Re: Sealed sources 'round the world

["Roy Parker" <royaparker@COMPUSERVE.COM>]

Bob,



Unfortunately the carriage of 50 uCi Fe-55 in carry-on or checked baggage is not permitted.  The new exempt consignment value for Fe-55 is 27 uCi, so therefore 50 uCi is defined as radioactive material for the purpose of transportation.  So although 100 uCi Fe-55 is an exempt quantity pursuant to NRC and Agreement State regulations it is not exempt for the purpose of transportation pursuant to Department of Transportation, Title 49 Parts 100-185.  See 49 CFR 175.25(a)(1) for the regulations pertaining to the carriage as carry-on or checked baggage.



You have two choices: (1) change your check source activity to no greater than 27 uCi, if you can.  Then it is not defined as radioactive for transportation purposes.  But with increased radiation monitoring of transportation activities you should still be prepared to explain the Fe-55 27 uCi (maximum) check source is not defined as radioactive material for transportation purposes and that could be an uphill battle; or (2) the 50 uCi Fe-55 will qualify as a "limited quantity of material" and therefore could be shipped as Radioactive Material, Excepted Package - Limited Quantity of Material, 7, UN2910.  (If you need assistance on how to prepare an "Excepted Package" please contact me.)



Roy A. Parker, Ph.D.

roy@royparker.org

Tel: 225-924-1473

Fax: 225-924-4269





  ----- Original Message ----- 

  From: Bob Westerdale 

  To: radsafe@list.Vanderbilt.Edu 

  Sent: Monday, March 22, 2004 2:10 PM

  Subject: Sealed sources 'round the world







  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