Re: Transfer of Radioactive Material to another institution

["Mike Davidson" <DAVIDSON@gtsduratek.com>]

My interpretation of the regulations (49 CFR 173, 10 CFR 71) is that you have a Limited Quantity of radioactive material, since you are much less than 10^-3 times the A1 value from 49 CFR 173.435.   I am assuming a normal form solid.  The material would be exempt from DOT regulations if it had a specific activity  less than 70 Bq/gm.  That is probably not the case, since the specific activity of P-32 is 1.1 x 10^4 TBq/gm, and the material is probably a relatively pure form, perhaps with some sodium or sulfur. So, its regulated whether it gets transported via private carrier, common carrier, or exclusive use carrier.

If the material is to be transported on public highway, the requirement is that it must be packaged in a strong, tight package; the outside of the innermost part of the packaging must be marked with the word "RADIOACTIVE"; and a description of the contents must be included with the package.  If its a liquid form, include in the package twice the amount of absorbent material as would be necessary to absorb the liquid, and indicate "this end up" with an arrow on the outside of the package.  The outside of the package should be surveyed prior to shipment, with radiation levels verified to be less than 0.5 mrem/hr at the surface, and contamination levels less than 22 dpm/cm^2 beta-gamma, 2.2 dpm/cm^2 alpha.  Survey the package again when it reaches its destination.

There is a DOT publication from their Research and Special Program Administration branch called "A Guide for the Inspection of Radioactive Material Shipments", which is reasonably easy to follow.  Of course, its always best to check your administrative policies on transporting RAM.

My judgment only.

Mike Davidson
GTS Duratek
410-312-5121 (voice)
410-290-8995 (fax)
davidson@gtsduratek.com

>>> caspar@aecom.yu.edu 04/04 11:18 AM >>>
Hello! can anybody tell me if there is a minimum amount of material that
can be transported via personal auto. That is does the regulations provide
for an exempt amount for transport. I have a professor asking about
tranferring less than 10 uCi of P-32 to another institution in his car.

You can respond directly to caspar@aecom.yu.edu.

Thank you.

Bob

Robert Casparius, RSO
AECOM
718-430-2243
Department of Environmental Health & Safety

************************************************************************
The RADSAFE Frequently Asked Questions list, archives and subscription
information can be accessed at http://www.ehs.uiuc.edu/~rad/radsafe.html

************************************************************************
The RADSAFE Frequently Asked Questions list, archives and subscription
information can be accessed at http://www.ehs.uiuc.edu/~rad/radsafe.html