Ask X3What does 49 CFR 173.199 (Category B infectious substances) require?
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According to 49 CFR 173.199, Category B infectious substances must be prepared and transported using a triple packaging system consisting of a primary receptacle, a secondary packaging, and a rigid outer packaging.
As a motor-carrier owner, here are the specific and practical requirements you need to follow:
* Packaging construction and testing: Primary receptacles must be packed so they cannot break, puncture, or leak into the secondary packaging under normal transport conditions. Secondary packagings must be secured in rigid outer packagings with suitable cushioning. The complete package must prevent any release into the environment under normal conditions (including temperature, humidity, pressure, and vibration changes) and must pass a 1.2-meter (3.9-foot) drop test. At least one surface of the outer packaging must measure at least 100 mm by 100 mm (3.9 inches).
* Liquid vs. Solid requirements:
* *Liquids* must use a leakproof primary receptacle and leakproof secondary packaging, with enough absorbent material placed between them to absorb the entire contents of the primary receptacles.
* *Solids* must use a siftproof primary receptacle and siftproof secondary packaging. If using multiple fragile primary receptacles, they must be individually wrapped or separated to prevent contact.
* Marking the package: The outer packaging must display a specific square-on-point (diamond) mark on a contrasting background. The border lines must be at least 2 mm wide, letters/numbers at least 6 mm high, and each side of the diamond at least 50 mm (1.97 inches) long. The proper shipping name, “Biological substances, Category B,” must be marked right next to this diamond in letters at least 6 mm high. If packages are placed in an overpack, these markings must be clearly visible or reproduced on the outside of the overpack.
* Emergency contact information: The name and telephone number of a knowledgeable person (or someone with immediate access to such a person) who has comprehensive emergency response and incident mitigation information must be included either on a written document (such as a bill of lading) or on the outer packaging. This phone number must be monitored during your company's business hours.
* Incident reporting and cargo location: Shipments are subject to general hazardous material incident reporting requirements (under 49 CFR 171.15 and 171.16) and cargo location requirements (under 49 CFR 175.75(b)).
* Filling instructions: Packagings must be filled and closed strictly according to the clear instructions provided by the packaging manufacturer or distributor.