Transport of

Radioactive Material
Objectives

 By the end of this module, the student will be

able to:
– State the distinction between the two forms of
radioactive material.
– Rank the different regulatory quantities of
radioactive material.
– State the different radioactive material package
types.
– Recognize radioactive material placards,
markings, and labels.
Objectives

– List the types of radioactive materials shipments

which require placarding.
– Briefly explain what is meant by transport index,
and exclusive use.
– Determine the type of label required for given
package dose rates.
– Find relevant useful emergency response
information from placards, labels, and shipping
papers.
– State the maximum dose rates to be found at the
following locations; in the cab, on the outside of a
package, on the outside of a vehicle.
Philosophy

 Safety is based on the package.

 The package integrity depends on the
hazard Level.
Form
Form

 A1 = Maximum special form quantity

allowed in a Type A package.

 A2 = Maximum normal form quantity

allowed in a Type A package.

 Fractions and multiples also used for

other criteria.
Type A Package
Typical Type A Packages
Typical Type
A Packages
Type A Package Tests

Water spray test: for

1 hour (simulated rainfall of
2 inches per hour)

Free Fall Drop Test: onto

Flat, hard surface (4 foot
Drop if package <11,000 lbs)
Type A Package Tests

Compression test: 5 times

Weight of package for
24 hours

Penetration Test: Dropping

13 lb bar (1 ¼” diameter)
Vertically onto package from
3.3 feet
Type A Package
Type B Package Tests
Free Drop: A 9 meter drop onto
A flat, unyielding surface so the
Weakest point is struck

Puncture: a 1-meter free drop

Onto a 15 cm diameter steel
Rod at least 20 cm long,
Striking at the most vulnerable
point
Type B Package Tests
Heat: Exposure of the entire
Package to 800 oC for
30 minutes

Immersion: Package
Immersed under 3 feet of
Water in a position where
Maximum leakage is
expected
Type B Package
Type B Packages
Type B Packages
Limited Quantities

 Exempt from certain packaging and

labeling requirements
 Typically one-thousandth of the A1 or A2
value.
Low Specific Activity

 Low concentration of activity per mass.

 Exempt from certain packaging and
labeling requirements.
Low Specific Activity Container
Highway Route Controlled
Quantity
 Very large quantities.
 30,000 Ci or 3,000 times the A1 or A2
value.
Highway Route Controlled
Quantity
 Route Plan
– Origin and destination
– Route stops
– Departure and arrival times
– Emergency phone number
 Driver Certification
– Name and license number
– Date of written training
– Name and address of instructor
– Driver trained in hazards of HRCQ
Fissile Radioactive Material
Fissile Radioactive Material
Fissile Radioactive Material
Exclusive Use

 Single consignor
 All loading and unloading under
direction of consignor/consignee
Fissile Material

 Capable of undergoing nuclear fission

 Examples
– 235U
– 233U
– 238Pu
– 239Pu
– 241Pu
Transport Index

 A unit-less number used to control

groups of packages
 Radiation level in mrem/hr at 1 meter
 Maximum of 10
 Sum of TI maximum of 50
Requirements for Package Labels
Label Maximum Dose Maximum Dose
Rate on the Rate at 1 meter
Surface (mrem/hr)
(mrem/hr)
Radioactive
White I 0.5 0

Radioactive
Yellow II 50 1

Radioactive
Yellow III 200 10
Radioactive Labels
Placarding

 Not required for all radioactive material

shipments
– Eg. Limited Quantities, White I, and
Yellow II
 Required for all Yellow III
and Exclusive Use
LSA shipments
Proper Shipping Names
Proper Shipping Name United Nations Number

Radioactive material, UN 2918

Fissile, n.o.s.
Radioactive material, UN 2912
LSA, n.o.s.
Radioactive material, UN 2974
special form, n.o.s.
Radioactive material, UN 2910
excepted package,
limited quantity of
material
Uranium hexafluoride, UN 2977
fissile (containing more
than 0.72% 235U)
Placarding
Package Marking

 DOT shipping name and UN number

 Weight (if over 50 kg)
 Type A or B (if applicable)
 Certification or specification (if
applicable)
 Radioactive-LSA (if LSA)
 Name and address of consignor and
consignee
Radioactive Material Accidents

 Few HazMat incidents will involve

radioactive materials
 Handling incidents are most likely
 Most probable transport accident is on
the highway
 Large releases are very unlikely
Shipping Documents

 Proper DOT shipping name

 Class of hazardous material
 UN or NA identification number
 Total quantity
 Name of each radionuclide
 Physical and chemical form
 Activity in each package
 Category or label on each package
 Transport index for Yellow II and Yellow III
Package Marking

 DOT Shipping Name and UN Number

 Weight (if over 50 kg)
 Type A or Type B (if applicable)
 Certification or specification (if
applicable)
 Radioactive – LSA (if LSA)
 Name and Address of
Consignor/Consignee
Monitoring for Radiation Levels

 Non-Exclusive Use Package

Package Surface 200 mrem/hour

2 mSv/hour

1 Meter from 10 mrem/hour

Surface 0.1 mSv/hour
Monitoring for Radiation Levels

 Exclusive Use Vehicle

Contact 200 mrem/hour

2 mSv/hour
1 Meter from 10 mrem/hour
Surface 0.1 mSv/hour
 Radiation Levels on Exclusive
Use Shipments
Location Dose Rate Comments
Cab of Vehicle 2 mrem/hour Except private carrier
0.02 mSv/hour wearing a dosimeter
External Surface 200 mrem/hour Use vertical planes on
of Vehicle 2 mSv/hour outer edges for open
vehicle
2 Meters from 10 mrem/hour Use vertical planes on
Vehicle 0.1 mSv/hour outer edges for open
vehicle
Packages on 200 mrem/hour
Open Vehicle 2 mSv/hour
Packages Inside 1000 mrem/hour
Closed Exclusive 10 mSv/hour
Use Vehicle
External Features

 Security Seal
 General adequacy of package
 Blocking and bracing