1. Multi-Modal Radioactive Shipping
Radioactive Material Production, Transportation, Use, and Possible Misuse
Multi-Modal Radioactive Shipping

2. Radioactive Material Production, Transportation, and Use
Radioactive Material Production, Transportation, Use, and Possible Misuse
Radioactive Material Production, Transportation, and Use
The creation, shipping, and use of radioactive material is highly regulated (IAEA, NRC, DOT, etc.).
High activity sources can only be produced by sophisticated methods (e.g. reactors & accelerators).
High activity sources can only be obtained after special licensing to ensure their safe use and their security.
Similar regulations exist in other countries were radioactive material is produced or used.

3. Shielding Requirements Limit Portability
Radioactive Material Production, Transportation, Use, and Possible Misuse
Shielding Requirements Limit Portability
For sources: the higher the activity, the more shielding you require to transport the source.
Density sources:
typically 1.5 Ci to 2 Ci.
120 Lbs
Neutron sources:
4 to 19 Ci
130 to 200 Lbs
Large Densometer:
55 mCi
68 to 275 Lbs

4. Portable Radiography Sources
Radioactive Material Production, Transportation, Use, and Possible Misuse
Portable Radiography Sources
“Top strength” industrial radiography sources can burn fingers and cause radiation sickness within a few minutes.
Effects drop off dramatically with distance. Outside of 3 meters, acute effects rare even after hours of exposure.
Sources are constructed to meet rigorous testing standards. A typical source is encapsulated in two (2) TIG welded Stainless Steel Capsules.
Source material itself is often metal (Cobalt or Iridium) or embedded on non-soluble ceramics or “microspheres” to prevent inhalation of radioactive material if the source encapsulation is breached.

5. High Activity Source Transportation
Radioactive Material Production, Transportation, Use, and Possible Misuse
High Activity Source Transportation
Containers that ship high activity sources are meant to withstand very punishing accident conditions.

6. Conclusion: Radioactive Material Production, Transportation, and Use
Radioactive Material Production, Transportation, Use, and Possible Misuse
Conclusion: Radioactive Material Production, Transportation, and Use
High activity radioactive material is highly regulated.
Industrial sources are very robust and made not to leak.
When dangerous quantities are shipped, the material is put in a container capable of withstanding harsh accident conditions.
Very high activity industrial/medical sources are facility based and difficult to remove.

7. How Might High Activity Radioactive Material be Misused?
Radioactive Material Production, Transportation, Use, and Possible Misuse
How Might High Activity Radioactive Material be Misused?
Expose people to an external source of radiation.
Disperse radioactive material using conventional means.
Explosively Disperse radioactive material [a “Dirty Bomb”].
Create a Nuclear Weapon (this requires special nuclear material)

8. Potential consequences of dispersal of radioactive material into...
Radioactive Material Production, Transportation, Use, and Possible Misuse
Potential consequences of dispersal of radioactive material into...
Facility ventilation systems
Inhalation (internal) dose hazard
Interruption of ‘normal life’
Expensive cleanup costs
Water supplies
High dilution
Individually significant doses would not likely result.
The general environment (“dirty bombs”, crop dusters, fire, sprayer, etc..)
Low likelihood of acute radiological effects
May require population shelter or evacuation
May be difficult to clean outdoor areas

9. Radioactive Material Production, Transportation, Use, and Possible Misuse
WHAT IS A ‘DIRTY BOMB’?
A “Dirty Bomb” is conventional explosives combined with radioactive material with the intention of spreading the radioactive material over a relatively large area.
This is NOT a nuclear explosion, the radioactive material does not enhance the explosion.
Very few deaths would be expected from acute radiological exposure (the greatest hazard would likely be from the effects of the conventional explosives).
The contamination will hamper emergency response efforts and can delay hospital treatment.
Widespread contamination can deny the use of facilities and areas and have a significant psychological impact on the exposed population.

10. Radioactive Material Production, Transportation, Use, and Possible Misuse
External Exposures
Focused radiation or localized contamination can result in radiation effect to specific areas on the body
Whole body exposure can result from:
A passing radioactive cloud or smoke
A large, distant point source
Exposure from contamination deposited on the ground

11. Radioactive Material Production, Transportation, Use, and Possible Misuse
Internal Exposures
Once radioactive material is deposited in the body, it can expose the person from within.
The magnitude of the dose will depend on many factors:
How much material was deposited,
how it got into the body (ingestion, inhalation, absorption, or injection),
chemical form of the radioactive material,
the radiation it produces,
how quickly it decays, and
how quickly the body eliminates the material.

12. Radioactive Material Production, Transportation, Use, and Possible Misuse
The Human Factor
Concerns about radiation and contamination often produce an exaggerated emotional response.
Can’t detect it with our 5 senses
Associated with cancer
Reminiscent of “cold war” fears
Science difficult to understand
Out of our control
Possible results may be…
Unexposed people saturating the medical community
Health and economic effects from long term anxiety or depression in the community

13. Conclusion: Misuse of Radioactive Material
Radioactive Material Production, Transportation, Use, and Possible Misuse
Conclusion: Misuse of Radioactive Material
High activity sources can cause health effects, but only to those in close proximity.
Acute health effects from distributed radioactive material unlikely without prolonged, high-concentration exposure.
Radiation or contamination will hinder response efforts.
Denial of facilities and areas will have a major cost effect
Public anxiety and its effects may be the primary lasting health effect.

14. Radioactive Material Dangerous Goods Transportation Training
Objectives:
Properly classify a package containing radioactive material
Properly label and mark a radioactive materials package for shipment
Properly prepare shipping documentation
Demonstrate your ability to complete a radioactive materials shipment

15. Definitions A1 and A2 values Cargo Aircraft Competent Authority
Consignee
Excepted Package
Radioactive Material
Special Form

16. Radioactive Material Radionuclide
Activity Concentration for Exempt Material Bq/gm
Activity Limit for an Exempt Consignment Bq/gm
Am-241
1 X 100
1 X 104
Co-57
1 X 102
1 X 106
Co-60
1 X 101
1 X 105
Cs-137
Gd-153
1 X 107
I-131
Ir-192
K-40
Ra-226
T(Tritium) H-3
1 X 109
Th-natural
1 X 103
U-Natural

17. Package Activity Limits
Excepted Packages
Materials (Limited Quantity)
Instruments and Articles - Item Limits
Instruments and Articles - Package Limits
Instrument and manufactured articles – clock, electronic tube, or apparatus having radioactive material as a component part

18. Instruments and Articles (RAM-Limited Quantity)
Activity Limits for Excepted Packages
Nature of contents
Instruments and Articles
Materials
Item Limits
Package Limits
(RAM-Limited Quantity)
Solids
Special Form
10-2A1 A1
10-3A1
Other Forms
10-2A2 A2
10-3A2
Liquids
10-1 A2
10-4A2
Gases
Tritium H-3
2 X 10-2A2
2 X10-1 A2
10-2 A1
10-2 A2

19. Radionuclide
A1 Values
A2 Values
RQ Values
Am-241
2 TBq (50 Ci)
TBq (0.005 Ci)
TBq (0.01Ci)
Co-57
8 TBq (200 Ci)
3.7 TBq (100 Ci)
Co-60
0.4 TBq (10 Ci)
0.37 TBq (10 Ci)
Cs-137
0.5 TBq (10 Ci)
0.037 TBq (1 Ci)
Gd-153
10 TBq (200 Ci)
5 TBq (100 Ci)
I-131
3 TBq (80 Ci)
TBq (0.01 Ci)
Ir-192
1 TBq (20 Ci)
K-40
0.6 TBq (10 Ci)
Ra-226
0.3 TBq (8 Ci)
0.02 TBq (0.5 Ci)
TBq (0.1 Ci)
T(Tritium) H-3
40 TBq (1000 Ci)
Th-natural
unlimited
TBq (0.011 Ci)
U – Natural
TBq (0.052 Ci)
RQ is the reportable quantity. US requirement.

20. Requirements for Packages
General Requirements
Easily and safely handled and transported
Strong lifting attachments
Free from protruding features
Surface will not retain water
Withstand effects of acceleration and vibration
Physically and chemically compatible components
Temperature range from -40o C to + 55oC

21. Type A Package Meet General Package requirements
Smallest outside dimension >100 mm
Capability of installing a tamper proof seal
Forces on tie-down attachment must not damage package during transport
Temperature range -40oC to + 70oC
No loss or dispersal of material or a 20% increase in radiation level after water spray, free drop, stacking, and penetration tests.

22. Empty Packages Previously contained radioactive material
Well maintained and securely closed
No loose contamination
Any labels which may have been displayed are no longer visible

23. Maximum radiation level at any point on External surface
Category
Maximum radiation level at any point on External surface
Transport Index
I-WHITE
Not more than 0.005mSv/hr (0.5 mrem/hr)
0 (< 0.05)
II-YELLOW
More than mSv/hr (0.5mrem/hr) but Not more than 0.5 mSv/hr(50 mrem/hr)
0 to < 1
III-YELLOW
More than 0.5 mSv/hr(50 mrem/hr) but Not more than 2 mSv/hr(200 mrem/hr)
1 to < 10
III-YELLOW and also Under exclusive use
More than 2 mSv/hr(200 mrem/hr) but not more than 10 mSv/hr(1,000 mrem/hr)
More than 10

24. Shipping Labels
Transport Index < 0.05
Surface < 0.5 mr/hr

25. Shipping Labels
Transport Index <1.0
Surface <50 mr/hr

26. Shipping Labels
Transport Index <10
Surface <200 mr/hr

27. TRANSPORT INDEX TRANSPORT INDEX:
ONE METER
3.3 FEET
39 INCHES
TRANSPORT INDEX:
The radiation level in mr/hr at one meter from the package surface (gamma and neutron).

28. Maximum Transport Index For Total Number of Packages On One Vehicle
Am241Be
18.5 Ci and
.5 Ci.
Cs137
1.5 Ci.
THE SUM OF THE TRANSPORTATION
INDEXES CANNOT EXCEED
50 FOR
A SINGLE SHIPMENT

29. Overpack
An enclosure that is used by a single consignor to provide protection or convenience in handling of a package or to consolidate two or more packages.
Packages of radioactive material may be combined in an overpack for transport.
Only the shipper is permitted to take a direct measurement of the radiation level to determine the TI.

30. Special Form
Indispersible solid or sealed capsule which meets the following:
Capsule can only be opened by destroying it
Have one dimension not less than 5 mm
Design received unilateral approval
Demonstration of compliance with the standards can be done by performance, reference to previous tests, or calculations

31. Special Form
Subjected to impact test, percussion test, leaching test, volumetric leakage test, bending test, and heat test
Would not break or shatter under the impact, percussion or bending tests
Would not melt or disperse in the heat test
Would not leak

32. Package Markings Readily visible and legible
“Type A” must be stamped or printed as required
Proper shipping name
UN Number
Excepted packages only require UN Number
Shipper and Consignee with addresses
Gross mass if exceeding 50 kg

33. Marking of Overpacks Proper shipping name UN number
All labels except for the “Type A” package label that are required on the inner package must be reproduced on the outside of the overpack

34. Package Markings
Markings required by other international regulations are permitted
In addition to the languages of the State of Origin, English should be used.
Reportable Quantity (RQ) marked on package for shipments entering or leaving the US

35. Additional Package Markings IMDG
Requires a shippers mark be placed on the package or overpack – initials of the company (ex: HES) at least 2 inches in height
Tracking number (ex: the RMA number) or other locally generated serial number
City of destination
Number of packages (ex: 1 of 1, 1 of 2)

41. Package Labeling Identification of primary hazard
Able to withstand open weather exposure
Two labels which conform to the appropriate category on two opposite sides of the package or on the outside of all four sides of the freight container
Labels must not be folded
Labels must not overlap

42. Package Labeling
Cargo Aircraft Only label for goods transported into or out of US
Category Labels must have
Contents – symbol of radionuclide – mixtures as space permits
Activity in Bq can have Ci in parentheses
Transport Index for category II and III

43. Placarding Four placards front, back and both sides
Required for Category III in US
May be required for all Category labels outside US – check local rules
Enlarged category labels may be used in place of placards

45. Shippers Declaration for Dangerous Goods - SDDG
Two copies completed and signed
Proper shipping name
Class - Radioactive Material class 7
UN number
Number of Packages
Subsidiary risk
Indication of Passenger or Cargo-Only
Indication of Radioactive or Non-Radioactive
Special handling information
Indication if an overpack has been used
Full name and address of shipper and consignee
Airport or City of departure and destination

46. SDDG
The words Radioactive Material if not contained in the shipping name
Name or symbol of Radionuclide(s)
Activity in Bq, may have Ci in parentheses
Description of physical and chemical or a notation that it is Special Form
Competent Authority Certificate mark
Category Label I, II, or III
For II and III Transport Index and package dimensions
Emergency contact information
SIGNATURE certifying shipment

47. Air Waybill
Must contain a statement to indicate that dangerous goods are described on accompanying DGD
When applicable, indicate Cargo Aircraft Only or CAO
For Excepted Packages – in the Nature and Quantity of Goods box list proper shipping name with UN number

48. Additional Documentation
Competent Authority Certificates
Sealed Source Certificates
Current Leak Test Certificates
Emergency Response Guide
Locally required transportation documents

49. Proper Shipping Names
Radioactive Material, Excepted Package, Limited Quantity of Material, UN2910
‘Radioactive Material, Excepted Package, Instruments’ or ‘Radioactive Material, Excepted Package, Articles’, both UN2911
Radioactive Material, Excepted Package, Articles Manufactured From ‘Natural Uranium’, ‘Depleted Uranium’, or ‘Natural Thorium’ all UN2909
Radioactive Material, Excepted Package, Empty Packaging, UN2908

50. Proper Shipping Names
Radioactive Material, Type A Package, Non-Special Form, Non Fissile, UN2915
Radioactive Material, Type A Package, Special Form, Non Fissile, UN3332
“RQ” indicated on the declaration when required
RQ, Radioactive Material, Type A Package, Special Form, Non Fissile, UN3332

51. Unit Conversions for your reference IATA/ICAO Radioactive Checklist
Latest revision contained in back of IATA manual
Contained on Radiation Safety Transportation web page
Recommend completing for each shipment since the air carrier will be using one also to check you.

53. Example 1 Isotope Co-57, Special Form
Competent Authority Cert USA/0356/S
111 MBq, 3 mCi
1.3 kg, 3 lb
Package box, Type A, 10X8X4 inches
Surface dose rate = 0.4 mR/hr
Dose rate at 1 meter = 40 uR/hr
Shipped from US to Aberdeen
Source Serial Number 740-DD

54. Co-57, 111 MBq (3 mCi),one Type A Package
Radioactive Material,Type A Package, Special Form, Non Fissile or Fissile Excepted 7 UN
3332
Co-57, 111 MBq (3 mCi),one Type A Package
USA/0356/S I
White
740-DD
Security Seal 33456

55. Co-57
111 MBq (3 mCi)

56. 2 of each label on opposite sides
To: HES Aberdeen
From: HES USA

57. Example 2 Isotope Cs-137, Special Form, USA/0508/S 12 mCi, 444 MBq
Source DB-032, Densometer V3C-120
Type A Package placed in an Overpack
Overpack 30X30X90 cm
Weight 68 lbs, 30.8 kg
Radiation levels on contact = 18 mR/hr at 1 meter = 0.5 mR/hr
Ship from USA to France

58. Radioactive Material,Type A Package, Special Form, Non Fissile 7 UN
3332
Cs-137, 444 MBq (12 mCi),one Type A Package
USA/0508/S II
Yellow
TI=0.5
DIM
30X30
X90 cm
Overpack Used
DB-032, Densometer V3C-120
Security Seal 33456

59. Cs-137
444 M
12 m
0.5

60. Radioactive Material, Type A Package, Special Form, Non Fissile, UN 3332
2 of each label on opposite sides
To: France
From: Duncan USA
Inner Packages Comply With Prescribed Specifications
Emergency Contact Information

61. Example 3 Isotope Am241Be, 684.5 GBq, 18.5 Ci
Special Form, GB/223/S-85
Type A Package, 120X120X120 cm
91kg, 200 lbs
Radiation levels on contact = 60 mR/hr neutron and 27 mR/hr gamma. At 1 meter = 7 mR/hr neutron and 1 mR/hr gamma
Shipping from Nigeria to Mexico
Source Serial Number SW-2240

62. Am241Be, 684.5 GBq (18.5 Ci),one Type A Package
Radioactive Material,Type A Package, Special Form, Non Fissile or Fissile Excepted 7 UN
3332
Am241Be, GBq (18.5 Ci),one Type A Package
GB/223/S-85
III
Yellow
TI=8
DIM
120X120
X120 cm
SW-2240
Security Seal 33456

63. Am241Be
684.5 GBq (18.5 Ci) 8

64. To: Mexico From: Nigeria Weight: 91 kg (200 lb)
2 of each label on opposite sides
Weight: 91 kg (200 lb)

66. Exercises then Knowledge Inventory Review
TEST