Chapter 5. MARKING, LABELING, PLACARDING, AND DOCUMENTATION

TM 55-315

CHAPTER 5

MARKING, LABELING, PLACARDING, AND DOCUMENTATION

Section I. GENERAL

5-1. Purpose of Marking, Labeling, Placarding, and Documentation

a. The purpose of marking, labeling, and placarding is to ensure that the risks associated with a radioactive shipment

are identified to all personnel who may come in contact with the shipment.

b. The purpose of documentation is to ensure that all shipments of radioactive materials are properly controlled,

recorded, and accounted for before, during, and after shipment. The documentation provides for adequate information

transfer in case of accident, incident, or damage to a shipment. It also provides assurance that the identity of all

personnel or items that may be jeopardized by radioactive contamination is available.

5-2. Organization and Use

Section II of this chapter provides the rules and regulatory guidance as indicated in pertinent NRC, DOT, FAA, Coast

Guard, postal service, and military regulations. Section III provides detailed guidance on forms, documents, and

checklists for use in compliance with the regulations.

Section II. REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS AND PROCEDURES

5-3. General Marking Requirements (49 CFR 172.300)

Unless otherwise exempt, each package containing radioactive material must be marked as follows:

a. Proper shipping name, as shown in 49 CFR 172. 101, to include name of radionuclides, if known (that is, fissile

radioactive materials and devices; low specific activity, small quantity, and not otherwise specified (nos) radioactive

materials; special form; thorium nitrate, solid; and uranyl nitrate, solid).

b. DOT specification container number (49 CFR 178), if specification container is prescribed.

c. Name and address of consignee, except in carloads and truckloads or in less than truckloads, when handled by a

motor vehicle not requiring transfer from one motor carrier to another.

d. Name and address of consignee, or shipping mark and number, when offered for transport by vessel, except for

carloads and truckloads, provided the vessel delivers the shipment complete to a connecting carrier or a single

consignee.

e. Outside containers of hazardous liquids must be marked "THIS SIDE UP" or "THIS END UP" on the cover or top

to indicate the position of the inside container. Also, an arrow symbol indicating this way up should be used. Arrows on

packages containing hazardous material liquids must not be used for any purpose other than package orientation

instruction.

f. Each package of radioactive materials in excess of 110 pounds (50 kilograms) must have its gross weight plainly

and durably marked on the outside of the package.

g. Packages that conform to the requirements of Type A or B packaging (chap 4 of this manual, or 49 CFR 173. 411

through 173. 413). must be plainly and durably marked on the outside of the package in letters at least 1/2-inch (13-

mm) high, with the words "TYPE A" or "TYPE B" as appropriate. Packaging that is not in compliance with these

requirements may not be so marked.

h. Each package of radioactive material to be exported also must be marked with "USA" in conjunction with

specification marking or other package certificate identification.

i. For export shipments, packages on which the proper shipping name includes the nos designation must also

include the technical name of the material after the shipping name.

j. The required markings must:

(1) Be durable, in English, and printed on or affixed to the surface of the package on a label, tag, or sign.

(2) Contain no abbreviations.

5-1