It is important to ensure hazardous materials including biological samples are transported by approved couriers and not on public transport.

A variety of biological materials (e.g. blood samples, tissue samples) from human or animal sources are utilised by laboratory researchers throughout Queen Mary and are vital for obtaining successful research and clinical results. These materials can be hazardous by posing a risk of infection if a spillage occurs and therefore should be transported safely with designated packaging, labelling and, where applicable, accompanying documents between laboratories, between campuses or further afield. Unwanted news headlines can also be generated and cause panic and confusion amongst bystanders and attract authorities’ attention and scrutiny if such a spillage occurs in a public place.

Biological materials can be sometimes carried in cryogenic preservatives such as dry ice or liquid nitrogen which are also hazardous and can cause cold burns and depletion of oxygen in a confined space. It is important not to transport hazardous materials on public transport, unless the transport provider allows (such as permitted packaged hold luggage on certain airlines with prescribed and approved transport documents). Hazardous materials should be transported by approved couriers and not on Transport for London tubes, buses or trains or on other public transport (unless permitted).

Research and laboratory leads should ensure they are aware of their responsibilities for safe transport of hazardous materials, which are listed here. HSD have also provided guidance on how to transport hazardous materials safely and what mode of transport would be suitable. HSD provided laboratory safety courses also include awareness training on safe transport of hazardous materials, and for those responsible for shipping out such materials, an online course by a commercial trainer can be facilitated.