by Gabrielle Repik, Assistant Biology Manager
In 2022, two incidents occurred where biological shipments were improperly packaged, labeled, and shipped.
In both incidents, the shipments consisted of mouse tissue samples in a chemical fixative. The chemical fixative leaked out, potentially exposing shipping personnel.
During the investigation, the following was discovered:
- The staff who packaged the shipments had not completed the required WCM Biological Shipper Training.
- The samples were not properly packaged to prevent leaks during air transport.
- The proper labels for hazards were not on the outside of the box.
Chemical fixative-soaked shipping box
The shipment of hazardous materials (biological, chemical, and radioactive materials) is highly regulated at international, federal, state, and local levels.
Penalties for accidents or incidents fall directly on the shipper and the institution, including monetary fines and potential criminal charges from the US DOT (Department of Transportation) and/or the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration). Violations may also impact export and import privileges for the institution.
EHS provides Biological Material and Dry Ice Shipment Training to train staff on how to ship clinical, biological, and infectious samples. Only personnel who complete the training are authorized to prepare shipments, label packages, and complete shipping documents. Lab staff must complete the Biological Material and Dry Ice Shipment Training and every 2 years.
More information and assistance on shipping biologicals, chemicals, and radioactive materials can be found on the EHS website at https://ehs.weill.cornell.edu/shipping.
If you need assistance with shipping anything, please complete and submit a Dangerous Goods Assessment form to EHS via email (ehs@med.cornell.edu).