Verpackungsanweisung 620

This instruction applies to UN Nos. 2814 and 2900.

The following packagings are authorized provided the special packing provisions are met:

Packagings meeting the requirements of Part 6, Chapter 6 and approved accordingly consisting of:

a) Inner packagings comprising:

 1) leakproof primary receptacle(s);

 2) a leakproof secondary packaging;

 3) other than for solid infectious substances, an absorbent material in sufficient quantity to absorb the entire contents placed between the primary receptacle(s) and the secondary packaging; if multiple fragile primary receptacles are placed in a single secondary packaging, they must be either individually wrapped or separated so as to prevent contact between them;

b) a rigid outer packaging. The smallest external dimension must be not less than 100 mm.

Additional requirements:

c) Inner packagings containing infectious substances must not be consolidated with inner packagings containing unrelated types of goods. Complete packages may be overpacked in accordance with the provisions of Part 1;3.1 and 5;1.1 j): such an overpack may contain dry ice

d) Other than for exceptional consignments, e.g. whole organs which require special packaging, the following additional requirements must apply:

 1) Substances consigned at ambient temperatures or at a higher temperature. Primary receptacles must be of glass, metal or plastics. Positive means of ensuring a leakproof seal must be provided, e.g. a heat seal, a skirted stopper or a metal crimp seal. If screw caps are used, they must be secured by positive means, e.g., tape, paraffin sealing tape or manufactured locking closure;

 2) Substances consigned refrigerated or frozen. Ice, dry ice or other refrigerant must be placed around the secondary packaging(s) or alternatively in an overpack with one or more complete packages marked in accordance with 6;3. Interior supports must be provided to secure secondary packaging(s) or packages in position after the ice or dry ice has dissipated. If ice is used, the outer packaging or overpack must be leakproof. If dry ice is used, the outer packaging or overpack must permit the release of carbon dioxide gas. The primary receptacle and the secondary packaging must maintain their integrity at the temperature of the refrigerant used;

 3) Substances consigned in liquid nitrogen. Plastics primary receptacles capable of withstanding very low temperature must be used. The secondary packaging must also be capable of withstanding very low temperatures, and in most cases will need to be fitted over the primary receptacle individually. Provisions for the consignment of liquid nitrogen must also be fulfilled. The primary receptacle and the secondary packaging must maintain their integrity at the temperature of the liquid nitrogen.

 4) Lyophilized substances may also be transported in primary receptacles that are flame-sealed glass ampoules or rubber-stoppered glass vials fitted with metal seals;

e) Whatever the intended temperature of the consignment, the primary receptacle or the secondary packaging must be capable of withstanding without leakage an internal pressure producing a pressure differential of not less than 95 kPa. This primary receptacle or secondary packaging must also be capable of withstanding temperatures in the range -40°C to +55°C.

Note.- The capability of a packaging to withstand an internal pressure without leakage that produces the specified pressure differential should be determined by testing samples of primary receptacles or secondary packagings. Pressure differential is the difference between the pressure exerted on the inside of the receptacle or packaging and the pressure on the outside. The appropriate test method should be selected based on receptacle or packaging type. Acceptable test methods include any method that produces the required pressure differential between the inside and outside of a primary receptacle or a secondary packaging. The test may be conducted using internal hydraulic or pneumatic pressure (gauge) or external vacuum test methods. Internal hydraulic or pneumatic pressure can be applied in most cases as the required pressure differential can be achieved under most circumstances. An external vacuum test is not acceptable if the specified pressure differential is not achieved and maintained. The external vacuum test is agenerally acceptable method for rigid receptacles and packagings but is not normally acceptable for

- flexible receptacles and flexible packagings,

- receptacles and packagings filled and closed under a absolute atmospheric pressure lower than 95 kPa

f) Other dangerous goods must not be packed in the same packaging as Division 6.2 infectious substances unless they are necessary for maintaining the viability, stabilizing or preventing degradation or neutralizing the hazards of the infectious substances. A quantity of 30 ml or less of dangerous goods included in Class 3, 8 or 9 may be packed in each primary receptacle containing infectious substances provided these substances meet the requirements of 3;5. These small quantities of dangerous goods of Class 3, 8 or 9 are not subject to any additional requirements of these Instructions when packed in accordance with this packing instruction.

g) Alternative packagings for the transport of animal material may be authorized by the competent authority in accordance with the provisions of 4;2.8.

Special packing provisions

a) Shippers of infectious substances must ensure that packages are prepared in such a manner that they arrive at their destination in good condition and present no hazard to persons or animals during transport.

b) The definition in Part 1, Chapter 3 and the general packing provision of Part 4, Chapter 1, apply to infectious substances packages.

c) An itemized list of contents must be enclosed between the secondary packaging and the outer packaging. When the infectious substances to be transported are unknown, but suspected of meeting the criteria for inclusion in Category A and assignment to UN 2814 or UN 2900, the words "suspected category A infectious substance" must be shown, in parentheses following the proper shipping name on the itemized list of contents inside the outer packaging.

d) Before an empty packaging is returned to the shipper, or sent elsewhere, it must be disinfected or sterilized to nullify any hazard and any label or mark indicating that it had contained an infectious substance must be removed or obliterated.

OUTER PACKAGINGS OF COMBINATION PACKAGINGS (see 6;3.1)

Boxes                       Drums                      Jerricans

Aluminium (4B)              Aluminium (1B1, 1B2)       Aluminium (3B1, 3B2)
Fibreboard (4G)             Fibre (1G)                 Plastics (3H1, 3H2)
Natural wood (4C1, 4C2)     Other metal (1N1, 1N2)     Steel (3A1, 3A2)
Other metal (4N)            Plastics (1H1, 1H2)
Plastics (4H1, 4H2)         Steel (1A1, 1A2)
Plywood (4D)
Reconstituted wood (4F)
Steel (4A)