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Safe Transport of Fissile and Radioactive Materials
Annotation ability available
Sector:
Event:
Mid-Year Meeting
Language:
English
Abstract
The transport of increasing amounts of Army fissile and radioactive materials in the United States is presenting many technical problems because of the hazards associated with their movement. It is essential that criteria, guidance, and performance standards be established for transportation to facilitate safety during movement of these materials by all modes.
The basic considerations in the transportation of fissile and radioactive materials are that they may present hazards to the health and safety of the transportation workers, passengers, people along the right-of-way, and the general public. Complying with all countries' regulations will provide for the control of these potential hazards by considering three basic factors: relative hazard potential of these items or materials, packaging performance standards, and the transportation environment expected. These regulations will be used during the research, development, test, and evaluation stages to meet the requirements for normal conditions of transportation and also on the environmental conditions that they might encounter during an accident. Packages and containers for hazardous materials will be designed and constructed to insure safety during transportation by providing adequate containment, lifting devices, tiedown devices, blocking, bracing, and slinging and structural requirements. Also, criticality and shielding and heat decay will be considered if fissile and large quantities of radioactive materials are to be transported. Adequate procedures will be provided to assure that the determination and control required by these regulations are accomplished. Results from accidents, possible effects following release of radionuclides, and some suggestions for reducing the probability of an accident are discussed. Definitions, significant and extensive changes to federal regulatory agencies regulations, and health physics aspects of radiation control are thoroughly explored. Future plans for improving safety during transportation are proposed.
Authors
Topic
Citation
Edgerton, J., "Safe Transport of Fissile and Radioactive Materials," SAE Technical Paper 700484, 1970, https://doi.org/10.4271/700484.Also In
References
- Summary of AEC Symposium on Packaging and Regulatory Standards for Shipping Radioactive Materials Germantown, Md. December 1962
- Proceedings of the Second International Symposium on Packaging and Transportation of Radioactive Materials Gatlingburg, Tenn. October 1968
- Kamita Y. Morgan R. “Final Report on Engineering Test of Transportation of Nuclear or Fissile Material.” Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md. November 1967
- A Study of Transportation of Hazardous Materials Office of Hazardous Materials of the U.S. Department of Transportation Warrenton, Va. May 1969 Highway Research Board and the Committee on Hazardous Materials, National Academy of Sciences-National Research Council Washington, D.C.