Radioactive Materials Transportation

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In 1996 the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) published a revised version of its Regulations for the Safe Transport of Radioactive Material (formally Safety Series number 6). This publication is better known as ST-1 or TS-R-1.

ST-1 attempts to balance between the need to take account of technical advances and operational experience, and the desirability of providing a stable framework of regulatory requirements.

The objective of ST-1, as with all Dangerous Goods Regulations, it to protect persons, property and the environment.

ST-1 was introduced in 1996 with the proposal all nations and modal regulations would integrate it into their systems by the year 2001. The International Maritime Dangerous Goods Regulations (IMDG), International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) have revised their regulations to reflect the new ST-1 regulations.

Unfortunately the United States has yet to accept all the ST-1 changes. The new international proper shipping names have been authorized for use with the passage of HM215-D, 21 June01; and international shippers may use the new regulations in IATA/ICAO and the IMDG.

There remain a number of restrictions on international shippers of radioactive materials. The most significant are:

1. Shippers must use the definition of radioactive material in 49CFR, 173.403.

2. Type A package contents shall be limited by 49CFR, 173.431.

3. Passenger aircraft must not carry radioactive material packages exceeding 3.0 TI.

4. Radioactive material must not be transported on passenger aircraft unless it is
intended for use in, or incident to, research, medical diagnosis or treatment.

5. Limited quantities of radioactive material must meet the provisions of 49CFR, 173.421, 173.424 and 173.426 as appropriate.

The United States is in the process of considering whether or not to accept all or only some of the ST-1 changes under the provisions of HM230 which is still in the proposal state.

This student workbook has been written for both domestic and international transporting of radioactive materials, however, some changes in the regulations may arise in the future if HM230 eventually becomes finalized. To keep up to date it is strongly suggested students consult the government website, hazmat.dot.gov from time to time or subscribe to the Federal Register.

DGI also has a Tech Control Department (Sean Kelly) at 904.491.0925
fax: 904.556.7774 that offers technical assistance and question service.

2-Day Radioactive Materials Multi-Modal Transportation Seminar