Who is responsible for ensuring compliance when transporting biohazardous materials?

The responsibility for ensuring compliance when transporting biohazardous materials falls primarily on the person preparing the materials. This is because the individual preparing the materials is typically the one who has the most direct knowledge of the content, its classification as a biohazard, and the specific regulatory requirements that must be followed to ensure safe handling and transportation.

The person preparing the materials must adhere to all relevant guidelines and regulations, such as those outlined by the Department of Transportation (DOT) or the International Air Transport Association (IATA), which include proper labeling, packaging, documentation, and hazard communication. This compliance is critical in mitigating risks associated with the potential exposure to pathogens and ensuring that the materials do not pose a threat to public safety or health during transport.

While the shipping company and the receiving facility may have roles in the overall process, primarily in the execution of transport operations and receiving protocols, the initial preparer is tasked with the pivotal responsibility of confirming that all transport requirements are met before the materials leave their facility.