Radioactive Materials

Radioactive packages can emit radiation through the packaging. Exposure to radiation should be kept as low as possible during storage and handling of radioactive materials. Category II-Yellow and III-Yellow packages should be separated from people during temporary storage. The storage area in the warehouse should not be near any offices or work areas. Warehouse and loading personnel should limit their exposure time when handling radioactive packages. The Transport Index for any group of yellow label radioactive materials stored together must not exceed 50.

The following suggestions will help ensure that exposure is kept to a minimum:

• Transport radioactive material on a cart or forklift, and keep it as far away from your body as possible.
• Prepare unit load devices or carts with all required materials prior to beginning the handling work.
• Complete the acceptance checklist in stages. Once the tasks are completed, move outside the separation distance, and ensure that the packages are separated from other employees and from the public.
• Ensure a sufficient number of employees are used for preparation and handling.
• Whenever possible, load radioactive material last.
• Always ensure proper segregation is maintained.

During storage and transport, ramp and warehouse personnel must ensure that required markings and labels are not obscured.

Note that the adoption of IAEA Safety Standards Series No. SSR-6 has given rise to extensive changes in the provisions for radioactive materials. These changes include new requirements for uranium hexafluoride in excepted packages and revisions to the provisions for radioactive materials, excepted packages, and fissile excepted material. For more information, consult Section 10 of the 62nd edition of the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations.

To learn more about Ramp & Warehouse Training visit our IATA DGR Ramp & Warehouse Online Training web page.