Transport Packages for Radioactive Materials: Potential Simplifications to Regulatory Requirements

Abstract

Simplified packaging requirements for radioactive materials are proposed. The range of Industrial Packages for Low Specific Activity materials and Surface Contaminated Objects can be reduced, simplifying the choice of package and providing clearer aims for consignors and package designers. Alternative approaches, such as the use of other forms of approval, are retained, enabling ISO Freight Containers and UN-approved drums to be specified. In line with these simplifications, proposals for testing requirements are described. These retain the existing safety standards while permitting a broader range of package design options. The range of package groups proposed is Excepted, Industrial, Type A, Type B and Type C. The sub-groups of Industrial Package are abandoned. The tests for Normal Conditions of Transport are amended to reflect conditions likely to be experienced. Tests representing accident conditions are not changed in these proposals. The main change suggested is to restrict impact tests representing Normal Conditions to packages of mass less than 100 kg. Arguments justifying this change are presented. The proposals should be considered for the 1996 Edition of the IAEA Regulations. Alternatively they should be developed, with appropriate research if necessary, for the subsequent Edition, probably to be published in about 2005.