[ RadSafe ] Reuse of Spec Packaging

[LAMBORN, CHARLES R.]

Even when tremendous care is exercised in packing,  and using correct packaging, to produce the TYPE A package, Murphy's law is still a serious factor.

Charles Lamborn RSO




-----Original Message-----
From: radsafe-bounces at radlab.nl [mailto:radsafe-bounces at radlab.nl]On
Behalf Of The Wilsons
Sent: Tuesday, July 24, 2007 10:52 AM
To: Mercado, Don
Cc: radsafe
Subject: Re: [ RadSafe ] Reuse of Spec Packaging


I have often found that the suppliers of sources often package beyond 
the minimum requirements for the source being shipped.  To answer your 
question, the classification of the source would have to be known e. g. 
isotope(s), activity, form, and existing packaging.  You should consider 
what the minimum packaging requirements are for the particular source in 
question.

Another consideration is how succeptable is the source to damage during 
shipment and will it possibly loose activity as a result along the way, 
such that it will no longer be useable at the end destination.

Is the source a limited quantity?  Is it a licensed quantity?  Does it 
qualify as a sealed source as the DOT defines a sealed source?

My facility often received sources packaged as you describe, and we sent 
them on in the same packaging because it provided very good physical 
protection and satisfied the packaging requirements for the sources we 
were using.  They were low level and were not licensed quantities.

An option you might consider is locating an unused paint can with the 
pressure fit lid to replace what sounds like a can that has a one time 
opening seal such as a coffee can might have.

The outer most packaging is what satisfies the requirement, so the can 
does not necessarily matter. 

This source of packaging information might help.  
http://www.rampac.com/dot7a/rl96-57/ptoc.htm.

Bob

Mercado, Don wrote:                              
> Happy Monday all,
>
>  
>
> I've been told that the DOT regulations permit you to re-use another
> company's spec packaging as long as it is in good shape. I've looked all
> over for that citation but can't find it. Does anyone know the chapter
> and verse, or even if it exists?
>
>  
>
> Here is my situation: I receive sources in 7A Type A packaging from a
> vendor. I leak test, open the package, do my thing with paperwork, add
> an internal tracking number, yadda yadda. Now I have to forward it on to
> the end user in another city. Can I legally put the source back into the
> original container, seal it with a tape that is different than the
> vendor's, and ship it without having package testing documentation from
> the packaging supplier? The internal container has been compromised
> because the source comes sealed in a pop-top can. The pop-top is gone.
>
>  
>
> Thank you in advance for your help.
>
>  
>
> Donald P. Mercado
>
> Radiation Safety Officer
>
> Explosives Safety Officer
>
> Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company
>
> O/9K-2S, B/157
>
> 1111 Lockheed Martin Way
>
> Sunnyvale, CA 94089
>
> Ph. (408) 742-0759
>
> Fx. (408) 756-0504
>
> Don.Mercado at lmco.com
>
>  
>
> "Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving
> safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in
> broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming 
> -- WOW!!! -- What a Ride!!!"
>
>  
>
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