Chapter 4. PACKAGING AND SHIELDING

TM 55-315

CHAPTER 4

PACKAGING AND SHIELDING

Section I. GENERAL

4-1. Purpose of Packaging and Shielding

The purpose of proper packaging and shielding is to prevent radiological contamination of the environment and to reduce

the intensity of radiation emitted from the package. To minimize the exposure to personnel, quantity and radiation unit

limits must not be exceeded, and except under emergency conditions, separation distances must not be less than those

given. Improper packaging might result in the escape of radionuclides. Such an escape presents the possibility of

subjecting personnel to an internal hazard and this must be avoided. Therefore, the need for careful adherence to

container and package specifications is stressed.

4-2. Organization and Use

a. Section II of this chapter contains the rules and regulations pertaining to packaging and shielding requirements.

These requirements are referenced to appropriate sections of the Code of Federal Regulations and other applicable

regulations.

b. Section III contains a checklist of considerations and actions necessary to ensure that the regulatory

requirements are met. This checklist is cross-referenced to the appropriate paragraphs of section II.

Section II. REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS AND PROCEDURES

4-3. Standard Requirements for all Packages (49 CFR 173.24)

a. Each package used for shipping hazardous materials under provisions of this manual shall be so designed and

constructed, and its contents so limited, that, under normal transport conditions:

(1) The release of hazardous materials to the environment will not be significant:

(2) The effectiveness of the packaging will not be substantially reduced; and

(3) The package will contain no mixture of gases or vapors that could, through any credible spontaneous

increase of heat or pressure, or through an explosion, greatly reduce the effectiveness of the packaging.

b. Materials for which specific packaging is not given in this manual must be securely packaged in strong, tight

packages that meet the applicable requirements of this section.

c. Packaging used for shipping of hazardous materials under provisions of this manual shall, unless otherwise

specified or exempted, meet the applicable design and construction criteria listed in paragraphs 4-4 through 4-17.

4-4. General Packaging and Shipment Requirements (49 CFR 173.411)

a. Unless otherwise specified, all shipments of radioactive materials must meet all design requirements for

standard packages (49 CFR 173.24), general packages (49 CFR 173.411), Type A packages (49 CFR 173.412), and

Type B packages (49 CFR 173.413), as well as those requirements outlined in this chapter.

b. The outside of each Type A package must include a feature, such as a seal, that is not readily breakable and

that, while intact, will be evidence that the package has not been illicitly opened.

c. The smallest outside dimension of any package must be 4 or more inches.

d. Each radioactive material must be packaged in a packaging that has been designed to maintain shielding

efficiency and leak tightness, so that, under normal transport conditions, no radioactive material will be released. If

necessary, additional suitable inside packaging must be used. Each package must be able to meet the additional design

requirements for Type A packages (49 CFR 173.412). Internal bracing or cushioning, where used, must be

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