Transportation accident

[Keith Welch <welch@jlab.org>]

Susan,

As noted previously, there are levels of distinction used in the
placarding of radioactive transport. A thorough read of 49CFR will
reveal the details.

Also, note that although a container is empty, placarding of a vehicle
might still be required (at least the way I read the reg).   I would
think it's somewhat unusual to have to placard a vehicle for an empty
container, but I don't think it's impossible.  Most probably would come
into play with containers which were used for LSA or SCO that might have
residual contamination. (Anyone have any experience with placards under
such a situation?)  I didn't read the original article, so I apologize
if I'm not picking up the thread on an accurate note.  If, in fact the
containers were decontaminated or otherwise given a  free release, then
of course there would not be a need for placards.

Keith Welch
welch@jlab.org
-----------------

> The following is an except from a recent message about "False Fears Jam
> Kennedy"
>
> > "It was transporting approximately 25 empty containers, each marked
> > radioactive,
> > when it smacked the top of the Hubbard Street bridge, overturned and dumped the
> > containers, according to Bob Fleischmann, an official with the Illinois
> > Department of Transportation.
>
> The public was right to be fearful.  Radiation markings are to warn
> people of potential danger.  If these markings were not removed from
> cylinders that had met free release standards, than the D&D company
> should be held accountable.  If these were DOT placards that were no
> longer valid, the transportation company may even be subject to an
> enforcement action.
>
> I see a lot of posts with transportation questions.  RadSafers should be
> aware that there are lots of regulations governing transportation of
> radioactive materials on public streets and by common carriers.  Consult
> with the Dept. of Transportation (DOT) if you have a question.  It's
> better to navigate the bureaucracy than end up with a mega fine over a
> stupid incident.
>
> One gripe of mine, however, is that with radioactive substances, one
> placard covers all situations.  We know that the risks can vary
> enormously, depending on the material and quantity.  This is of special
> concern to the emergency services who first respond to an accident.
> Perhaps this is an area where radiation experts can work with the DOT to
> divide the radiation placards into categories, much like what is done
> for explosives.
>




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