Quality Assurance/Control Requirements

DOE-HDBK-1129-99

49 CFR 173.473 - Requirements for foreign-made packages.

In addition to other applicable requirements of this subchapter, each shipper of a foreign-made

Type B, Type B(U), Type B(M), or fissile material package for which a competent authority

certificate is required by the IAEA "Regulations for the Safe Transport of Radioactive Materials,

Safety Series No. 6" should also comply with the requirements in 49 CFR 173.473.

7.5 Quality Assurance/Control Requirements

7.5.1 DOT Quality Control Requirements

Quality control requirements for packaging and transportation are defined in 10 CFR 71 and

49 CFR 173.

10 CFR 71.37 Quality Assurance

The applicant shall describe the quality assurance program (see subpart H of this part) for the

design, fabrication, assembly, testing, maintenance, repair, modification, and use of the

proposed package.

The applicant shall identify any established codes and standards proposed for use in package

design, fabrication, assembly, testing, maintenance, and use. In the absence of any codes and

standards, the applicant shall describe the basis and rationale used to formulate the package

quality assurance program.

The applicant shall identify any specific provisions of the quality assurance program which are

applicable to the particular package design under consideration, including a description of the

leak testing procedures.

49 CFR 173.474 Quality control for construction of packaging

Prior to the first use of any packaging for the shipment of radioactive material, the shipper shall

determine that

-- The packaging meets the quality of design and construction requirements as specified in

this subchapter; and

-- The effectiveness of the shielding, containment, and, when required, the heat transfer

characteristics of the package, are within the limits specified for the package design.

49 CFR 173.475 Quality control requirements prior to each shipment of radioactive materials.

Before each shipment of any radioactive materials package, the shipper shall ensure by

examination or appropriate tests, that

-- The package is proper for the contents to be shipped;

-- The package is in unimpaired physical condition, except for superficial marks;

-- Each closure device of the packaging, including any required gasket, is properly installed,

secured, and free of defects;

-- Each special instruction for filling, closing and preparation of the packaging for shipment

has been followed;

-- Each closure, valve, or other opening of the containment system through which the

radioactive content might escape is properly closed and sealed;