Transportation of Radioactive Material

DOE-STD-1098-99

Radiological Control

Radioactive Materials

June 2004

423 Transportation of Radioactive Material

49 CFR 170 through 180 establish requirements for inspecting and surveying packages, containers, and transport

conveyances prior to transport via the public transportation system. These regulations apply to radioactive material

transportation in commerce.

DOE Order 460.1, DOE Order 460.2 and DOE 5610 series Orders provide requirements that are in conformance with 49

CFR requirements for transportation of radioactive material using any conveyance. 10 CFR 835.1(b)(4) excludes

radioactive material transportation activities that are performed in accordance with the applicable transportation

requirements (i.e., DOT or DOE requirements) from the requirements of 10 CFR 835. However, radioactive material

transportation (as defined in 10 CFR 835) does not include preparation of materials for shipment, packaging and

labeling, or performance of radiological monitoring required for occupational radiation protection. Therefore, these

activities shall be conducted in accordance with 10 CFR 835 [see 835.2(a), radioactive material transportation, and

835.1(b)] and should be conducted in accordance with this Standard.

Table 2-2 removable contamination values are more limiting than 49 CFR requirements and should be used as

controlling limits for on-site and off-site transportation when using a conveyance that is owned by DOE. However,

when a shipment is received from an off-site destination, by a non-DOE conveyance, the 49 CFR 173 contamination

values should be applied to all subsequent on-site transfers to the ultimate on-site destination.

On-site transfers over non-public thoroughfares or between facilities on the same site should be performed in

accordance with written procedures utilizing pre -approved routes. The procedures or other measures should

include requirements to ensure appropriate monitorin g and control of the radioactive material and should be

approved by the radiological control organization.

On-site transfers over public thoroughfares by non-DOE conveyance shall be performed in accordance with

Department of Transportation, state, and local shipping requirements and pre -approved agreements. Onsite

transfers over public thoroughfares by DOE conveyance shall be performed in accordance with applicable DOE

Orders and should conform with state and local shipping requirements and pre -approved agreements [see DOE

460.1].

Before shipment and upon receipt of a radioactive material shipment, a visual inspection of packages should be

performed to ensure that packages are not damaged. The inspection should identify dents, flaking paint, debris ,

package orientation, and any indication of leakage.

Before shipment and upon receipt of a radioactive material shipment, a comparison of package count to the shipping

manifest should be made to ensure accountability.

Transport conveyances should be visually inspected prior to loading to ensure the trailers are acceptable for the

intended use.

Transport conveyances should be radiologically surveyed before loading, especially when using commercial

carriers specializing in radioactive transport. The surveys should be adequate to identify any contamination

remaining on the vehicle from previous radioactive material transport evolutions, such that DOE and its contractors

would not be held liable.

10.

Transport of large volumes of radioactive material by non-DOE motor vehicles should be "exclusive use" to prevent

commingling of DOE and other commercial shipments.

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