Creatively Conscious Life

All To Know About Category B Packaging

The art of packaging is not as simple as people may think it is. Even packing bags for a vacation has proven difficult for many people. In the world of packaging, there are set rules to follow. A person or, in most cases, an organization may not simply package their goods for the move without regard to any external factors. Packaging has a strict rule of conduct that helps the world, the environment, and people maintain good shape in terms of pollution and many more.

Categorical packaging rose from the need to ensure that different types of goods are packed and move as per their content. This gave rise to category a and category b packaging. Category A infectious substances can cause permanent disability, life-threatening, or fatal disease to humans or animals when exposure to them occurs. Category: infectious substances have two shipping names: infectious substances affecting humans or infectious substances affecting animals.

Category B substances, on the other hand, are those that are also infectious but do not meet the criteria of category A. They cannot cause permanent disability, life-threatening, or fatal disease upon exposure to humans or animals. Like category A packages, Category B packages should have a UN label and must be compliant with all the rules and regulations required in the type of packaging. Here are some of the must-do factors in category B packaging.

Maximum Content in Package

Category B substance packaging should be triple packaged and compliant to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) packing instructions that are usually given. The instructions are very detailed and diagrammatic. The maximum capacity for the primary substance should be 500ml for liquids and 500g for solids. The outer packaging must not be over 4L or 4Kg.

Drop Test

Drop tests are a standard measure that is done to objects or substances to check on their durability.  The same meta applies when checking for the durability of category b packaging. A package should successfully pass the drop test. Items of such volatility and potential harm to people and animals should be ensured to be durable enough for their transportation. The drop test being passed means that the package will be able to endure standard transit.

Transportation

Transportations for category B substances can be done in two ways; on the ground or by air. The two means of transport have different stakes and different regulatory bodies, ensuring safe transportation.

  • On the ground- The Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) is in charge of all the laws regarding substance movement on the ground.
  • Air- IATA and International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) are all authorized to carry out transportation as regulated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)

Labeling

All category B packages should display specific information on opposite sides of the container. They include:

  • Sender’s name and address
  • Recipient’s name and address
  • The words “Biological Substance, Category B.”
  • UN 3373 label • Class 9 label, including UN 1845, and net weight if packaged with dry ice

Training

To handle category B packages, proper training should be done to handle and adequate movement of the substance.

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