Laboratory personnel may prepare biomaterials for transport if they are trained on use of correct packaging, safe transport of the materials, and have knowledge of emergency  procedures in the event of an accident or spill. Training must be repeated every 2 years.

• Place material in a tightly closed and secured leak- proof primary container.
• Seal the container with a tightly fitted cap and wrap closure with Parafilm™ or laboratory tape.
• Label the primary container to identify the material.
• Wrap each primary sample tube with enough absorbent material to absorb leakage (liquid sample).
• Place all primary samples in a sealable, leakproof secondary container labeled with a biohazard symbol.
• Suitable secondary containers can include a plastic specimen bag with a zip closure or plastic container with a fitted lid.

• Use a cart for movement between rooms or buildings.
• Wear PPE appropriate for transport within the laboratory (e.g., lab coat, gloves,  and eye protection).
• For movement through public areas (e.g., between buildings or hallways), disinfect the outside of the secondary container and bring appropriate PPE for use at the laboratory destination or in case of a spill. DO NOT wear PPE in public areas.
• Wear the minimum PPE standard (full length pants or clothing that fully covers the legs and ankles, and closed, solid shoes) for transport through public areas. Bring or have hazard appropriate lab coats, protective eyewear, and gloves for use at the destination, if needed.

• If using a university vehicle, personnel transporting the materials must be authorized to use university vehicles and carry a valid driver’s license and have completed the University of Utah driver training program within the past 2 years.
• Proper containment and packaging must be used (see packaging requirements above).
• Personnel must be trained and authorized to handle and transport the materials. Contact biosafety@ehs.utah.edu for more information.
• If transported by private vehicle, the vehicle used must be for direct and exclusive transport of the sample to the destination (no other stops permitted).
• The packaging must be secured against shifting.
• Carry materials that can be used to clean up a spill (e.g. PPE, disinfectant, paper towels, biohazard waste bags).
• In the event of a spill resulting in exposure seek medical attention as soon as possible.

Infectious materials meeting the definition of a Category A are excluded from self-transport using a personal or university vehicle.

Yes. CAUTION: DO NOT transport biomaterials by public transport, shuttle, or taxi.

• Use cold packs or wet ice for temperature control during short-term transfers
  • Place wet ice in a sealed plastic bag or leakproof container to prevent water leakage.
• Use special diagnostic shipping containers for frozen samples to maintain low temperature without the use of dry ice. If dry ice  must be used, personnel must follow Department of Transportation (DOT) specifications for packaging in an insulated, gas- venting container
  • Place the dry ice outside of the secondary container inside an insulated cooler or similar gas-venting container.
  • Do not place dry ice in a closed, non-venting container to avoid explosion or injury.
  • Label the outside package with a “dry ice” label.

Contact biosafety@ehs.utah.edu for questions regarding transfer of biological materials Specialized training information is available at the Research Safety Training web page.

29 CFR 1910.1030 Bloodborne Pathogens Standard

29 CFR Part 1910.1200 Hazard Communication

29 CFR Part 1910.1450 Occupational Exposure to Hazardous Materials in Laboratories

40 CFR Part 262 Standard Applicable to Generators of Hazardous Waste

49 CFR Parts 171-180 Hazardous Materials Regulations 171.1 (d), Ground transport of hazardous materials