March 2020
Marieke Bielle product manager at leading logistics solutions and access technology specialist Zarges, discusses the unique challenges facing the healthcare system as it responds to the Covid-19 pandemic and the products that are available that will guarantee the safe and secure transportation of clinical samples and hazardous materials.
“Following the Prime Minister’s announcement of an immediate UK-wide lockdown, it is clear by now that Britain, as with much of the rest of the world, is facing a crisis totally unprecedented in modern times. Indeed, it is fair to say that the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic is being felt by every business, across every industry, throughout the UK.
“However, nowhere is this impact more keenly felt than in the healthcare sector, which is sitting at the very forefront of the global fight back against COVID-19. Doctors, nurses and pharmaceutical specialists at hospitals nationwide are working around the clock to treat those in need, and ensure the spread of the virus is mitigated as much as possible.
“For these exceptionally brave healthcare professionals to do their job as effectively as possible, they need access to the right equipment; equipment that is ergonomically designed and has been rigorously tested to the most stringent hygiene standards.
“Over the coming days and weeks, we can expect to see the requirement for packaging for hazardous and biohazard material, alongside ultra-hygienic containers, grow – a demand Zarges is committed to meeting. That’s why we are working hard to secure our supply chain to ensure we can continue to provide our precision manufactured, stringently tested cases to where they are needed the most – the health service.
“Zarges K470 hazardous goods containers fulfil all requirements for shipping and transporting clinical specimens suspected of containing coronaviruses (2019-nCoV). They are also approved in accordance with UN 3291, UN 3373 UN 2814 and UN 2900 accreditation – the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) framework for safe packaging.
“The certification enables the K470 to be used by any transport operator, allowing clinical specimens to be safely transport to laboratories and research centres for testing, analysis and identification.
“With tough aluminium casing that can withstand a drop test of up to nine metres, the containers come with an easy-to-use zip seal, for quick and effortless opening and sealing. What’s more, the bags have been manufactured in accordance with Packaging Instruction P620 or P650; the regulation for the packaging of infectious substances.
“In instances where temperature-controlled transport must be considered, Zarges also offers an insulating container suitable for the K470, which can be used with dry ice to ensure samples don’t spoil.
“In total, Zarges offers 25 hazardous goods containers across it’s range; varying in capacity from 13 litres to 829 litres. What’s more, Zarges can also provide a completely bespoke manufacturing package, developing containers in non-standard sizes to best meet the needs of the end-user.
“We understand that the healthcare sector is facing a unique challenge like no other they’ve previously experienced, and are doing a truly fantastic job. That’s why Zarges is committed to standing alongside them, providing the equipment they need to do their jobs as efficiently and, most importantly, safely as possible.”
For more information, please contact Jake Smith at HROC on jake.smith@hroc.co.uk / 07527 304176.