Radioactive Materials - Shipping and Receiving
The shipping and receiving of radioactive material engages not only CNSC regulations but also Transport Canada regulations. In addition, international or shipments to be sent by air may also engage other regulations such as the International Air Transport Association - Dangerous Good Regulations. Most of these regulations also stipulate receiving requirements.
Inherently, the primary concern for both the shipping and receiving of radioactive material is to ensure the design and integrity of the source and associated packaging is such that it will not/has not result in a release of radioactive material or unexpected exposure during transit. Appropriate documentation and labeling assists in informing other of any potential risk. Should any damage of the packaging occur during transit it is the responsibility receiver to monitor the package (dose rate and contamination) and report any incident to CNSC. This becomes critical if there exist a potential for exposure of individuals, or contamination of multiple sites. For this reason ORM must be contacted should a damage package be received, they will then investigate and inform CNSC if required.
ORM has summarized some of the key issues regarding shipping and receiving in the Guide to Purchasing, Shipping and Receiving Radioactive Material. More specific details are found in the Procedures for Shipping and Receiving Radioactive Material. In addition, CNSC also has a Poster to address this subject. Links to all this information may be found below.
- Guide to Purchasing, Shipping and Receiving Radioactive Material
- Shipping and Receiving Procedures
- CNSC Poster: Identifying and Opening a Radioactive Package (~ 400 Kb)