Sources around the world

["James W. Tracy" <james.tracy@nist.gov>]

According to the IATA regulations Table 10.4A., the "Activity concentration 

for exempt material" is 1E4 Bq/gram and the "Activity limit for an exempt 

consignment" is 1E6 Bq for Fe55.  Your source (50 uCi source) is 1.8E6 Bq 

so unless your source is > 186 grams your package is considered a 

radioactive shipment.



It sounds like your employees are carrying these in there luggage.  To the 

best of my knowledge (IATA sec 2.3), radioactive shipments (even limited 

quantity) are not permitted in personal baggage.  If this is the case you 

may have a larger problem.



Jim Tracy

NIST

email: james.tracy@nist.gov







Date: Mon, 22 Mar 2004 15:10:48 -0500

From: "Bob Westerdale" <Bob.Westerdale@ametek.com>

Subject: Sealed sources 'round the world



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Hi-

Our company makes SiLi X-ray detectors used on SEMs and other X-Ray

fluorescence analytical systems.   Our service engineers use small,

generally licensed ( 50 uCi) sealed Fe-55 sources for calibration and

general troubleshooting.  Since 9-11,  our guys frequently have problems

at airports,  generally as a result of the inspections performed on their

toolbags ( not as a result of setting off any Rad. detectors).    The

Inspectors  go to 'full point' ( bird-dog reference) at the sign of the

trefoil symbol on the tiny box the source lives in,  resulting in more

than a few expensive travel delays.

Can anyone provide any guidance on how to avoid this problem, in both

domestic ( US) flights and International travel as well?   A letter from

the Company?   A note from the NRC?   We are an NRC license holder for the

stronger sources used in our factory in the US.    I can appreciate the

extra security,  but must we consider a 50 microcurie Fe-55 source to be a

candidate for a WMD project?

         Thanks!!

                 Bob Westerdale





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