Requirements for Packaging of Special-Form Radioactive Materials (49 CFR 173.415 and 173.416)

TM 55-315

packaging that meets the pertinent requirements of the IAEA regulations for large quantities of radioactive materials, and

for which the foreign competent authority certificate has been revalidated by DOT.

4-12. Requirements for Packaging of Special-Form Radioactive Materials (49 CFR 173.415 and 173.416)

a. Type A Quantities. Besides the applicable requirements of paragraph 4-9, a Type A quantity of special-form

radioactive material must be packaged in packaging that meets the requirements outlined in paragraph 4-11a. Further,

to be special-form radioactive material, the requirements of paragraph 2-40 must be met.

b. Type B Quantities. Besides the applicable requirements of paragraph 4-10, Type B quantities of special-form

radioactive materials must also meet the following packaging requirements:

(1) DOT specification 20WC (49 CFR 178.194), wooden protective jacket, with a single snug-fitting inner Type

A packaging that has a metal outer wall and that conforms to 49 CFR 178.350, or an inner DOT specification 55

packaging constructed before 1 April 1975. Such packagings constructed after 31 March 1975 may not be designated as

DOT specification 55. Radioactive decay heat may not exceed 100 watts.

(2) DOT specification 21WC (49 CFR 178.195), wooden protective overpack, with a single inner DOT

specification 2R (49 CFR 178.34) or an inner DOT specification 55 container constructed before 1 April 1975. Such

packagings constructed after 31 March 1975 may not be designated as DOT specification 55. Contents shall be loaded

within the inner packaging in a manner to prevent loose movement during transport. The inner packaging shall be

securely positioned and centered within the overpack so that there will be no significant displacement of the inner

packaging if subjected to the 9-meter (30-foot) drop test described in 10 CFR 71.

c. Large Quantities of Radioactive Materials. Large quantities of radioactive materials in special form must be

packaged as follows:

(1) According to the requirements outlined in paragraph 4-12b of this manual, or

(2) In specification 6M metal packaging (49 CFR 178.104).

(3) In any other Type B packaging that meets the pertinent requirements of the US Nuclear Regulatory

Commission (10 CFR 71) regulations and is approved by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

(4) In any other Type B packaging that meets the pertinent requirements of the 1973 regulations of the

International Atomic Energy Agency and for which the foreign competent authority certificate has been revalidated by

DOT.

4-13. General Requirements for Packaging of Fissile Radioactive Materials (49 CFR 173.453)

The packaging of all fissile radioactive materials must comply with the following requirements, except for the radioactive

materials that meet the exemption qualifications outlined in a below.

a. Fissile Materials Packagings Exemptions.

(1) A package containing not more than 15 grams of fissile radionuclides. If the material is transported in

bulk, the quantity limitations apply to the conveyance.

(2) A package containing irradiated natural or depleted uranium, including the products of irradiation if the

irradiation has taken place only in the thermal reactor.

(3) A package containing homogeneous solutions or mixtures where:

(a) The minimum ratio of hydrogen atoms to fissile radionuclide atoms (H/X) is 5,200.

(b) The maximum concentration of fissile radionuclides is 5 grams per liter.

(c) The maximum mass of fissile radionuclides in the package is 500 grams, except for a mixture where

the total mass of plutonium and uranium-233 does not exceed 1% of the mass of uranium-235, then the limit is 800

grams. If the material is transported in bulk, the quantity limitations apply to the conveyance.

(4) A package containing uranium enriched with a maximum mass of 1% of uranium-235 if the fissile

radionuclides are distributed homogeneously throughout the package contents, and if they do not form a lattice

arrangement within the package.

(5) A package containing any fissile material if it does not contain more than 5 grams of fissile radio- nuclides

in any 10-liter volume, and if the material is packaged so as to maintain this limit of fissile radionuclide concentration

during normal transport.

(6) A package containing not more than 1 kilogram of plutonium, of which not more than 20% by mass may

consist of plutonium-239, plutonium-241, or any combination of these radionuclides.

(7) A package containing liquid solutions of uranyl nitrate enriched in uranium-235 to a maximum of 2% by

weight, with total plutonium and uranium-233 of not more than 0.1% of the mass of uranium-235.

(8) A package containing thorium or uranium with not more than 0.72% by weight of fissile material used for

shipment solely within the United States.

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