IATA: Radioactive Material

The following radioactive material is forbidden on aircrafts unless exempted by the state:

• Vented Type B(M) packages
• Packages that require external cooling by an ancillary cooling system
• Packages subject to operational controls during transport
• Explosives
• Pyrophoric liquids

In addition to radioactive and fissile properties that are discussed in this module, subsidiary risks of the package content, such as explosiveness, flammability, and chemical toxicity, must be taken into account when completing the documentation, packing, labeling, marking, stowing, and transporting.

The operator, shipper, or consignee must take immediate action if there is any noncompliance with the provisions in IATA DGR regulations.

Radioactive material must be segregated sufficiently from workers and from members of the public. Segregation distance and radiation levels are calculated based on the following dose values:

• 5 mSv a year for workers in regularly occupied working areas
• 1 mSv a year for members of the public

Fissile material packages stored in transit must be limited so that the total sum of the criticality safety indexes in any group of packages does not exceed 50. Groups of packages must be stored with a space of at least 6 m from other groups of such packages. Packages should also be stored as far away from passengers and crew as possible.

Packages or overpacks having a surface radiation level greater than 2 mSv/h are not permitted for air transport except by special arrangement. Type B(M) packages under exclusive use are forbidden on passenger aircraft. Type B(M) packages that are vented, require external cooling, contain pyrophoric materials, or are subject to operational controls during transport are not permitted for air transport. Table 10.9.A provides the total activity limits for LSA materials and SCO.

Exposure to radiation should be kept as low as possible during acceptance and handling. Category II-Yellow and III-Yellow packages should be separated from people during temporary storage. Minimum separation distances are provided in Tables 10.9.C and 10.9.D of the IATA DGR.

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