Carriage of Anatomical, Biological and Infectious Substances

[fishtank]

No. 1043 /11
Ref E1
Date: 9 December 2011

To: All Branches,


Dear Colleagues,

Re: Carriage of Anatomical, Biological and Infectious Substances by Royal Mail
The carriage of Human and Animal Anatomical, Pathological and Microbiology Specimens is not new to our industry as items are often legitimately sent via the Postal Service between companies, organisations and Laboratories for testing or for medical research and educational purposes for example.
However, following a recently reported series on incidents at a Mail Centre whereby a Veterinary Pathology diagnostic laboratory serving the veterinary profession was receiving animal parts, blood, urine, excrement etc in a poorly packed state which resulted in some packets breaking open in transit, we are issuing this information to assist branches with guidance on what is and isn't acceptable. Unfortunately, this is an issue that comes up on rare occasions when we discover companies either receiving or posting restricted or prohibited goods without the proper packaging.


Generally speaking Royal Mail has two lists which govern what can and cannot be carried in the Post.

(a) Restricted goods: Things we can carry but with restrictions - The full list can be viewed at: http://www.ripplemailing.com/_redirect. ... =240856079" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

(b) Prohibited goods: Things we don't carry - The Full List can be viewed at: http://www.ripplemailing.com/_redirect. ... =240856079" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Generally, Royal Mail cannot carry items which could be dangerous for our staff or vehicles including aeroplanes. The items listed are prohibited from all our mail services including but not limited to First Class, Second Class, Airmail and Surface mail.

Biological Substances:
In relation to Biological Substances there are two categories:
Biological Substances (Category B) (UN 3373)
Human or animal material including, but not limited to, excreta, secreta, blood and its components, body tissue and tissue fluids. These items are prohibited in the international post, but may be carried within the UK provided strict conditions are met. Samples must be packaged in accordance with Packing Instruction 650 (copy attached - 2011 issue).

Infectious substances (Category A) (UN2814 or UN2900)

Category A infectious substances are prohibited e.g. Ebola, Anthrax, Foot and Mouth Disease, Poisonous (toxic) and infectious substances. Substances that are liable to cause death or injury if swallowed or inhaled, or by skin contact. All toxic substances are prohibited. E.g. arsenic, beryllium, cyanide, fluorine, hydrogen selenide, infectious substances containing micro-organisms or their toxins which are known to cause (or are suspected of causing) disease, mercury, mercury salts, mustard gas, Nitrobenzene, nitrogen dioxide, pesticides, rat poison, serum and vaccines etc.

The latest position has been double-checked with the Royal Mail Engineering/Security team.

Dr Paul Brown [Royal Mail Engineering Chemist] has provided us with the attached latest 2011 issue of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Guidance Document on Infectious Substances (copy attached).

Dr Dave Coward [Royal Mail Engineering Security Engineer] advises (see attached e-mail dated 8 December 2011) that Patient specimens are allowed to be transported using Royal Mail under certain conditions. They are classified as UN 3373 Biological substances, Category B, and have to be less than 50ml or 50g and the regulations concerning the carriage of dangerous goods states that the packages have to be marked with the UN number, and;

(a) The packaging must consist of three components;
1. a leak proof primary receptacle,
2. a leak proof secondary packaging, and
3. an outer packaging of adequate strength for its capacity, mass and intended use, and with at least one surface having minimum dimensions of 100 mm x 100 mm;

(b) For liquids, absorbent material in sufficient quantity to absorb the entire contents must be placed between the primary receptacle and the secondary packaging so that during transport, any release or leak of a liquid substance will not reach the outer packaging and will not compromise the integrity of the cushioning material.

Dr Dave Coward concludes that the Royal Mail "safe box" (the blue box) is packaging conformant to the regulations.

Dr Paul Brown concludes that obviously the issue recently raised appear non compliant packaging is being used by customers of the laboratory in question and both those posting the offending items and the medical or Veterinary professional/lab receiving the samples should be aware of this and ensure compliant packaging or details of how the items/materials should be packaged is provided.

Royal Mail 'SafeBox'
In relation to Royal Mail 'SafeBox' which should be discussed with the companies concerned, see attached two Royal Mail Documents on the Royal Mail 'SafeBox', both the product information and guidance. 'SafeBox' is the only pre-paid and secure packaging solution for sending specimens. Royal Mail's 'Safebox' has been specifically designed to provide an easy-to-use, all-in-one secure package for anyone wishing to send specimens. Doctors, Labs, vets, universities, researchers, police forces and pharmaceutical companies all over the country use 'Safebox'. It offers everything they need in one handy pre-paid box. Everything comes included; postage, packaging, absorbent wadding, self-seal bag that can be written on, "O" ring to ensure inner container is water tight, address and return label. It's an 'Easy to use' product. Quick to put together, simple to take apart, full instructions come in every pack.


It provides an element of safety for employees. A tamper evident seal eliminates danger of contamination for employees. There's a choice of posting options. Every 'Safebox' comes with pre-paid postage and the address labels attached. The Customer can choose from First Class or Special Delivery.

NHS Guidance
I also attach NHS Guidance and would draw your attention to pages 7 & 8, which confirm the above.


Conclusion
Any Laboratories/companies causing these problems should be reported and approached immediately by Royal Mail and told to improve their packaging to meet the required
standards or have their service suspended. I trust this information will be of assistance to Branches and Area Health and Safety Representatives.

Yours Sincerely
Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer