Division 6.2 Infectious Substance

Transportation of COVID-19 Diagnostic Samples

Transportation of COVID-19 Diagnostic Samples

Because of the ongoing Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) public health emergency, there is a growing need for transportation of COVID-19 diagnostic samples (e.g., nasal swabs, vials of sputum, and other related items) from the points of sample collection to the labs for analysis. It is the responsibility of the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration within the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT/PHMSA) to ensure the safe transportation of all hazardous materials (HazMat) to, from, or through the U.S. The purpose of this article is to identify and explain the two available methods for the transportation of COVID-19 diagnostic samples.

Note:

This will require consideration of the transportation methods recommended by USDOT/PHMSA in its Safety and Advisory Notice for the Transportation of COVID-19 Diagnostic Samples.

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Off-Site Transportation of COVID-19 Waste

Off-Site Transportation of COVID-19 Waste

The COVID-19 public health emergency within the U.S. has created an unprecedented challenge for EHS professionals. One challenge: what to do with the waste generated during the testing for the coronavirus and the treatment of those with COVID-19? An earlier article (FAQ: Are wastes associated with COVID-19 a hazardous waste?) explained the status of this waste under Federal regulations of the USEPA and state regulations – primarily for its on-site management.

This article will address the regulatory requirements of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), state environmental regulatory agencies, and the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration within the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT/PHMSA) for the off-site transportation of waste contaminated – or potentially contaminated – with SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19). (more…)