The "For Radioactive Materials Use Only" sign is generally used to fulfill the requirements of 49 CFR 173.443(d). This allows more lenient free release criteria for vehicles which have delivered an exclusive use shipment of radioactive material. The general free release criteria, in 49 CFR 173.443(c) are: (1) less than 0.5 mrem/hr at each accessible surface, and (2) no significant removable surface contamination (< 22 cpm/cm2 beta-gamma and low toxicity alpha, < 2.2 dpm/cm2 high toxicity alpha). If a closed transport vehicle is used solely for radioactive material packages and is marked, "For Radioactive Materials Use Only" in letters at least 76 mm high on both sides, then the free release criteria are: (1) < 10 mrem/hr at any interior surface, and (2) < 2 mrem/hr at 1 m from any interior surface. A canvas top could make this a "closed vehicle". The opinions expressed are strictly mine. It's not about dose, it's about trust. Bill Lipton liptonw@detroitedison.com
- To: Multiple recipients of list <radsafe>
- Subject: A Radioactive Transportation Puzzle
- From: VERNIG.PETER@FORUM.VA.GOV
- Date: 28 Jan 98 10:07:34
- Reply-to: UNIX2.DECO.COM:radsafe@romulus.ehs.uiuc.edu
- Sender: radsafe@romulus.ehs.uiuc.edu
Group, I live about five miles South of Rocky Flats Environmental Center or whatever they call themselves now. As I was waiting for a light on the road that goes North past the flats, a semi drove by. The trailer was what I would call a rock or dirt haulter. Cross section a rounded rectangle. Usually open on top but they can [and usually should] have a canvas tarp top pulled over the load to keep things from bouncing out and dinging windshields. I'm sure you've all seen this type of trailer, though my description isn't to good. They are used to haul dirt, rock sand, agregate, rubble, etc. Now the puzzle. It had a small white with black lettering sign that said "For Radioactive Materials Use Only". Anybody got any clues? I'm just curious. As far as I know Rocky Flats' Pu contaminated materials is all in drums and I don't know of anything going on out there that would use a truck like that. Ft. Saint Vrain is done decommissioning, I think and I can't see why a truck from there would be on that road. Oh BTW the trailer was apparently empty. Peter G. Vernig, VA Medical Center, Denver Please reply to vernig.peter@forum.va.gov