::. Safety Alert-Shipping Dry Ice  

Recently an NIH staff member was seriously injured as a result of improper packaging of a shipment requiring the use of dry ice. This notice serves as a reminder that dry ice should never be placed inside sealed containers of any type, especially primary shipping containers used for international and air transport of infectious agents. These devices have no venting capability and will explode if sealed with dry ice inside. If dry ice is required for a shipment, it may be placed in the vented outer shipping container or packaging. Also, only personnel who have attended training and have documentation that they are a current "Certified Shipper" may package hazardous materials for transport. If you need Hazardous Materials Shipping Training, call 301-496-2960 and speak to Cristina Vargas or Kerstin Traum.

Please share this information with ALL laboratory staff (including administrative/support staff).

Thank you.