Packing Instruction 650 (PI 650)
Also: PI 650, P650
The packing instruction governing UN3373 Category B biological substances: triple packaging, a 1 litre primary limit for liquids, and a 4 litre or 4 kg limit on the completed outer package.
PI 650 requires a leak-proof primary receptacle, a leak-proof secondary packaging with absorbent material able to take the entire liquid contents, and a rigid outer packaging whose smallest external dimension is at least 100 mm. The completed package must withstand a 1.2 metre drop test. No Class 6.2 label and no dangerous-goods declaration are used; the UN3373 mark and the proper shipping name go on the outer package instead.
The 4 litre or 4 kg limit on the completed outer package excludes the mass of any ice, dry ice or liquid nitrogen used as a refrigerant. Counting the coolant against the limit leads shippers to split consignments that never needed splitting; assuming the whole gross weight is exempt gets packages refused.
The limits apply to the infectious substance itself. Body parts, organs and whole bodies are handled under separate provisions.
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