Purpose of Procedure: The purpose of this procedure is to establish standards for packing medical equipment and components (Contents) to withstand the rigors of various methods of shipment. These rigors include, but are not limited to, environmental conditions, uneven terrain, transport, handling and exposure which may cause corrosion, deterioration, and/or physical damage. The procedure shall be used as a guideline for any packing services provided to Block Imaging. Vendor may take additional precautions to ensure safety of Contents throughout transport. Vendor shall make best efforts to protect the Contents to arrive in the same condition they were in prior to packaging. Vendor agrees to comply and accept responsibility for any claim that may result from inadequate packaging. Block Imaging may delay or withhold payment if Vendor does not demonstrate compliance with this procedure.
Procedure: Vendor shall select the appropriate materials for the size and weight of the application for which they are intended. New, sound material will be used. The use of salvaged packing materials is prohibited. Vendor shall take all appropriate steps to protect the Contents, including but not limited to: using/making adequate internal packaging, using/making adequate shipping containers and other specific requirements. The following exposures are to be considered, as well as any other potential hazard to the Contents: (a) Multiple handling points during shipment, (b) Shock, vibration, tipping, and static load imposed by handling or stacking during shipment, (c) Loading on ship or aircraft deck, offshore unloading and inland transport, (d) Outdoor storage in all climatic zones, and (e) Humidity in the form of water or water-vapor.
Internal Packaging: Vendor shall design and use any internal blocking, bracing, shock mounting, vapor-proofing, preservation, and shrouding required to maintain a safe environment for the transport of Contents. Internal components which may move or shift in shipment shall be cushioned or immobilized to prevent damage. The characteristics of each item being shipped must be evaluated for susceptibility to damage and protected.
Internal Wrapping and Cushioning. Vendor shall provide adequate wrapping, interleaving, and/or cushioning of smaller items to protect against damage from shock, rubbing, and vibration. Larger items (particularly those packed in wooden crates) may require specifically designed shock mounting based on the characteristics of the item being packed.
Anti-static Protection. Commercially available anti-static packaging materials are required to package items that may be damaged by static build-up. Electro-Static Discharge Sensitive (ESDS) items shall be protected from static discharge while handling.
Vapor-Barrier Protection. Vendor shall prevent vapor damage using the following method or another appropriate method, given the nature of the Contents and method of shipment. Vendor will use a flexible non-porous bag or shroud fabricated from a laminated film (polyethylene-aluminum-mylar). Vendor shall seal and evacuate ambient air and utilize appropriate quantity of desiccant.
Vibration and Shock-mounting. To fullest extent practical, larger components shall be bolted to bases, blocked, braced, banded, and/or shock mounted to protect against shipping and handling hazards. Care shall be taken in the engineering and design of cushioning to assure that the item is neither cushioned too rigidly (which will transfer shock) nor too softly (which may produce harmonic vibration or no cushion value). “Skid Mates” are an acceptable form of cushioning, if used according to manufacturer’s specifications.
Wooden Shipping Containers: Any shipping container Vendor uses shall protect Contents, to the extent practicable, from the hazards of shipping. Vendor shall comply with the following minimum requirements and relevant industry standards for containers:
(a) All crates will be sheathed plywood design, constructed from 3/8” minimum CDX or better plywood.
(b) Lumber used for framing and seams shall provide sufficient structure to support the crate and its Contents. (1x4, 1x6, or 2x2 lumber, ¾” CDX plywood, etc).
(c) All crates shall have decks fabricated from 3/4” minimum CDX or better plywood or equivalent lumber. For larger or heavier crates, 2” thick lumber decking shall be used.
(d) Skid runners of sufficient size and quantity shall be used per industry standards. Skid Mates are acceptable, if used according to manufacturer’s specifications.
Specific Requirements.
Standard 20’/40’ Containers: It is the preference of Block Imaging to utilize containers of standard height. All efforts shall be made to avoid the need for high cube containers, open top containers, flat racks, or other specialized equipment.
Shock Indicators. Appropriate Shock Watch indicators (based on the packaging’s weight and cubic feet) or equivalent will be affixed to the outside of each crate. Bills of lading or shipping documents will indicate use of Shock Watch indicators. Vendor shall also place indicator(s) inside packaging. Photos shall be taken of all affixed, intact indicators.
Tip-over Indicators. TiltWatch indicators shall be affixed to the side and end panel of each crate. Vendor shall place additional indicators within the packaging. Bills of lading and shipping documents will indicate use of Tip-N-Tell indicators. Photos shall be taken of all affixed, intact indicators.
Compliance with Laws. Vendor shall comply with all applicable laws, regulations and requirements, including but not limited to ISPM 15 standards promulgated by the International Plant Protection Convention - www.ippc.int. For hazardous materials, Vendor must comply with all applicable requirements, laws and regulations. It is mandatory that all applicable regulations are followed and that a certified technician supervises and signs all required documents.
Packing List. Vendor shall create a detailed or itemized packing list describing the Contents of each crate, the weights, dimensions, and number of crates. Vendor shall forward to their contact at Block Imaging.
Deviations. Any deviations from these standards must be approved in advance by Block Imaging. Unless Block Imaging approves a request to deviate from packing requirements set forth in this document (and referenced documents), Vendor shall comply with these procedures. In all cases, Vendor shall undertake reasonable care to prevent damage to the Contents.
Photos. Color photos, preferably digital photos, must be taken of equipment before, during and after crating. Please email digital photos to your contact at Block Imaging (unless otherwise directed).
