Transporting and storing biological materials
Transporting biological materials
Transporting biological materials is a regulated activity, and you must do it following the guidelines and regulations below.
Transport regulations
- The IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations
- The Australia Post Dangerous and Prohibited Goods guidelines
- Australian Code for the Transport of Dangerous Goods by Road and Rail
- International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code (IMDG Code)
- The Office of the Gene Technology Regulator (OGTR), Guidelines for the transport of GMOs
- Australian Standard for packaging for surface transport of biological material that may cause disease in humans, animals and plants (AS 4834). (All Australian Standards are accessible through the library)
- United Nations Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods – Model Regulations
Storing biological materials
Biological containment facilities
Curtin has several biological containment facilities used to contain its biohazardous microbiological/plant/animal research and teaching activities.
We have a number of research facilities that are certified by the Office of the Gene Technology Regulator (OGTR), in which teaching and research with genetically modified organisms can be undertaken. There are PC2-level lab, plant, and animal facilities available.
We have a number of research facilities that are Approved Arrangements by the Department of Agriculture, in which teaching and research with quarantined biosecurity materials can be undertaken. There are QC2-level lab, plant, and animal facilities available.
Accessing research facilities
To access any of these facilities, contact the biosafety advisor, who will direct you to contact the Facility Manager in charge of an appropriate facility.
Alternatively, you can apply to have your current facility Certified or Approved by contacting the biosafety advisor.