Receiving radioactive shipments

Shipping of radioactive materials requires more than a knowledge of the proper packaging methods and labels U.S. federal law and the laws of other countries require that the shipper ascertain that the recipient is licensed to receive the material. Most institutions therefore require that all radioactive shipments be processed by the institution s radiation safety officer to ensure that proper procedures are followed. The shipping rules are covered in 49 CFR Parts 172-173 and 10 CFR Part 71 (which is substantially similar to the 49 CFR requirements). 

Properly calibrate radiation measurement instruments before each use. Train personnel in handling radiation wastes. Each department that generates radioactive wastes should develop written procedures that cover handling of, transportation, and disposal. Properly secure and store all waste materials and designate controlled areas. Dispense or draw materials only behind a protective barrier. Label refrigerators that contain stored materials. Notify the radiation control officer when receiving a contaminated shipment. 

Monitoring of shipments of radioactive material. Any shipment of radioactive material that is received at or dispatched from the facility should be checked for both external surface contamination and radiation dose rates, which should conform to relevant national or international regulations (for further details see Ref. [21]). The measured results should be recorded, and... 

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