DOT, NRC, & IATA Requirements for Shipping Radioactive Material, with Radiation Fundamentals

Course Description

This course is designed to enable workers to meet the training requirements of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) as specified by 49 CFR 172 Subpart H, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) as specified by 10 CFR 71.5, and the International Air Transport Association (IATA). It includes sessions reviewing basics of radiation safety, including types of radiation, radioactivity, and radiation health effects. For workers already trained on these subjects, please see our course titled DOT, NRC, & IATA Requirements for Shipping Radioactive Material.

 The first day for students will begin with an introduction radiation risk perceptions, a review of radiation fundamentals, radioactivity, and radiation health effects. There is a review of issues related to the selection and use of radiation detection instruments focusing on those applicable to the packaging and shipment of radioactive materials. This day is the start of the review on regulations pertaining to the shipment of radioactive material. It includes a review of the different categories of radioactive material regulated in transport and describe the process for classifying your materials. Class exercises are conducted to further explain key topics.

The second day will focus on function-specific requirements such as packaging, labeling, marking, placarding, and other hazard communication requirements for Class 7 (radioactive) materials. It will cover transportation of excepted packages for limited quantities and instruments or articles, LSA materials, and Type A quantities. Shipments of surface contaminated objects are discussed. NRC requirements for shipping radioactive wastes are covered as well as security of certain shipments. Additional in-class exercises are included. Due to time limitations, this course does not cover detailed requirements for shipping fissile materials, Type B packages, and highway route controlled quantities . Upon passing a required examination, students are provided a certificate showing they successfully completed the course. This certificate, along with the training manual, may be used to document the training for employer certification, as required by 49 CFR 172.704(d).

Topics Covered Include

• Radiation Risk Perceptions
• Radiation Fundamentals (Types of Radiation, Radioactivity, Radiation Health Effects)
• Hazardous Materials General Awareness
• Classification of Radioactive Material for Transportation
• Radiation Detection Instruments
• Packaging Class 7 (radioactive) material, Type A packages
• Labeling, Marking, Shipping Papers, and Placarding
• Emergency Response and Safety
• Excepted Package Shipments
• Low Specific Activity and Surface Contaminated Objects Shipments
• Shipping Low Level Radioactive Waste

This course is for persons involved in preparing or offering radioactive material for shipment.

• Breakfast and Lunch Included

• Comprehensive training manual and/or text book

Copies of pertinent shipping regulations and other guidance documents are provided in the course manual, which includes several checklists to assist in maintaining compliance with regulatory requirements for shipping radioactive material. Upon passing a required exam, students are provided a certificate, which may be used to document the training for employer certification, as required by 49 CFR 172.704(d).

• Free Online Course

"Hazardous Materials Transportation Security Awareness"