Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2000/10/31
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]When I first started using the "biohazard" trick I thought I should make the package as repulsive-looking as possible, but I quickly found that the people that I am trying to protect against (professional thieves who work inside the air transport system) know what ordinary medical packaging looks like, and my "try to scare them" labels stuck out like a sore thumb. I almost lost a $25K test instrument that way. (It vanished for 3 days, then turned up without explanation of the delay). Once I learned what biohazard packaging looks like in real life, I copied that and have had absolutely no problems since. The actual US Federal rules for biohazard shipment are here. Be glad you don't have to follow them. http://www.cdc.gov/od/ohs/biosfty/shipregs.htm Real biohazard stuff is not shipped in Zero Halliburton cases because (a) they are too expensive, and (b) they are too easy to open. I prefer the Pelican 1600, which comes in a silver color. It's trivial to paint it white; whatever it's made out of, paint clings to it really well. See http://www.pelican.com/product/cases/ for pictures, and http://www.pelican.com/product/cases/1600case.htm for specifications and prices. Note that (compared to Zero Halliburton, at least), they're cheap. Real biohazard material is never padlocked; it's sealed. So instead of locking the cases, I put very thick red cable ties into the padlock holes, and "seal" the cable ties with red low-temperature glue sticks, which can be had at any craft store, especially around Christmastime. This all might sound very complex, but it's not. Put the gear in the box. Close it. Seal it. Hot-glue the seals. Go to airport. I carry extra cable ties and the glue gun in my clothing suitcase, and I usually have a few cable ties in my pocket for clearing customs. You can cut a cable tie with toenail clippers, which won't raise eyebrows at security the way a knife or scissors will. Brian