Infectious substance
PACKING INSTRUCTION P620 for UN2814 - UN2900 infectious substance category A
P620 PACKING INSTRUCTIONS FOR INFECTIOUS SUBSTANCE
This instrution applies to UN2814 and UN2900 and explain how to prepare properly a shipment of dangerous goods.

The following packagings are authorized provided the special packing provisions of 4.1.8 are met:
Packagings meeting the requirements of Chapter 6.3 and approved accordingly consisting of:

(a) Inner packagings comprising:
(i) leakproof primary receptacle(s);
(ii) a leakproof secondary packaging;
(iii) other than for solid infectious substances, an absorbent material in sufficient quantity to absorb the entire contents placed between the primary receptacle(s) and the secondary packaging; if multiple primary receptacles are placed in a single secondary packaging, they shall be either individually wrapped or separated so as to prevent contact between them;

(b) A rigid outer packaging:
Drums (1A1, 1A2, 1B1, 1B2, 1N1, 1N2, 1H1, 1H2, 1D, 1G);
Boxes (4A, 4B, 4N, 4C1, 4C2, 4D, 4F, 4G, 4H1, 4H2);
Jerricans (3A1, 3A2, 3B1, 3B2, 3H1, 3H2).
The smallest external dimension shall be not less than 100 mm.

Additional requirements:
1. Inner packagings containing infectious substances shall not be consolidated with inner packagings containing unrelated types of goods. Complete packages may be overpacked in accordance with the provisions of 1.2.1 and 5.1.2; such an overpack may contain dry ice.

2. Other than for exceptional consignments, e.g. whole organs which require special packaging, the following additional requirements shall apply:
(a) Substances consigned at ambient temperatures or at a higher temperature: Primary receptacles shall be of glass, metal or plastics. Positive means of ensuring a leakproof seal shall be provided, e.g. a heat seal, a skirted stopper or a metal crimp seal. If screw caps are used, they shall be secured by positive means, e.g., tape, paraffin sealing tape or manufactured locking closure;
(b) Substances consigned refrigerated or frozen: Ice, dry ice or other refrigerant shall be placed around the secondary packaging(s) or alternatively in an overpack with one or more complete packages marked in accordance with 6.3.3. Interior supports shall be provided to secure secondary
packaging(s) or packages in position after the ice or dry ice has dissipated. If ice is used, the outer
packaging or overpack shall be leakproof. If dry ice is used, the outer packaging or overpack shall
permit the release of carbon dioxide gas. The primary receptacle and the secondary packaging shall
maintain their integrity at the temperature of the refrigerant used;
(c) Substances consigned in liquid nitrogen: Plastics primary receptacles capable of withstanding very low temperature shall be used. The secondary packaging shall also be capable of withstanding very low temperatures, and in most cases will need to be fitted over the primary receptacle individually.
Provisions for the consignment of liquid nitrogen shall also be fulfilled. The primary receptacle and
the secondary packaging shall maintain their integrity at the temperature of the liquid nitrogen;
(d) Lyophilised substances may also be carried in primary receptacles that are flame-sealed glass
ampoules or rubber-stoppered glass vials fitted with metal seals.

3. Whatever the intended temperature of the consignment, the primary receptacle or the secondary packaging shall be capable of withstanding without leakage an internal pressure producing a pressure differential of not less than 95 kPa and temperatures in the range -40 °C to +55 °C.

4. Other dangerous goods shall not be packed in the same packaging as Class 6.2 infectious substances unless they are necessary for maintaining the viability, stabilizing or preventing degradation or neutralizing the hazards of the infectious substances. A quantity of 30 ml or less of dangerous goods included in Classes 3, 8 or 9 may be packed in each primary receptacle containing infectious substances. These small quantities of dangerous goods of Classes 3, 8 or 9 are not subject to any additional requirements of ADR when packed in accordance with this packing instruction.

5. Alternative packagings for the carriage of animal material may be authorized by the competent authority of the country of origin *  in accordance with the provisions of 4.1.8.7.

*  If the country of origin is not a Contracting Party to ADR, the competent authority of the first Contracting Party to the ADR reached by the consignment.