Multilateral Agreement M143

under section 1.5.1 of ADR relating to the carriage of diagnostic specimens

(1) By derogation from the provisions of ADR relating to the carriage of infectious substances of

class 6.2, in particular those in sub-section 2.2.62.1 diagnostic specimens to which the provisions in paragraph 2.2.62.1.6 apply may also be carried under the conditions mentioned in the following paragraphs.

(2) Diagnostic specimens which are applied on test sticks or test strips may be packed in inner packagings (e.g. envelopes) made of cardboard and in outer packagings (e.g. bags) made of impermeable plastics or plastics foil of sufficient compatibility and tightness. The packaging need not meet the requirements of class 6.2. The total gross mass of the package shall not exceed 500 g in any case.

(3) Other diagnostic specimens than those mentioned in paragraph (2) shall comply with the requirements of the packing instruction specified in the annex. For carriage by mail the total gross mass of the package shall not exceed 30 kg in any case.

(4) For carriage in accordance with paragraphs (1) to (3) above the mark illustrated below shall be displayed on each package on a background of a contrasting colour and shall be clearly visible and legible. The width of the line shall be at least 2 mm; the letters and numbers shall be at least 6 mm high:

(5) All other provisions of ADR relating to the carriage of infectious substances of class 6.2 shall not apply.

(6) This multilateral agreement shall apply to transport between the Contracting Parties to ADR

which have signed it up to 15^th May 2008, unless it is revoked before that date by at least one of the signatories, in which case it shall remain applicable only for transport between the Contracting Parties to ADR which have signed but have not revoked this agreement, on their territory, up to that date.

Vienna, 15^th May 2003

The competent authority for ADR

in the Republic of Austria:

Dr. Kafka

Annex

Packing instruction according to paragraph 3

1. The packaging shall be of good quality, strong enough to withstand the shocks and loadings normally encountered during transport, including transhipment between transport units and between transport units and warehouses as well as any removal from a pallet or overpack for subsequent manual or mechanical handling. Packagings shall be constructed and closed to prevent any loss of contents that might be caused under normal conditions of transport by vibration or by changes in temperature, humidity or pressure.

2. The packaging shall consist of three components:

a) a primary receptacle,

b) a secondary packaging, and

c) an outer packaging.

3. Primary receptacles shall be packed in secondary packagings in such a way that, under normal conditions of transport, they cannot break, be punctured or leak their contents into the secondary packaging. Secondary packagings shall be secured in outer packagings with suitable cushioning material. Any leakage of the contents shall not compromise the integrity of the cushioning material or of the outer packaging.

4. The completed package shall be capable of successfully passing the drop test in 6.3.2.5 as specified in 6.3.2.3 and 6.3.2.4 of the ADR except that the height of the drop shall not be less than 1.2 m.

5. Packagings for liquid substances:

a) The primary receptacle(s) shall be leakproof.

b) The secondary packaging shall be leakproof.

c) If multiple fragile primary receptacles are placed in a single secondary packaging, they shall be either individually wrapped or separated to prevent contact between them.

d) Absorbent material shall be placed between the primary receptacle(s) and the secondary packaging. The absorbent material shall be in quantity sufficient to absorb the entire contents of the primary receptacle(s) so that any release of the liquid substance will not compromise the integrity of the cushioning material or of the outer packaging.

e) The primary receptacle or the secondary packaging shall be capable of withstanding, without leakage, a pressure differential of 95 kPa (0.95 bar).

6. Packagings for solid substances:

a) The primary receptacle(s) shall be siftproof.

b) The secondary packaging shall be siftproof.

c) If multiple fragile primary receptacles are placed in a single secondary packaging, they shall be either individually wrapped or separated to prevent contact between them.

7. Refrigerated or frozen specimens: Ice, dry ice and liquid nitrogen

a) When dry ice or liquid nitrogen is used to keep specimens cold, all applicable requirements of the ADR shall be met.

When used, ice or dry ice shall be placed outside the secondary packagings or in the outer packaging or an overpack. Interior supports shall be provided to secure the secondary packagings in the original position after the ice or dry ice has dissipated.

If ice is used, the outer packaging or overpack shall be leakproof.

If carbon dioxide, solid (dry ice) is used, the packaging

- shall be designed and constructed to permit the release of carbon dioxide gas to prevent a build-up of pressure that could rupture the packagings and

- shall be marked "Carbon dioxide, solid" or "Dry ice".

b) The primary receptacle and the secondary packaging shall maintain their integrity at the temperature of the refrigerant used as well as the temperatures and pressures, which could result if refrigeration were lost.