Packaging requirements for biological samples and, in particular, the
distinction between diagnostic specimens and infectious substances have
recently been the subject of top-level discussions.
I enclose the text of a letter from Martin Castle of Pira, the packaging
industry's research organisation.
"At a meeting at the end of January hosted by DETR and attended by the
Royal Mail, HSE and Pira the problems of packaging and classification of
diagnostic specimens, and their transportation in so-called "UN602"
packagings were discussed.
Following the meeting, the Royal Mail (Messrs. Dando and Brown) have
agreed that the 1st April deadline will not be applied to diagnostic
specimens until further discussions are complete.
(Please note that infectious substances permitted in the mail are
required to comply with "UN602" NOW, and there is no change in this
position).
The HSE are to review the classification guidance for diagnostic
samples.
Pira has been asked to consider a packaging standard, using as a basis
Packing Instruction 650 (diagnostic specimens) from the air regulations.
A further meeting will take place around the end of February/early
March and the Royal Mail have agreed that any new date for implementation
will have at least a three month lead time."
At last a breath of sanity in this debate!
It looks as if the Royal Mail's unilateral attempt to class all
biological samples as inherently infective therefore subject to UN602 has
been stalled, at least for the moment, and that any new recommendations are
likely to be based on a revisiting of the existing 650 packaging regs, and
the use of the type of rigid packaging to which we all already conform,
don't we?
(If you are still dropping sample tubes straight into padded bags YOU
caused all of this hassle !!!)
Meanwhile, I would have thought that individuals and/or organisations
looking to influence the situation should make representation either to Mr
Dando at the Royal Mail, or through HSE.
Alan S McLelland
Glasgow Royal Infirmary
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