Search

Updated Regulations for Shipping Radioactive Materials Proposed

Posted on 9/23/2022 by Roger Marks

On September 12, US DOT PHMSA proposed a rulemaking to align the 49 CFR Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR) with international requirements for transporting radioactive materials (Class 7).

The proposed rule would adopt changes contained in the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) standards and make other amendments to the HMR.

What’s In the Proposed Radioactives (Class 7) Rule?

The proposed rule would incorporate-by-reference newer consensus standards for radioactive materials and make other amendments to the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR).

The rule proposes to except certain shipments of Class 7 materials from the requirements for safety and security plans in 49 CFR, Subpart I.

To accomplish this, the rule would amend 173.401 to:

  • Expand the exception for natural material and ores containing naturally-occurring radionuclides; and
  • Add an exception for a person being transported for medical treatment because of contamination or an intake of radioactive material.  

Certain Class 7 materials are included on the list of shipment types that require the shipper to develop and follow a transportation security plan. The full list of shipments that require a security plan is found in 49 CFR 172.800. Shippers who are required to have a security plan must also train employees on their responsibilities under the plan (49 CFR 172.704(a)(5)).

PHMSA is also proposing to revise the definition of Surface Contaminated Object (SCO) to add “SCO-III.” SCO-III is meant for large solid objects that cannot be transported in a package—e.g., steam generators, reactor coolant pumps, pressurizers, etc.. The definition of SCO is found in 49 CFR 173.403.

Third, the regulations for package manufacturers in 49 CFR 173.410 would be revised to address aging of packagings used to ship Class 7 materials. The proposed rule would require that package manufacturers “consider the effects of aging during the design process.” This amendment would codify what is already a best practice for package engineers.

The proposed rule also includes revised provisions related to special provisions, hazmat shipping papers, marking requirements, new and clarified definitions, packagings and package test reports, approvals, temporary storage of Class 7 materials, and more.

US DOT PHMSA coordinated with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to draft the proposed rule.

Updated Regulations for Shipping Radioactive Materials Proposed

(Updated) Final Lion Hazmat Training for 2023!

Houston - Dallas - Philadelphia - Hartford 

Note: Lion’s hazardous materials training does not address issues specific to shipping radioactive materials.

These upcoming workshops guide shippers through a step-by-step process to navigate and apply the US and international hazardous materials/dangerous goods regulations. Develop in-depth expertise needed to classify and name materials, package hazmat, mark and label packages, fill out shipping papers, and comply with DOT reporting and recordkeeping mandates.

Hazmat Ground Shipper Certification Workshop (DOT)
Hazmat Air Shipper Certification Workshop (IATA)
 
Houston Dec. 4–7  (49 CFR, IATA, IMDG)
Philadelphia Dec. 6–8 (49 CFR, IATA) 
Hartford Dec. 13–15 (49 CFR, IATA) 
Dallas Dec. 14–15  (49 CFR)

Browse more upcoming workshops, including training coming in 2024, at Lion.com/Hazmat
 

Tags: Class 7, hazmat shipping, IAEA, radioactive materials

Find a Post

Compliance Archives

Lion - Quotes

The course was very well structured and covered the material in a clear, concise manner.

Ian Martinez

Hazmat Shipping Professional

The exercises in the DOT hazardous materials management course are especially helpful in evaluating your understanding of course information.

Morgan Bliss

Principal Industrial Hygienist

The instructor was very very informative, helpful, understandable and pleasant. This course answered many questions I had, being new to this industry.

Frances Mona

Shipping Manager

No comparison. Lion has the best RCRA training ever!!

Matt Sabine

Environmental Specialist

The instructor was excellent. They knew all of the material without having to read from a notepad or computer.

Gary Hartzell

Warehouse Supervisor

Very good. I have always appreciated the way Lion Tech develops, presents and provides training and materials.

John Troy

Environmental Specialist

More thorough than a class I attended last year through another company.

Troy Yonkers

HSES Representative

The instructor was very patient and engaging - willing to answer and help explain subject matter.

Misty Filipp

Material Control Superintendent

The price was reasonable, the time to complete the course was manageable, and the flexibility the online training allowed made it easy to complete.

Felicia Rutledge

Hazmat Shipping Professional

The instructor's energy, enthusiasm, and knowledge of the subject make the class a great learning experience!

Brian Martinez

Warehouse Operator

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

In-flight hazmat incidents can be disastrous. This guide gives 5 tips for first-time air shippers to consider before offering dangerous goods for transportation on passenger or cargo aircraft.

Latest Whitepaper

By submitting your phone number, you agree to receive recurring marketing and training text messages. Consent to receive text messages is not required for any purchases. Text STOP at any time to cancel. Message and data rates may apply. View our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.