Introduction

Staff who wish to send packages out of SLS via stores need to ensure that they consider the health and safety of stores staff, as well as anyone else who may come into contact with the package. Please pay attention to the points below. Detailed information about shipping can be found here and this is the Stores Outgoing Packages Form.

Large Shipments Not Covered

This guidance relates ONLY to packages being sent out via stores using DHL, FEDEX or World Courier. Large items that are being picked up by specialist courier companies are not covered and shipping of these MUST be arranged directly with the courier. However, you should still liaise with stores staff regarding such items, since they will almost certainly also need to leave SLS via stores and the stores staff need to know about this.

Maximum Weight Limit

Remember that stores staff and the courier agent have to move and lift packages by hand. Therefore packages must be of a reasonable weight and size. In particular, packages MUST NOT have a gross weight of more than 20Kg. This includes the weight of dry ice in the package and the container itself. How can you tell if a package weighs less than 20Kg before taking it to stores? Just try lifting it yourself - if you can easily lift it by yourself, it is less than 20Kg.

Will it Fit on the Scales?

The package must fit on the scales that stores staff use to weigh packages.

Is it Packaged Properly?

The contents must be packaged appropriately for the material being sent. The SLS H&S team can advise on the type of packaging that is needed for certain types of material (for example, known pathogens and/or packages containing dry ice). Please note that World Courier has been found to be the most reliable and straightforward courier for shipping pathogens. It is therefore strongly recommended that World Courier are used for such shipments. Some helpful advice with regard to packaging of pathogens has been produced by the World Health Organisation.

Take to Stores in Good Time

The packages being sent and accompanying documentation must be provided to stores by the cut-off times stipulated (currently 11:30am) in order for them to be sent the same day that they are brought down to stores. As a minimum, you must bring down a completed Stores Outgoing Package Form. However, if you are shipping dangerous agents of any kind, you will probably also need other documentation. Before attempting to ship such items, you should seek advice on what is needed.

Updated: 04/04/2016