Training Course on Packaging and Shipping Infectious Materials

Training Course on Packaging and Shipping Infectious Materials

Introduction

Training Course on Packaging and Shipping Infectious Materials is designed to equip professionals with the knowledge and skills to handle, package, and transport infectious substances safely and in compliance with international regulations. Proper packaging and shipping practices are critical for minimizing risks to public health, ensuring safety in transit, and maintaining the integrity of samples for accurate analysis. This course aligns with guidelines from the World Health Organization (WHO), the International Air Transport Association (IATA), and other regulatory bodies. As the global movement of infectious materials increases due to public health surveillance, diagnostic testing, and research, compliance with strict safety protocols has become more critical than ever. This course addresses these needs by providing comprehensive training on risk assessment, packaging methods, labeling requirements, and documentation standards. Participants will gain confidence in their ability to adhere to the highest standards of safety and legal compliance.

The course emphasizes real-world applications through interactive case studies and simulations, covering scenarios such as transporting diagnostic specimens, culture materials, and genetically modified organisms. It fosters a culture of safety and accountability, reducing the likelihood of accidents or breaches during the transportation process. With a focus on enhancing operational efficiency and ensuring legal compliance, this training is ideal for laboratories, hospitals, research institutions, and logistics providers handling infectious substances. By completing this course, participants will play a pivotal role in safeguarding public health while contributing to scientific and medical advancements.

Course duration

5 Days

Course Objectives

1. Understand the classifications of infectious materials and associated risks.
2. Learn international and local regulations governing the packaging and shipping of infectious materials.
3. Gain proficiency in selecting and assembling appropriate packaging materials.
4. Ensure compliance with labeling, marking, and documentation requirements.
5. Understand the roles and responsibilities of shippers and transporters.
6. Develop skills to handle spills, leaks, or emergencies during transit.
7. Maintain the integrity and viability of specimens during transportation.
8. Foster collaboration between stakeholders involved in the shipping process.
9. Minimize risks to health, safety, and the environment.
10. Enhance operational efficiency and compliance with regulatory audits.

Organizational Benefits

1. Improve safety protocols for handling infectious substances.
2. Ensure compliance with international and local regulatory standards.
3. Reduce the risk of penalties or reputational damage from non-compliance.
4. Enhance staff competency and confidence in packaging and shipping infectious materials.
5. Strengthen the integrity of samples and reliability of diagnostic results.
6. Minimize disruptions in supply chain processes related to health and research.
7. Reduce workplace accidents and associated costs.
8. Foster a culture of safety and accountability among employees.
9. Gain competitive advantage by demonstrating adherence to best practices.
10. Streamline processes for regulatory inspections and audits.

Target Participants

• Laboratory technicians and managers.
• Healthcare professionals handling diagnostic specimens.
• Research scientists working with infectious agents.
• Logistics and supply chain personnel in medical transport.
• Public health officials involved in disease surveillance.
• Representatives of diagnostic and testing centers.
• Airline and shipping personnel handling infectious materials.
• Environmental health and biosafety officers.
• Emergency responders involved in biological incidents.
• Regulatory compliance officers in healthcare and research sectors

Course Outline

Module 1: Introduction to Infectious Materials and Regulatory Framework

1. Classification of infectious substances and biological agents.
2. Overview of international and local regulations (e.g., WHO, IATA, DOT).
3. Key terminology and concepts in infectious materials shipping.
4. Risk assessment and mitigation strategies.
5. Case Study: Regulatory challenges in cross-border shipment of specimens.

Module 2: Packaging Infectious Substances

1. Types of packaging systems (e.g., primary, secondary, tertiary).
2. Requirements for packaging materials and specifications.
3. Step-by-step guide to assembling compliant packaging.
4. Packaging infectious materials under different categories (e.g., Category A, B).
5. Case Study: Handling fragile diagnostic specimens for long-haul transport.

Module 3: Labeling and Marking Requirements

1. Overview of mandatory labeling symbols and standards.
2. Importance of accurate marking and proper identification.
3. Understanding consignee and consignor labeling responsibilities.
4. Key differences between air, sea, and land transport labels.
5. Case Study: Labeling errors and their consequences during transit.

Module 4: Documentation for Infectious Materials Shipping

1. Required shipping documents (e.g., Shipper’s Declaration for Dangerous Goods).
2. Customs requirements and permits for international shipments.
3. Common errors in documentation and how to avoid them.
4. Retention and audit of shipment records.
5. Case Study: Resolving discrepancies in shipping documentation.

Module 5: Emergency Response and Spill Management

1. Common hazards during transit and their implications.
2. Steps to respond to spills, leaks, or breaches in containment.
3. Personal protective equipment (PPE) for emergency scenarios.
4. Notification procedures for regulatory authorities and stakeholders.
5. Case Study: Managing a Category A spill incident in a transport hub.

Module 6: Maintaining Specimen Integrity During Transportation

1. Environmental considerations (e.g., temperature, humidity).
2. Best practices for cold chain logistics and monitoring.
3. Preventing contamination and degradation of specimens.
4. Challenges in remote and low-resource settings.
5. Case Study: Successful cold chain management in vaccine transport.

Training Methodology

The instructor led trainings are delivered using a blended learning approach and comprises of presentations, guided sessions of practical exercise, web-based tutorials and group work. Our facilitators are seasoned industry experts with years of experience, working as professional and trainers in these fields.

Register as a group from 3 participants for a Discount

Send us an email: info@datastatresearch.org or call +254724527104 

Certification

Upon successful completion of this training, participants will be issued with a globally- recognized certificate.

Tailor-Made Course

 We also offer tailor-made courses based on your needs.

Key Notes

a. The participant must be conversant with English.

b. Upon completion of training the participant will be issued with an Authorized Training Certificate

c. Course duration is flexible and the contents can be modified to fit any number of days.

d. The course fee includes facilitation training materials, 2 coffee breaks, buffet lunch and A Certificate upon successful completion of Training.

e. One-year post-training support Consultation and Coaching provided after the course.

f. Payment should be done at least a week before commence of the training, to DATASTAT CONSULTANCY LTD account, as indicated in the invoice so as to enable us prepare better for you.