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RADIATION SAFETY MANUAL
Section 7: Transport

INDEX
7.0 Introduction
7.1 All Packages
7.2 Expected Packages

7.0 INTRODUCTION
There is sometimes a need to transport radioactive materials between academic institutions, hospitals, and other medical facilities in such a way that no aspect of public safety is compromised. These guidelines may assist by:

  1. providing specific instructions
  2. ensuring uniformity of practice and
  3. minimising any radiation consequences in the event of a transport accident

The transport of radioactive substances within NSW is governed by the Radiation Control Regulation (1993). That Regulation species that the transport must conform to the detailed requirements contained in the Code of Practice for the Safe Transport of Radioactive Substances (1990), published by the Department of Arts, Sport, the Environment, Tourism and the Territories of the Commonwealth.

The Code of Practice is very comprehensive. Consequently, the guidelines that follow have been extracted and compiled solely for the purpose of this document.

The Code of Practice, specifies a classification of “Excepted Packages”. Packages in this classification are exempt from many of the stringent requirements which otherwise must be followed.

If a package does not meet the “Excepted Packages” classification, then it must be transported as a “Type A” or “Type B” package. These latter packages must fulfil the detailed requirements of the Code of Practice. These requirements are more stringent in that the package has to satisfy various performance tests such as drop and penetration tests to demonstrate an ability to withstand the normal conditions of transport. It is suggested that if a type A or type B package has to be transported, then the advice of the establishment’s Radiation Safety Officer is obtained, or the Radiation Control session of the EPA should be contacted for directions.

Please note that these are draft guidelines prepared for consideration by the Radiation Advisory Council of NSW. They have not yet been formally ratified, but are the only guidelines available at the present time.

7.1 ALL PACKAGES
Instructions to Sender for the Transport of Radioactive Materials Between Hospitals, Universities, Research and Other Medical Establishments

  1. No radioactive material shall be moved out of any establishment without the prior approval of the licensee responsible for that material.
  2. Any procedure used to transport radioactive material from an establishment must be approved beforehand by the Radiation Protection Officer of the establishment despatching the material.
  3. The material must be packaged appropriately:

    •  A liquid must be contained in a sealed labelled vial.
    • Place the vial or other source in a labelled shielded (lead etc) container with sufficient liquid absorber. Close the container with a tight fitting lid, and tape.
    • Place the shielded container in another sealable container (paint tin is acceptable), pack well with cushioning material, label “RADIOACTIVE” and give the name and activity of the compound, and the date.
    • Place this sealed container with an outer transport box with cushioning material to prevent movement within the box. Seal and label the box.
  4. Measure the surface dose rate and record. Check that there is no contamination on the outer surface.
  5. Determine whether the package can be classified as an “Excepted Package”. For this classification:
    • The activity must be less than that listed in Appendix VIII.
    • The surface contamination must be less than 0.4 Bq/cm2.
    • The surface dose rate must be less than 5 uSv/h (0.5 mrem/h)
    • If the package does not comply with the "Excepted Package" criteria, then the transport must comply with the full requirements of Type A or Type B packages. If there is doubt as to the compliance of a package, seek the advice of the Radiation Protection Officer

  6. Radionuclide Consignment Note.
  7. Label the package with the name and address of addressee. The package must also bear the sender’s name and address.
  8. For transport between different campus sites or hospitals within the Newcastle area a consignment note is not required. Only University staff may be used and then only when they are made fully aware of the nature of the package and what procedures to take in the event of an accident.
  9. There must be a description of the goods complying with all requirements of these guidelines taped to the outside of the package.
  10. For transport to other institutions outside Newcastle again it would be preferable to use University staff. In most cases this should be the licensee. If there is no alternative to using a transport company. You should contact your local Radiation Safety Officer.

7.2 EXCEPTED PACKAGES

 7.2.1

Instructions to Sender

  1. The activity must be less than the value listed in Appendix VIII.
  2. The radiation level at any point on the external surface must be less than 5 uSv/h.
  3. The non-fixed radioactive contamination on any external surface must be less than 0.4 Bq/cm2
  4. The package must bear the marking:- “RADIOACTIVE” on an internal surface in such a manner that a warning of the presence of radioactive material is visible on opening the package.
  5. The consignor shall include in the transport documents with each consignment, the United Nations Number: “2910" and all items shall be described as: “RADIOACTIVE MATERIAL, EXCEPTED PACKAGE”, and shall include the proper shipping name of the substance or article being transported ie “LIMITED QUANTITY OF MATERIAL”.
 7.2.2

 Package Design

  1. The package must retain its contents under conditions likely to be encountered in routine transport.
  2. The package shall be so designed in relation to its mass, volume and shape that it can be easily and safely handled and transported. In addition, the package shall be so designed that it can be properly secured in or on the conveyance during transport.
  3. As far as practicable, the packaging shall be so designed and finished that the external surfaces are free from protruding features and can be easily decontaminated.
  4. As far as practicable, the outer layer of the package shall be so designed as to prevent the collection and the retention of water.
  5. Any features added to the package at the time of transport which are not part of the package shall not reduce its safety.
  6. The package shall be capable of withstanding the effects of any acceleration, vibration or vibration resonance which may arise under conditions likely to be encountered in routine transport without any deterioration in the effectiveness of the closing devices on the various receptacles or in the integrity of the package as a whole. In particular, nuts, bolts and other securing devices shall be so designed as to prevent them from becoming loose or being released unintentionally, even after repeated use.
  7. The materials of the packaging and any components or structures shall be physically and chemically compatible with each other and with the radioactive contents. Account shall be taken of their behaviour under irradiation.
  8. All valves through which the radioactive contents could otherwise escape shall be protected against unauthorised operation.
  9. For radioactive material having other dangerous properties the package design shall take into account those properties.
 7.2.3

 Instructions to Transporter

  1. A courier approved by the Radiation Advisory Council should be used to transport the package whenever possible. (At this stage there are no approved couriers.)
  2. The University’s vehicles may be used to transport the package provided the driver has been instructed in how to handle and secure the package in the vehicle and in the actions to be taken in case of an accident or an emergency. Written instructions must also be provided - see the kit in the Appendix VIX.
  3. When the matter is urgent, private cars may be used (insurance provisions may apply). A person is conversant with the hazards involved and with handling emergency situations, (preferably licensed to use the radioactive material being transported), must either drive the vehicle transporting the material, or must accompany the driver.
  4. The package must be addressed and delivered to a specific licensed person. It must not be addressed generally to a “School”, nor delivered to some specified “area” or “front desk”. It must be transferred to the custody of a person and certainly not left at an unattended location.
  5. The person to whom the package is to be delivered should be advised of the time of despatch and expected delivery time.
 7.2.3

 Type A or Type B Packages

  1. Type A or Type B packages must be packaged and labelled in accordance with the Transport Code of Practice.
  2. Type A or Type B packages must be transported by carriers approved by the Radiation Advisory Council.
  3. Type A packages must not have an activity greater than A1 (for solid or capsule) of A2 (for special form - eg liquid and gases) of the radioactive material (see Appendix VIII).
  4. If a package has an activity greater than A1 or A2, it must be packaged as a Type B package.