Table 12-1. Separation Distances for Radioactive Materials in Railcars

TM 55-315

Table 12-1. Separation Distances for Radioactive Materials in Railcars

Minimum distance, in feet, to

areas of persons, or from

Minimum separation distance,

dividing partition of a

Total transport

in feet, to nearest

combination car

index

undeveloped film

None

0.1 to 10.0

10.01 to 20.0

20.01 to 30.0

30.01 to 40.0

40.01 to 50.0

NOTE: This distance in the table must be measured from the nearest point on the packages of radioactive materials.

spection, and this record will be included in the shipping document file for the movement. As a minimum, this inspection

will cover, but will not be limited to, the following points to ensure, as far as possible, safe uninterrupted movement:

a. The running gear, including the journal boxes, side frames, bolsters, brake rigging, and center pins.

b. The draft gear, including the couplers, draft gear pocket, and draft gear pin.

c. Wheels on selected cars will be closely checked to minimize the possibility of wheel changes en route.

12-5. General Loading and Handling Requirements (49 CFR 174.55 and 174.700)

a. Packages of radioactive material must be loaded and securely blocked and braced to prevent them from

changing position, falling to the floor, or sliding into each other when subjected to normal transport conditions. This

requirement does not preclude the use of approved loading methods that are designed to permit limited movement of the

load.

b. Each package of radioactive materials marked THIS SIDE UP or THIS END UP must be handled, loaded,

blocked, and braced in the car to remain in the position the markings indicate.

c. A heavy package or container of radioactive materials may be trucked; rolled; or moved by skid, forklift, or other

handling device. It may NOT be dropped from any truck, platform, or railcar. Planks for rolling trucks from platforms to

cars must have beveled edges.

d. Persons should not remain unnecessarily in a car containing radioactive materials.

e. Containers of radioactive material weighing 15,000 pounds or more may be loaded onto flatcars. Gondola cars

(drop-bottom cars not authorized) may be used for the following:

(1) Radioactive materials in containers weighing 5,000 pounds or more.

(2) Strong wooden boxes with inside containers of solid radioactive material, securely braced and cushioned.

(3) Radioactive material in concrete-filled metal drums, or in concrete vaults weighing 700 pounds or more.

f Shipments by rail must be properly loaded in closed cars, container cars, or in tight, closed truck bodies or trailers

on flatcars, except as otherwise indicated. Ends, sidewalls, or doors of truck bodies will not be relied upon to prevent

shifting of heavy loads unless properly designed.

g. Radioactive materials may NOT be loaded, transported, or stored with class A explosives.

h. Rail carriers may require consignee to remove shipments of dangerous articles from carrier's property within 48

hours notice of arrival; Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays excluded.

i. DOT regulations require that, after acceptance from shippers, carriers must forward shipments of explosives and

other dangerous articles promptly and within 48 hours; Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays excluded. Astray packages

must be forwarded to destination immediately on an "astray bill," provided a careful inspection shows the package to be

in proper condition for safe transport.

j. A placarded railcar may not be transported in a passenger train. However, it may be transported in a mixed train,

but only at such times and between such points that freight train service is not in operation. Such mixed train transport is

subject to the following limitations:

(1) A car placarded RADIOACTIVE may not be transported next to an occupied caboose or a passenger car.

(2) When a car with labeled hazardous materials is moved in a mixed train and the car is not occupied by an

employee of the carrier, placards must be applied as required by subpart F, 49 CFR 712.

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