Narrative:

Ramp crew provided a [load report] which indicated 104lbs of freight. First officer (first officer) stated that while doing his preflight walk around he noticed that the cargo was human tissue. The [load report] did not indicate the cargo was anything more than freight. The [load report] also did not indicate that it was a UN3373. Captain went to baggage compartment and checked the packages for any labels. There were no UN3373 labels on the package or any other hazardous materials markings or labels seen; there was; however; a large bright label that stated 'tissue under quarantine: not yet determined suitable for transportation in its current form'. After not seeing an appropriate UN3373 label and seeing a label expressly stating that the package may not be safe for transportation; the captain refused the package. The ground crew complied with the captain's instructions and were very cooperative. The captain contacted the chief pilot to discuss the issue with him. There were no further issues.the first officer mentioned seeing the human tissue cargo to the captain. After noticing that biological material was not annotated on the [load report] the captain checked the cargo himself to ensure compliance.biological material was loaded on to the aircraft without being appropriately documented or vetted. While a notoc (notice to captain) is only required if biological material contains dry ice; that biological material must still be labeled properly and be indicated on the [load report] as UN3373. Without these labels there is no way to determine if the biological material is acceptable to carry. Neither an appropriate UN3373 label nor [load report] indication were used.the biological material was removed from the aircraft.better training on appropriate hazmat markings; labels; notification; and acceptance.

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Original NASA ASRS Text

Title: EMB-145 First Officer reported Hazmat cargo labeled not suitable for air transport in cargo compartment. Package removed prior to departure.

Narrative: Ramp crew provided a [Load Report] which indicated 104lbs of freight. FO (First Officer) stated that while doing his preflight walk around he noticed that the cargo was human tissue. The [Load Report] did not indicate the cargo was anything more than freight. The [Load Report] also did not indicate that it was a UN3373. Captain went to baggage compartment and checked the packages for any labels. There were no UN3373 labels on the package or any other hazardous materials markings or labels seen; there was; however; a large bright label that stated 'TISSUE UNDER QUARANTINE: NOT YET DETERMINED SUITABLE FOR TRANSPORTATION IN ITS CURRENT FORM'. After not seeing an appropriate UN3373 label and seeing a label expressly stating that the package may not be safe for transportation; the Captain refused the package. The ground crew complied with the Captain's instructions and were very cooperative. The Captain contacted the Chief Pilot to discuss the issue with him. There were no further issues.The FO mentioned seeing the human tissue cargo to the captain. After noticing that biological material was not annotated on the [Load Report] the Captain checked the cargo himself to ensure compliance.Biological material was loaded on to the aircraft without being appropriately documented or vetted. While a NOTOC (Notice to Captain) is only required if biological material contains dry ice; that biological material must still be labeled properly and be indicated on the [Load Report] as UN3373. Without these labels there is no way to determine if the biological material is acceptable to carry. Neither an appropriate UN3373 label nor [Load Report] indication were used.The biological material was removed from the aircraft.Better training on appropriate Hazmat markings; labels; notification; and acceptance.

Data retrieved from NASA's ASRS site and automatically converted to unabbreviated mixed upper/lowercase text. This report is for informational purposes with no guarantee of accuracy. See NASA's ASRS site for official report.