Leak Testing

DOE-HDBK-1129-99

Any system for containing liquid is adequately sealed and has adequate space or other

specified provision for expansion of the liquid.

Any pressure relief device is operable and set in accordance with written procedures.

Any structural part of the package that could be used to lift or tie down the package during

transport is rendered inoperable for that purpose, unless it satisfies the design requirements of

10 CFR 71.45. (See Section 7.2.3.)

Accessible package surface temperatures will not exceed the limits in 10 CFR 71.43 at any

time during transportation. (See Section 7.2.3.)

7.3.3 Leak Testing

Leak testing is required for radioactive materials shipments in Type B packages to ensure that the

tritium is contained within the package. The package must be leak-tight as defined by American

National Standards Institute (ANSI) N14.5. Assembly verification and maintenance verification

leak testing requirements will be noted in the CoC for the Type B package.

Packages that contain liquid in excess of the A2 quantity for tritium (40 TBq or 1,080 Ci) and

intended for air shipment must be tested to show that they will not leak under an ambient

atmospheric pressure of not more than 25 kPa, absolute (3.6 psia). The test must be conducted to

determine compliance with this requirement on the entire containment system or on any receptacle

or vessel within the containment system.

7.3.4 Preparation for Shipment

For each shipment of more than 40TBq (1080 Ci) of radioactive material, DOE Order 460.2

requires the contractor to notify the shipment consignee of the dates of the shipment, the expected

date of arrival, and any special loading or unloading instructions. Placarding for tritium shipments

is required if the packages are labeled with Radioactive Yellow III labels or for exclusive use

shipments. Marking, labeling, and shipping paper requirements from 49 CFR 172 need to be

evaluated for each shipment of hazardous materials.

7.4 Documentation and Records

The 10 CFR 71.1 record may be the original or a reproduced copy. A microform may be used

provided that authorized personnel authenticate the copy. The record may also be stored in

electronic media with the capability for producing legible, accurate, and complete records during

the required retention period. Each record must be legible throughout the retention period

specified by regulation. Records such as letters, drawings, and specifications must include all

pertinent information such as stamps, initials, and signatures. The licensee shall maintain

adequate safeguards against tampering with and loss of records.

The requirements of 10 CFR 71.91 are as follows:

Each licensee shall maintain for a period of three years after shipment a record of each

shipment of licensed material not exempt under 10 CFR 71.10, showing where applicable:

-- Identification of the packaging by model number;

-- Verification that there are no significant defects in the packaging, as shipped;

-- Volume and identification of coolant;