Training

In addition to the online Division of Research Safety (DRS) Awareness Training for the Transport of Hazardous Materials, a function-specific online training, Transportation of Infectious Substances, Category B, is required that includes a section on GMMO and GMO packaging and labeling. Training shall be repeated every two years.

Packaging

All shipments by air containing GMMOs or GMOs shall be packaged in accordance with International Air Transport Association (IATA) regulations as specified in packaging instructions 959 (PI 959), which requires a triple-packaging system. All GMMO and GMO packages shall be marked as with an appropriate UN 3245 diamond label. The three components of a triple packaging system are:

The primary receptacle holds the biological material and shall be a leak-proof container (watertight for liquids or sift-proof for solids). It is packed in the secondary container in such a way that, under normal conditions of transport, it will not break, be punctured, or leak its contents into the secondary container. If the primary receptacle is fragile, it shall be individually wrapped. Multiple primary receptacles should be packaged so that they do not come in contact with each other.

The secondary container is a durable leak-proof container for liquids and sift-proof for solids that encloses and protects the primary receptacle(s). Several cushioned primary receptacles may be placed in one secondary container. If the primary receptacle contains any liquid, the secondary container shall contain enough absorbent material to absorb all of the fluid from the primary receptacle(s) in case of breakage.

The outer container is a rigid and durable container with a smallest external dimension of at least 100 mm (or 4 inches) that houses the secondary container. It shall be strong enough for its capacity, weight, and intended use. It should be able to withstand outside influences such as rough handling and physical damage while in transit. An itemized list of package contents shall be included between the outer and secondary container.  

Labeling and Markings

All GMMOs and GMOs shall be marked with a UN3245 diamond-shaped label (see Figure 1) in accordance with the IATA regulation. 

Figure 1.  GMMO/GMO diamond-shaped shipping label