for passenger aircraft
    • 4 l or 4 kg for cargo aircraft

11. Any primary receptacle with a capacity of more than 50 ml shall be oriented in the outer packaging so that the closures are upwards. Orientation labels (“UP” arrows) shall be affixed to two opposite sides of the outer packaging.

 

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