| Popis: |
The appropriate packaging and transport of potential biological or chemical weapons may be the most critical component of the sampling process. This chapter provides an understanding of safe packaging and shipping of potentially infectious or hazardous materials. It gives an overview of the current (2006) guidelines and should not be viewed as the definitive regulations. While a general understanding of these fundamentals is essential, the changing nature of transportation regulations and the evolution of biosafety metrics mandate regular retraining of personnel and updating of information. The information in the chapter gives the knowledge to make good decisions in the field about how to safely package and transport materials for laboratory testing. In general, there are three choices for shipping: noncommercial conveyance (e.g., law enforcement, public health, or hazmat personnel), commercial ground transport, and commercial air transport. The chapter provides a checklist for shipping a package. Several companies sell certified shipping containers for the purpose of transporting biological material through the routes described in the chapter. When samples are being transported by the designated first responder or health officials by ground, they are exempt from Department of Transportation (DOT) and International Air Transportation Association (IATA) regulations. The important thing is that the risk of hazardous-substance release and sample compromise is minimized through appropriate packaging and shipping. |
