Contamination of Vehicles

TM 55-315

ment is transported in the same vehicle with any other fissile radioactive material shipment.

b. In loading and storage areas, each Fissile Class III shipment must be segregated by at least 20 feet from other

packages that must bear one of the radioactive labels described in chapter 5.

11-10. Contamination of Vehicles (49 CFR 177.843, paras 3-9 and 3-10)

a. Motor vehicles used for transporting low specific activity (LSA) radioactive materials in truckload lots must be

surveyed, with appropriate radiation detection equipment, after each use. Vehicles must not be returned to service until

the radiation dose rate is not more than 0. 5 millirem per hour at any accessible surface and there is no significant

removable radioactive surface contamination (paras 3-9 and 3-10).

b. The requirements of a above do not apply to any vehicle used solely for transporting radioactive material if a

survey of the interior surface shows that the radiation dose rate does not exceed 10 millirems per hour on the interior

surface or 2 millirems per hour at 3 feet from any interior surface. These vehicles must be stenciled with the words FOR

RADIOACTIVE MATERIALS USE ONLY in lettering at least 3 inches high. This stenciled lettering must be in a

conspicuous place, on both sides of the exterior of the vehicle. The vehicle must be kept closed at all times other than

loading and unloading.

11-11. Movement by Military Vehicle (AR 385-11)

a. Radioactive materials will be loaded into a vehicle in such a way that the closest distance between the package

and the driver, or any passenger in the cab of the vehicle, will not be less than the distances shown in table 11-1 for the

conditions set forth. However, if a survey determines that the radiation in the cab will be less than 2 millirems per hour,

and, based on a consideration of time en route, personnel will not receive more than 100 millirems in any 7 consecutive

days or 0. 5 rem in any calendar year.

b. Radioactive materials not packaged and labeled for offsite shipment may be moved locally within an installation,

by unit transport, under the supervision of qualified installation personnel. If such moves involve the use of public

highways that fall within the boundaries of an installation, the local transportation officer will obtain permission for the

move from appropriate civil authorities. All appropriate safeguards and precautions for the protection of personnel and

property within the installation will be taken.

c. All highway vehicles used for radioactive materials shipments will be thoroughly inspected before loading and

must conform to the provisions listed on DD Form 626 (Motor Vehicle Inspection). This inspection will include a check of

the number and type of fire extinguishers and a certification by the operator that they are in working condition.

d. Drivers of trucks moving escorted shipments of radioactive materials will be briefed carefully and furnished written

instructions about the required safety and emergency procedures to ensure safe movement. Drivers will not park or

service their vehicles in such a manner as to risk radiation exposure to occupants of other vehicles. Except while

passing moving vehicles on the highway, drivers will maintain, and not decrease, a minimum safe distance between the

escorted vehicles and all other vehicles. In case of an accident, the escort commander or driver will immediately

establish a safe and suitable exclusion area around the shipment and prevent any unauthorized personnel or vehicle

from entering this area. He will notify higher headquarters and ask for assistance, as needed, including local fire and

police assistance. Any undue delay affecting the estimated time of arrival (ETA) will be reported to the consignor by the

consignee, the driver, or the escort commander.

e. Vehicles transporting escorted shipments will operate at a safe speed conforming with local conditions, but will not

exceed posted speed limits under normal operating conditions. During adverse weather or road conditions, the speed of

the truck will be reduced to that safe for the existing conditions.

f. Shipments other than those requiring escort normally will require no Army restrictions other than those imposed by

the appropriate regulatory bodies. Drivers of trucks hauling radioactive materials will be briefed on the shipment so that,

in case of accident or fire, they can alert military or civilian authorities.

g. Escort commanders will also carry a copy of the written instructions containing emergency measures to be taken

and telephone numbers of the installations to call for assistance.

11-12. Shipments on Motor Vehicles Carrying Passengers for Hire (49 CFR 177.870)

No person may transport any radioactive material labeled under 49 CFR 172. 403 (para 5-6) in or on any motor vehicle

carrying passengers for hire except when no other practicable means of shipment are available. Radioactive materials

must be stored in the trunk or baggage compartment of the vehicle; they must not be stored in any compartment

occupied by persons. Packages of radioactive materials

11-3