SAMPLE TRANSPORTATION INSTRUCTIONS
5.5
The TI is the maximum radiation level measured in mRem/hr at a distance of 1m from the external
surfaces of the package. When recording the TI, the dose rate units of mRem/hr are not listed, for
example a reading of 20 µSv/hr (2 mem/hr) would indicate a TI = 2.0. (Note that the TI is rounded to
the nearest tenth value.)
8 Properly complete two shipping labels indicating the contents (e.g. Ir-192), the activity of the source
(in Becquerels or multiples of Becquerels, e.g. GigaBecquerels (GBq)) and the transport index. The
transport index is used only on Yellow II and Yellow III labels and is defined as the maximum
radiation level in mRem/hr at 1m from the package surface (see Table 1). [49CFR172.403(g)]
9 Assure that any old shipping labels have been removed from the package. Apply two properly
completed labels to two opposite sides of the package (excluding the bottom surface).
[49CFR172.403(f)]
10 For air shipments within the USA, the package must be labeled with ‘Cargo aircraft only’ labels.
Ensure that these labels do not cover any other package markings or labels.
11 Mark the outside of the package with the proper shipping name and identification number (e.g.,
‘Radioactive Material, Type B(U) Package, UN2916’ for a Type B shipment or ‘Radioactive Material,
Type A Package, Special Form, UN3332’ for a Type A shipment) if not already marked. Place the
letters RQ (stands for Reportable Quantity) next to the proper shipping name when shipping more
than 10 Ci (370 GBq) of Ir-192, Se-75, Yb-169, Co-60 or 1 Ci (37 GBq) of Cs-137. [49CFR172.300]
12 If the shipping package is inside a crate or other outer packaging, mark the outside package ‘Inside
package complies with prescribed specifications’ and list the appropriate USNRC Type B number and
the words ‘Type B(U)’ in letters a minimum of ½ in (13 mm) high (or ‘DOT Type A Specification 7A’ for
a Type A shipment). [49CFR172.310; 49CFR173.471; 49CFR173.25]
13 Assure that the levels of removable radioactive contamination on the outside surface of the outer
package do not exceed 0.37Bq (10
-5
µCi) per cm
2
. [49CFR173.443]
14 If the package gross weight exceeds 110 lb, mark the outside of the package with the gross weight.
[49CFR172.310]
15 Properly complete the shipping papers indicating:
a. Proper shipping name, United Nations Class Number ‘7’, and identification number (e.g.
‘Radioactive Material, Type B(U) Package, Class 7, UN2916’ for a Type B shipment or
‘Radioactive Material, Type A Package, Special Form, UN3332’ for a Type A shipment).
b. The letters RQ must appear next to the proper shipping name when shipping more than 10 Ci
(370 GBq) of Ir-192, Se-75, Yb-169, Co-60 or 1 Ci (37 GBq) of Cs-137.
c. Name of the radionuclide (e.g., Ir-192).
d. Physical and chemical form (i.e. Special Form).
e. Activity of the source in Becquerels or other appropriate multiples of Becquerels on the DOT label
and the shipping papers.
Note: number of Ci x 37 = number of GigaBecquerels (GBq).
f. Category of label applied (i.e. Radioactive Yellow II).
g. Transport Index.
h. USNRC identification number (i.e. USA/9296/B(U)-96) (or DOT Type A Specification 7A for a
Type A shipment).
i. For export shipments, the IAEA identification number (i.e. USA/9296/B(U)-96).
For Canadian shipments, include the Canadian Endorsement Number for the package.
j. Shipper’s certification: ‘This is to certify that the above-named materials are properly classified,
described, packaged, marked and labeled and are in proper condition for transport according to
the applicable regulations of the Department of Transportation.’ [49 CFR 172.204(a)].