Search

IATA Clarifies Shipping Infectious Substances & COVID-19 Related Hazmat

Posted on 4/6/2020 by Lauren Scott

Last month, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) released information to help hazmat shippers transport infectious substances and hand sanitizer safely and in compliance via air. This new guidance aims to assist supply-chain professionals, aircraft workers, and frequent flyers alike in supporting the fight against COVID-19.

Transporting Infectious Disease Samples

To ensure a continuous, rapid response to suspected cases of COVID-19, it is crucial to ensure that viral samples will ship to laboratories for analysis without delay. The World Health Organization (WHO) says the transport of COVID-19 specimens has been operating smoothly thus far.

However, confusion over how to classify these samples has created a few delays. IATA has said COVID-19 specimens should be classified as UN 3373, Biological substance, Category B and packed in accordance with PI 650. This classification was established after reviewing recommendations from WHO and the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC).
 

Hand Sanitizer as Aircraft Equipment

WHO recommends the use of alcohol-based hand sanitizer as well as washing hands with soap and water to prevent the spread of COVID-19. In order to ensure the safety and wellbeing of their crew, many airlines seek to install hand sanitizer in aircraft lavatories or allow it to be carried in the galley.

However, alcohol-based hand sanitizers are classified as dangerous goods and are not specifically permitted by the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR) and ICAO Technical Instructions for the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air (Technical Instructions) under the provisions for dangerous goods in operator's property. [DGR 2.5, ICAO Technical Instructions Part 1;2.2]

Airlines that wish to allow hand sanitizer in galleys or installed in lavatories must request authorization from their civil aviation authority (State of the Operator) in adherence to the provision that is set out in Part 1;2.2.1 a) of the ICAO Technical Instructions.

Hand Sanitizer in Passenger and Crew Baggage

The IATA DGR establishes allowances for many medicinal and toiletry items (including alcohol-based hand sanitizer) that passengers and crew can have in their checked or carry-on baggage:

The term "medicinal or toiletry articles" is intended to include such items as hair sprays, perfumes, colognes, and medicines containing alcohols. Aerosols in Division 2.2, with no subsidiary hazard, for sporting or home use [DGR Paragraph 2.3.5.1].

Alcohol-based hand sanitizer is permitted under these provisions. However, passengers and crew are limited to 100 mL in carry-on luggage. Hand sanitizer is also allowed in checked bags in quantities up to 0.5 L per bottle, not to exceed 2 L total.

Save Your Seat for Spring 49 CFR, IATA DGR, and IMDG Webinars

Join experienced Lion instructors in a series of hazmat webinar training sessions and develop the in-depth expertise you need to keep hazardous materials moving safely and in compliance—by ground, air, and vessel.
Recurrent Hazmat Ground Shipper (DOT)
April 14 and May 7
Hazmat Air Shipper (IATA)
April 15 and May 5
Hazmat Vessel Shipper (IMDG)
April 16 and May 12
 

Tags: coronavirus, COVID-19., dangerous goods, hand sanitizer, hazmat air shipper, IATA, infectious substances, virus, WHO, world health organization

Find a Post

Compliance Archives

Lion - Quotes

Lion does a great job summarizing and communicating complicated EH&S-related regulations.

Michele Irmen

Sr. Environmental Engineer

The course was very informative and presented in a way that was easily understood and remembered. I would recommend this course.

Jeffrey Tierno

Hazmat Shipping Professional

Very witty instructor, made the long times sitting bearable. One of the few training courses I can say I actually enjoyed.

John Hutchinson

Senior EHS Engineer

The instructor had knowledge of regulations and understanding of real-world situations. The presentation style was engaging and fostered a positive atmosphere for information sharing.

Linda Arlen

Safety & Environmental Compliance Officer

The instructor's energy, enthusiasm, and knowledge of the subject make the class a great learning experience!

Brian Martinez

Warehouse Operator

As always, Lion never disappoints

Paul Resley

Environmental Coordinator

The instructor made the class very enjoyable and catered to the needs of our group.

Sarah Baker

Planner

The course is well thought out and organized in a way that leads to a clearer understanding of the total training.

David Baily

Hazmat Shipping Professional

I like Lion's workshops the best because they really dig into the information you need to have when you leave the workshop.

Tom Bush, Jr.

EHS Manager

We have a very busy work schedule and using Lion enables us to take the course at our own time. It makes it easy for me to schedule my employees' training.

Timothy Mertes

Hazmat Shipping Professional

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

Explore ten hazardous waste management errors that caused generators in California the most trouble last year.

Latest Whitepaper

By submitting your phone number, you agree to receive recurring marketing and training text messages. Consent to receive text messages is not required for any purchases. Text STOP at any time to cancel. Message and data rates may apply. View our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.