DOE G 460.1-1, Implementation Guide for Use with DOE O 460.1A, Packaging and Transportation Safety
Functional areas: Packaging and Transportation, Safety, Security
This Guide provides information concerning the use of current principles and practices, including regulatory guidance from the U. S. Department of Transportation and the U. S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, where available, to establish and implement effective packaging and transportation safety programs. Does not cancel/supersede other directives. The guide and attachments have been combined into one document.
Version history and related documents
Related documents
Document text
Text extracted from the attached file. Refer to the original document for the authoritative version.
Section 1
DOE G 460.1-1
06-05-97
IMPLEMENTATION GUIDE
for Use with
DOE O 460.1A,
PACKAGING AND TRANSPORTATION SAFETY
ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR
ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
FOREWORD
This Guide is approved by the Office of Transportation, Emergency Management, and Analytical Services
(EM-76) for use by all DOE Elements and their contractors. Electronic access to this document and
beneficial comments to improve this document can be submitted via the packaging and transportation
safety home page. The Universal Resource Locator address for this is :
http://www.ornl.gov/pats/pats.htm
DOE Guides are part of the DOE Directives System and are issued to provide supplemental information
regarding the Department's expectations of its requirements as contained in rules, Orders, notices, and
regulatory standards. Guides may also provide acceptable methods for implementing these requirements.
Guides are not substitutes for requirements, nor do they replace technical standards that are used to
describe established practices and procedures for implementing requirements.
DOE and its contractors are responsible for basic and applied research; product development; and
designing, constructing, operating, modifying, and decommissioning DOE facilities and sites to effectively
accomplish DOE's missions and objectives. This work must be accomplished while minimizing potential
hazards to the public, site or facility workers, and the environment. DOE O 460.1A, PACKAGING AND
TRANSPORTATION SAFETY, 10-2-96, prescribes a comprehensive safety program for the DOE and
DOE-contractor packaging and transportation operations.
This Guide provides information concerning the use of current principles and practices, including
regulatory guidance from the U. S. Department of Transportation and the U. S. Nuclear Regulatory
Commission, where available, to establish and implement effective packaging and transportation safety
programs. The intent of this Guide is to aid in the development of implementation plans to effectively carry
out the requirements and responsibilities of the Order.
i
http://www.ornl.gov/pats/pats.htm
ii
CONTENTS
PAGE
FOREWORD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . I
I. INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
II. APPLICABILITY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
1. DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY ELEMENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
2. CONTRACTORS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
3. EXCLUSIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
III. GENERAL INFORMATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
IV. GUIDELINES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
1. OFFSITE PACKAGING AND TRANSPORTATION SAFETY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
2. GUIDANCE FOR DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY EXEMPTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
2.1 CONTENT AND FORMAT FOR SUBMITTAL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
2.2 REVIEW PROCESS GUIDANCE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Section 2
2.2.1 Operations Office Responsibility Guidance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
2.2.2 Evaluation Guidance for EM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
2.2.3 Requesting Organization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
3. GUIDANCE FOR DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION EXEMPTIONS . . . . . . 8
4. SPECIAL PACKAGING FOR RADIOACTIVE MATERIALS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
4.1 INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
4.2 DOE APPROVED TYPE A PACKAGES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
4.2.1 Responsibilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
4.2.2 Contractor Testing Facilities Approval . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
4.2.2.1 The DOT Test Program for DOT Specification 7A Type A
iii
Package Designs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
PAGE
4.2.2.2 Procedure for Establishing a Test Facility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
4.2.2.3 Established Requirements for Type A Packaging . . . . . . . . . . . 15
4.2.2.3.1 Documentation Review . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
4.2.2.3.2 Test Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
4.2.2.4 Quality Assurance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
4.2.3 Application for Packaging Approval . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
4.2.4 Use of Blue Book Packagings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
4.3 DOE CERTIFIED TYPE B PACKAGES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
4.3.1 Responsibilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
4.3.2 SARP Preparation and Submission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
4.3.3 Review Process Guidance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
4.3.4 Renewal of DOE Certificates of Compliance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
4.3.5 Use of DOE Certified Packages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
4.3.6 The Program for Review of Fabrication, Use, and Maintenance
of DOE Certified Packages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
4.4 USE OF OTHER APPROVED OR CERTIFIED PACKAGINGS . . . . . . . . . . 24
4.4.1 NRC Certified Packaging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
4.4.2 DOT Specification Containers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
4.4.3 International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Approvals . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
5. ONSITE TRANSPORTATION SAFETY REQUIREMENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
5.1 INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
5.1.1 Purpose . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
iv
PAGE
5.1.2 Discussion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
5.2 GUIDANCE TO RESPONSIBILITIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
5.2.1 Operations Office and Field Office Managers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
5.2.2 Contractor Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Section 3
5.3 PREPARATION OF TRANSPORTATION SAFETY DOCUMENTS . . . . . . 27
5.3.1 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
5.3.2 Preferred Format for Transportation Safety Documents . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
5.4 Safety Assessment Methodology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
5.4.1 Use of a Graded Approach . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
5.4.2 Safety Assessment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
6. REFERENCES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
ATTACHMENTS
1. Selected Chronological Milestones Concerning Department
of Energy Orders 1540.2 and 5480.3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
2. Letter, Judith S. Kaleta, Chief Counsel, U. S. Department of
Transportation to Susan H. Denny, Director, Transportation
Management Division, U. S. Department of Energy, April 23, 1991 . . . . . . . . . 45
3. Letter, E. H. Bonekemper, Assistant Chief Counsel, U. S. Department
of Transportation to Jo Ann Williams, Office of Chief Counsel,
U. S. Department of Energy, April 26, 1993. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
4. Capability of Test Facilities for Testing Type A Packagings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
5. Quality Assurance for Contractor Testing Facilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
FIGURES
IV.1. Procedural steps for testing and approving a Type A radioactive
material packaging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
v
PAGE
IV.2. Procedural steps for establishing a Type A test program at a
test facility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
IV.3. Available options for complying with DOE O 460.1A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
TABLE
IV.1. DOE O 460.1A responsibility matrix with guidance document . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
vi
PACKAGING AND TRANSPORTATION SAFETY
I. INTRODUCTION
This Guide supplements the Department of Energy (DOE) Order, DOE O 460.1A, PACKAGING AND
TRANSPORTATION SAFETY, 10-2-96, by providing clarifying material for the implementation of
packaging and transportation safety of hazardous materials. DOE O 460.1A replaces DOE O 460.1,
PACKAGING AND TRANSPORTATION SAFETY, September 27, 1995, which replaced 1540.2,
HAZARDOUS MATERIAL PACKAGING FOR TRANSPORT ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES,
September 30, 1986, and DOE 5480.3, SAFETY REQUIREMENTS FOR THE PACKAGING AND
TRANSPORTATION OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS, HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES, AND
HAZARDOUS WASTES, July 9, 1985, and contains new requirements for onsite safety and motor
carrier safety. In addition, DOE O 460.1A includes aviation safety, pipeline safety, and international
packaging and transportation regulations.
II. APPLICABILITY
This Guide should be considered when establishing the onsite and offsite packaging and transportation
safety programs for a facility. Opportunities exist for demonstration of compliance to the Order by
actions other than those set forth in this Guide. However, if a provision in this Guide is included
explicitly in a contract, an enforceable obligation is thereby created through that document.
1. DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY ELEMENTS
Section 4
Except for the exclusions in paragraph 3, below, the Order applies to all DOE Elements.
2. CONTRACTORS
Except for the exclusions in paragraph 3, below, the Contractor Requirements Document (CRD),
which is attached to the Order, sets forth requirements that are to be applied to the universe of
1
contractors awarded contracts for managing and operating DOE facilities. Contractor compliance with
the CRD will be required to the extent set forth in a contract. Contractors shall be directed to continue
to comply with the requirements of Orders canceled by the Order until their contracts are modified to
delete the reference to the requirements of the canceled Orders.
3. EXCLUSIONS
Activities that are regulated through a license by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) or a state
under an agreement with the NRC, including activities certified by the NRC under section 1701 of the
Atomic Energy Act. Requirements of the Order that overlap or duplicate the requirements of the NRC
related to radiation protection, nuclear safety (including quality assurance), and safeguards and
security of nuclear material, do not apply to the Office of Civilian Radioactive Waste Management
facilities.
Excluded from the requirements of the Order are: classified shipments; shipments of nuclear
explosives, components, and special assemblies (see DOE 5610.12, PACKAGING AND OFFSITE
TRANSPORTATION OF NUCLEAR COMPONENTS AND SPECIAL ASSEMBLIES
ASSOCIATED WITH NUCLEAR EXPLOSIVE AND WEAPON SAFETY PROGRAM, 7-26-94);
and facilities and activities of the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program (see Executive Order 12344).
III. GENERAL INFORMATION.
In 1986, the Office of Environment, Safety and Health (EH) responsibilities for DOE certificates of
compliance, U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) exemption requests, and DOE alternatives
were introduced into DOE 1540.2 in Chapters II, III, and IV. These responsibilities have been
combined with the hazardous materials transportation requirements of DOE 5480.3 into a new Order,
DOE O 460.1. What was formerly known as DOE alternatives are now referred to as DOE
exemptions in order to be consistent with the new Directives process. In February 1996, the EH and
EM transportation functions were merged into one organization in the Office of Transportation,
Emergency Management, and Analytical Services (EM-76). A list of selected chronological milestones
concerning DOE 1540.2 and 5480.3 is included for historical reference in Attachment 1.
2
The basis of the offsite safety requirements for this Order is in Paragraph 4.a.(1)(a) which states that
each package and shipment of hazardous materials shall be prepared in accordance with the DOT’s
Hazardous Materials Regulations (49 CFR 106–199). This statement was the heart of DOE 5480.3
and is carried over here without change. Relief from this requirement is obtained only by a DOT
exemption request [Paragraph 4.a.(3)], which is submitted through EM.
For DOE operations that transport packages in DOE vehicles with DOE drivers or DOE contractor
drivers who are employees of State agencies, Paragraph 4.a.(1)(b) stipulates that the DOT Hazardous
Materials Regulations shall be followed by virtue of this Order. Relief from this requirement is
obtained from EM by means of a DOE exemption request [Paragraph 4.a.(2)]. In 1991, in response to
an inquiry from Ms. Susan Denny, DOE Transportation Management Division, about the definition of
Section 5
"public highway," DOT replied as shown in Attachment 2. This response restated that DOE and DOE
contractors qualify as a “person” within the meaning of the Hazardous Materials Transportation
Uniform Safety Act of 1990. The response also restated that DOE contractors must comply with the
Hazardous Materials Regulations even when transportation is in a government vehicle if the shipment
was deemed “in commerce.” Another important provision of this DOT response was to clarify that the
meaning of “in commerce” was transport over roads to which the public had unrestricted access. The
requirements necessary to prohibit "public access" and meet the definition of “not in commerce” (or the
more commonly used term “onsite”) were stated in this letter. This important interpretation by DOT is
frequently referred to as the Susan Denny Letter and is included for its continuing importance to proper
DOE operations.
In 1993, DOT declared in a written opinion to DOE that employees of DOE contractors which are
State agencies (e.g., University of California) are not subject to all the provisions of the Hazardous
Materials Transportation Act. As a result, DOE has included the employees of these exempt entities
in this Order as if they were DOE employees, and so states in Paragraphs 4.a.(1)(b) and 4.c.(2). The
DOT letter on this subject is included in Attachment 3. The entities determined to exist in this category
are:
Los Alamos National Laboratory (University of California)
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (University of California)
Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory (University of California)
3
Ames Laboratory (Iowa State University)
Savannah River Ecology Laboratory (University of Georgia)
The following section contains guidelines for the items in DOE O 460.1A that are unique to DOE
requirements; that is, the guidelines do not include counsel for compliance with the DOT or NRC
regulations per se.
IV. GUIDELINES.
Some of the responsibilities defined in DOE O 460.1A for EM, other secretarial offices, and the heads
of operations or field offices are further clarified in the following sections. Table IV.1 shows a matrix
that describes where the responsibilities from DOE O 460.1A may be found in the various subsections
of this Guide. Where a responsibility was deemed to be self-explanatory in the Order, no further
guidance or interpretation is presented herein. The contractor’s responsibilities are found in the
Contractor Requirements Document, Attachment to DOE O 460.1A. Guidance for contractor’s
responsibilities is provided as appropriate in this Guide.
1. OFFSITE PACKAGING AND TRANSPORTATION SAFETY
Hazardous materials shipments prepared or performed by DOE contractors offsite at a DOE facility
or, as defined by DOT, “in commerce,” are subject to the Hazardous Materials Regulations of DOT,
and contractors who operate DOE vehicles in interstate commerce or transport hazardous materials
intrastate are also subject to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations of the Federal Highway
Administration. DOE O 460.1A requires DOE employees and contractors who are employees of State
agencies to comply with the Hazardous Materials Regulations and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety
Regulations as if they were regulated by DOT. Interpretation has been provided by DOT
(Attachments 2 and 3) as to what constitutes “in commerce,” how facility shipments may be taken out
of commerce, and what is the applicability of the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act to State or
Section 6
local entities and their employees. Guidance by DOE for meeting another federal agency’s regulations
is not appropriate here because this guidance document is focused on the requirements imposed by
DOE O 460.1A.
4
There are some responsibilities related to offsite transportation safety which are imposed by the Order
on the DOE Program and Operations Offices. The Contractor Requirements Document, when made a
part of the contracts, defines the responsibilities of the contractor for compliance with DOT for offsite
shipments or with DOE, if a State agency is the contractor. Future editions of this Guide may discuss
5
Table IV.1. DOE O 460.1A responsibility matrix with guidance document.
Responsible Party DOE O 460.1A GUIDE
Assistant Secretary for Environmental Management 5.a.(1)
5.a.(2)
5.a.(3)
5.a.(4)
5.a.(5)
5.a.(6)
5.a.(7)
5.a.(8)
4.3
4.2
4.2
SE*
2.0, 3.0
4.4
SE*
SE*
DOE Secretarial Officers 5.b 4.3
Heads of Operations Offices or Field Offices 5.c.(1)
5.c.(2)
5.c.(3)
5.c.(4)
5.c.(5)
5.c.(6)
5.c.(7)
SE*
5.0
2.0, 3.0, 4.4
4.3
SE*
SE*
SE*
*SE = Self explanatory in the Order. No further guidance or interpretation provided in the Guide.
6
the offsite transportation responsibilities in more detail if it is determined that this type of information is
needed.
2. GUIDANCE FOR DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY EXEMPTIONS
DOE may grant temporary or permanent exemptions to its directives provided such requests are not
prohibited by law and do not present an undue risk to public health and safety, the environment, or
facility workers. This Guide describes an acceptable procedure and suggested outline to be used to
request and grant exemptions to DOE O 460.1A.
2.1 CONTENT AND FORMAT FOR SUBMITTAL
The requesting organization submits the request for an exemption with supporting justification to the
Operations Office Manager. The DOE Manual, DOE M 251.1-1, DIRECTIVES SYSTEM MANUAL,
October 16, 1995, provides the following as guidance for the contents of the application:
description of activity or condition;
reference to the requirements(s) for which the exemption is sought;
the specific activities that would be necessary to implement the requirement(s) for which an the
exemption is sought;
for environment, safety and health requirements, steps taken to provide protection and statement of
whether adequate safety is provided and, if not, assessment of residual risk;
the alternative or mitigating actions which have or will be taken to ensure adequate safety and
protection of the public, the workers, and the environment for the period during which the
exemption will be effective;
identification and justification of the acceptance of any additional risks which will be incurred if
the exemption is granted;
what benefit is realized by not meeting the requirement from which the exemption is sought; and
whether the exemption being requested is temporary or permanent, and for temporary exemptions,
indicate when compliance will be achieved.
7
In addition to the above material in DOE M 251.1-1, information concerning the quantity to be
packaged and transferred and the characterization of these materials should be supplied. Other
guidance is provided in the Hazardous Materials Regulations for application for an exemption to a
DOT regulation (49 CFR 107.105). Such format would also be acceptable to the DOE and reviewers
of the exemption request. Another format, which was formerly used for DOE Alternative requests, was
Section 7
stated in DOE 1540.2, Chapter IV. It suggests:
a. The text or substance of the portion of the Order from which the exemption is sought.
b. The name, address, and telephone number of the applicant.
c. A detailed description of the proposal, including drawings; plans; calculations;
procedures; test results; packagings to be used; and any other supporting information.
d. The chemical name, common name, hazard classification, form, quantity, properties, and
characteristics of the material covered by the proposal, including composition and
percentage (specified by volume or weight) of each chemical.
e. All relevant shipping and accident experience.
f. The proposed mode of transportation, any increased risks that are likely to result if the
exemption is granted, the safety control measures which the applicant considers necessary
or appropriate to compensate for those increased risks.
g. The proposed duration for which the exemption is sought.
h. Why the applicant believes the proposal and safety control measures specified by the
applicant will achieve a level of safety which:
(1) is at least equal to that specified in that portion of the Order from which the exemption is
sought; or
(2) is consistent with the public interest and adequately protects against the risks to life and
property that are inherent in the transportation of hazardous materials in commerce.
Either format would be a complete and acceptable application and may be chosen based on the subject
of the exemption request. The former lends itself to relief from the requirements of the Order, and the
latter format is more typical of a request when the Order imposes DOT requirements on those not
subject to DOT jurisdiction.
8
2.2 REVIEW PROCESS GUIDANCE
2.2.1 Operations Office Responsibility Guidance. The first responsibility falls on the Operations
Office to review the application and provide a recommendation and support of the evaluation
of the exemption request to EM.
The Operations Office also has the responsibility of transmitting the approval/disapproval
letter to the requesting organization following the determination by EM. Procedures should
be developed and implemented to meet the above responsibilities.
2.2.2 Evaluation Guidance for EM. The request for exemption may be approved, rejected, or
returned with directions on how to change the request to make it acceptable. Through
consultation with the requesting organization, the request may be modified and EM approve a
modified exemption.
2.2.3 Requesting Organization. The requesting organization should (a) provide sufficient detail in
the request to support the application, (b) provide additional support and information to EM
as requested during the evaluation process, and (c) follow the exemption decision including
any terms and conditions to the exemption.
3. GUIDANCE FOR DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION EXEMPTIONS
Exemptions issued by DOT to the Hazardous Materials Regulations are required if the shipper is
unable to comply with any part of the applicable Hazardous Materials Regulations. Such
administrative relief to the requirements will only be granted on the basis of equivalent levels of safety
or levels of safety consistent with the public interest and the policy of the Federal law. DOE O 460.1A
requires that the DOE shipper process applications for DOT exemptions first through the cognizant
Operations Office, then to EM for review. Since many contractors may have a need to use the
Section 8
exemption, this method provides issuance of the exemption to DOE as the holder. Each of the
contractors that may need to utilize the exemption must submit an application for party status to DOT.
Notice of such application should be made to the cognizant Operations Office.
9
Therefore, all contractors should follow the following steps for obtaining a DOT exemption or existing
exemption renewal:
a. Determine that there is no means other than an exemption to accomplish a necessary transport.
Considering the review time that DOT requires and the necessary time required by EM, the
contractor should plan his submission accordingly.
b. Prepare an application for administrative relief following the instructions provided at 49 CFR
107.105 for a new application, 49 CFR 107.107 for party status, or 49 CFR 107.109 for a
renewal application.
c. Submit application to the cognizant Operations Office for transmittal to EM. Applications for
modifications to existing exemptions should be transmitted to EM one hundred fifty (150) days
before intended use or expiration. Renewal applications should be transmitted to EM ninety (90)
days before expiration or intended use.
d. Once authorized, a copy of the DOT exemption must accompany the applicable shipments and
users comply with specific restrictions in each exemption.
EM should provide as thorough a review as warranted on a graded scale. If the application is not for a
one-time use or will likely be used by other contractors, EM should technically evaluate the
application, assuring that all requirements of 49 CFR for such applications are met, and that the
application is necessary or continues to be necessary for the accomplishment of the DOE mission.
EM maintains a current and an available register of DOT exemptions and party-to-exemptions issued
to DOE. Displayed on the Internet or DOE home pages is an appropriate means of keeping everyone
up-to-date on the status of requested and existing DOT exemptions.
4. SPECIAL PACKAGING FOR RADIOACTIVE MATERIALS
4.1 INTRODUCTION
The Hazardous Materials Regulations address packagings suitable for shipping radioactive materials at
49 CFR 173 and 49 CFR 178. Packaging for Type A quantities of radioactive materials may be either
DOT-specification packagings, Type A packagings designed and tested commercially, Type B certified
(DOE or NRC) packagings, or DOE-designed and -tested Type A packagings. DOT permits DOE to
10
certify Type B and fissile packagings for its own use (49 CFR 173.7). In addition, DOT regulations
invoke the NRC regulations, 10 CFR 71, for certification of Type B and fissile packagings. The
DOE-designed and -tested Type A packagings and the DOE certified Type B packagings are the
subject of the following guidance information.
4.2 DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY APPROVED TYPE A PACKAGES
Through several of its operating contractors, DOE has been conducting an evaluation and a testing
program to qualify Type A radioactive material packagings per DOT Specification 7A (49 CFR 178).
The program is currently administered by the Office of Transportation, Emergency Management, and
Analytical Services, EM-76. This section presents guidelines for: (1) establishing a packaging testing
facility, including the criteria for package testing that the facility should be capable of performing and
quality assurance criteria that it should meet; (2) applying to have a DOE-designed DOT Specification
Section 9
7A Type A radioactive material packaging approved; and (3) a summary of the information and
packagings presented in DOE/RL-96-57, Rev. 0, Volume I, Test and Evaluation Document for DOT
Specification 7A Type A Packaging, September 1996 (hereafter, referred to as the Blue Book).
4.2.1 Responsibilities. In accordance with DOE O 460.1A, EM is responsible for approving the
contractor testing facilities and for documenting qualified DOT Specification 7A packagings
designed by DOE contractors and tested at DOE facilities. By extension of the latter
responsibility, EM approves packagings that it determines have been qualified to meet the test
criteria of Attachment 4. Documentation of a qualified packaging entails providing the test
report and approved text for entry into the Blue Book to Westinghouse Hanford Company
(WHC), which maintains the Blue Book for EM. If the contractor elects to use a DOE-
approved Type A package, it is his responsibility as user and shipper to assure that the
packaging is still qualified in the latest revision of the Blue Book, compatible with the
contents to be shipped, and correctly used.
4.2.2 Contractor Testing Facilities Approval. The purpose of this section is to describe the EM test
and evaluation program for DOT Specification 7A Type A package designs for radioactive
materials. The responsibilities for operating an EM-approved test facility are given, and the
11
relationships between the applicant (who desires to have a package design tested and
approved), the test facility, and EM are described. If a facility designs packagings and wishes
to be designated as a DOE-approved test facility, then it should follow these guidelines.
4.2.2.1 DOE Test Program for DOT Specification 7A Type A Package Designs. DOE O 460.1A
required the establishment of a test and evaluation program for DOT Specification 7A Type
A radioactive material package designs. The program should be established to ensure that
testing and supporting documentation is of consistently high quality. Under this program and
in accordance with DOE O 460.1A, Type A packagings developed by DOE facilities will
undergo testing by a DOE-approved test facility and then be approved by EM before use by
DOE or its contractors. Figure IV.1 illustrates the procedural steps in preparing for and
performing the tests and developing supporting documentation.
To have a package design evaluated, an applicant is required to open a docket with EM and
then submit a design packet and packaging prototypes to the test facility assigned to the
docket by EM. The test facility evaluates the documentation provided by the applicant before
performing the Type A tests. Comments generated from the review are provided to the
applicant by the test facility and in normal circumstances should be resolved before testing is
performed. Copies of the comments and their resolution are forwarded by the test facility to
EM.
The regulations of 49 CFR 173.462 should be followed prior to testing each specimen to
identify and record faults or damage. The testing of the proposed Type A packaging involves
subjecting the prototype containing simulated radioactive contents to the prescribed tests. The
packaging test facility must ensure that the hardware tested complies with the design
specifications and that the simulated contents impose a maximum stress on the feature being
tested. After each of the applicable tests specified in Attachment 4, the packaging and
Section 10
shielding should be tested as required by 49 CFR 173.463. It is the responsibility of the
packaging test facility to ensure the adequacy of the techniques used to analyze the package
design. This includes verifying that tested prototypes complied with the design and that test
results support a determination of successfully passing the tests.
12
13
Applicant requests docket number from EM
EM assigns test facility to docket
Applicant prepares design packet
Applicant fabricates prototypes
Applicant submits design packet and prototypes to test facility assigned by EM
Test facility reviews design packet and performs preloading inspections of prototypes
nadequate
Adequate
Test facility prepares test plan
Test facility loads, closes, & assembles prototypes per operating instructions
and contents specifications, then tests prototypes
Fa
Pass
Test facility documents test results (including design requirements)
( ) files supporting information (photos, sketches, worksheets, etc )
(2) sends internally approved test report to EM
(3) sends draft Blue Book changes to EM
EM reviews test report and Blue Book changes
D sapproves
Approves
EM sends a copy of approved test report to applicant;
EM sends approved test report and Blue Book changes to WHC
WHC distributes approved Blue Book changes to applicant and to holders
of Blue Book, maintains record copy of approved test report
Figure IV.1. Procedural steps for testing and approving a Type A radioactive material packaging.
Following testing, the test facility develops complete documentation of the packaging
evaluation and submits it to EM along with a copy to the applicant for comment. The
applicant has thirty (30) days to send comments to EM. For designs which perform
satisfactorily, this documentation includes draft text for the Blue Book, which is maintained
by WHC for EM. When the documentation of the packaging evaluation is approved by EM,
the packaging is approved for use. When a packaging is approved, EM provides the
applicant with a copy of the approved test report for the packaging and sends the approved
Blue Book text and test report to WHC. For designs which do not pass the Type A tests,
documentation of the reason for failure is provided to the applicant by EM.
4.2.2.2 Procedure for Establishing a Test Facility. Figure IV.2 illustrates the procedural steps for
establishing a DOE-approved test facility. First, the candidate test facility should develop a
detailed set of procedures documenting every aspect of its proposed Type A packaging
evaluation activities. Guidance is provided in Section 4.2.2.3.1. regarding recommended
content of test procedures. Procedures should also cover interactions between the test facility
and the applicant, interactions between the test facility and EM, and preparation and
distribution of documentation, including documentation developed by the test facility for t
incorporation into the Blue Book. The procedures should then be submitted to EM for review
and approval. If disapproved, the candidate test facility should incorporate comments
provided by EM into its procedures. This may also necessitate modifications to the test
apparatus described by the procedures. The modified procedures, describing modified
apparatus where necessary, should then be resubmitted to EM.
Once the procedures receive preliminary approval, EM will assign a docket number to the
Section 11
candidate test facility for processing. EM will then go to the candidate test facility to observe
this first application of the test procedures and equipment. If concerns arise about the
application of the procedures or equipment, changes to the test procedures or equipment may
be required by EM after this step. Once the test procedures receive final approval, EM issues
an approval letter to the test facility, and the test facility is placed on the EM list of DOE-
approved test facilities.
14
15
-
Candidate test facility develops program and
implementing procedures
Candidate test facility submits program
and procedures to EM for review
EM reviews program and procedures
Disapproves
Approves
EM observes procedures and equipment
Disapproves
Approves
EM issues approval letter to test facility
Test facility is authorized to conduct
packaging evaluations
Figure IV.2. Procedural steps for establishing a Type A test program at a test facility.
16
After the test facility is placed on the approved list, dockets can be processed without any
additional direct observation by EM. However, at any time, EM may choose to review any
aspect of a test facility's operation, and may require additional changes to the procedures or
withdraw its approval of the test facility, as it sees fit. EM approval of a tested packaging is
still required before a packaging may be used for transport.
4.2.2.3 Established Requirements for Type A Packaging. The test facilities are responsible for
ensuring that the regulatory requirements, DOE Orders, and management directives pertaining
to the design and performance of Type A packagings are met. The regulatory requirements
are contained in 49 CFR 173.24, 173.24a, 173.24b, 173.410, 173.411, 173.412,
173.461–463, 173.465, 173.466, and 178.350. Some of these requirements pertain to all
hazardous materials packagings. Others pertain to Type A packagings only. Only those
requirements related to packaging design and performance are verified by this program. The
test facilities are responsible for ensuring that both types of requirements are met.
These regulatory requirements fall into two general categories: (1) requirements which the
test facilities should satisfy by review of documentation provided by the applicant, and (2)
requirements which the test facilities should satisfy by performing actual packaging tests.
The following sections more fully describe the responsibilities of the test facilities in these two
areas.
4.2.2.3.1 Documentation Review. The package design as presented to a test facility should be
documented in sufficient detail to enable a test facility to verify compliance with all the
current 49 CFR design requirements. See Section 4.2.3 for details. The applicant is required
to provide this documentation on the packaging qualification checklist included as part of the
design packet. The assigned test facility should review this documentation before testing to
ensure that the applicant understands the requirements and that the packaging complies with
all requirements affecting packaging design and performance.
A test facility should at all times ensure that the packaging qualification checklist covers all
the current Type A packaging design requirements, including any which may have been
17
established by DOE Order or management directive. It is the responsibility of each test
facility to ensure that a packaging under its review complies with the latest regulatory and
Section 12
management requirements pertaining to Type A packaging, and not only to those which are
documented in the packaging qualification checklist. Each test facility should notify EM
whenever modifications to the packaging qualification checklist are needed.
Each test facility is required to review the procedures pertaining to proper loading, unloading,
and other handling of the packaging as a part of the package design review in order to ensure
that they fully document the required package handling. Further, the test facility should verify
that the intended packaging contents for the packaging under review are in a form (e.g.,
nondispersible solid, dispersible solid, liquid, or gas) suitable to the packaging. If intended
radionuclide contents are specified in the packaging documentation, the test facility should
verify that the intended contents are indeed Type A quantities. If evaluations of shielding and
thermal load are provided by the applicant, the test facility reviewing the documentation
should confirm the suitability of the packaging in both these areas. If a plastic packaging or
receptacle is to be used to transport liquids, the test facility should perform the required
testing of chemical compatibility and rate of permeation in plastic packagings and receptacles.
Each test facility should have staff on hand who are qualified to evaluate the documentation
provided by the applicant. In particular, a qualified engineer is needed to evaluate the
applicant's demonstration of compliance with the packaging structural requirements, including
the lifting attachment requirements of 49 CFR 173.410(b) and the requirements for tie-down
failure under excessive loads of 49 CFR 173.412(i). Qualified analysts should be used to
verify thermal and shielding evaluations.
4.2.2.3.2 Test Requirements. Each test facility is responsible for performing the tests specified in
49 CFR 173.24(e)(3)(ii), 173.24a(a)(5), 173.412(f), and 173.465–466. Before these tests
can be performed, suitable surrogate contents should be selected, the packaging should be
inspected for compliance with the documentation provided by the applicant (including
examination of packaging components for damage) per 49 CFR 173.462, and the packaging
18
should be loaded according to the procedure provided by the applicant. For the Type A tests
of 49 CFR 173.465–466, compliance should be based on the assumption required in 49 CFR
173.461(b) with respect to the initial conditions of the package that the package is in
equilibrium at an ambient temperature of 38
C (100 F). Each test facility should have one
or more procedures in place describing how these activities will be performed.
For more detail describing the test facility requirements for Type A packaging tests and the
respective pass/fail criteria for each test, see Attachment 4, “Capability of Test Facilities for
Testing Type A Packagings.”
4.2.2.4 Quality Assurance. DOE 5700.6C, QUALITY ASSURANCE, August 21, 1991, establishes
quality assurance requirements for DOE. This Order defines ten quality assurance criteria in
three categories: management, performance, and assessment. Application of each of these
areas to this program is discussed in Attachment 5, “Quality Assurance for Contractor
Testing Facilities.”
4.2.3 Application for Packaging Approval. The applicant who wishes to have a DOT Specification
7A Type A radioactive materials packaging tested and approved by the EM program
Section 13
(qualified to the specifications of 49 CFR 178.350) should perform the following steps:
a. Submit a written request to EM in which the “need date,” type of packaging, and type
of contents are specified.
b. Upon EM approval, provide the specified packaging test facility with a test plan, a
blueprint-like drawing of the container, design packet, representative loads (if
requested), and any other materials necessary to perform the testing. After the tester
determines how many units are needed, provide the appropriate number of prototype
containers.
c. Provide a technician or staff member, when necessary, to support any of the tests (e.g.,
in the event of a high priority, immediate need date).
d. In the event that a container fails a test and modification of the container is desired,
provide the test facility with another set of containers and design packet.
e. Review and provide comments to EM on the draft Evaluation Report for the
tested/evaluated container.
19
f. Provide for the disposition of the containers originally provided to the packaging test
facility (e.g., funds for disposal or return shipment). This should nominally be
completed within 14 days of the publication of the Final Evaluation Report to avoid
being billed for disposal costs.
g. In the event that a container fails a test and modifications are not desired, provide funds
as stated in Item 6 for the disposition of the containers.
h. In the event that after the Final Evaluation Report is published and distributed and the
applicant wishes to have additional tests performed or to have additional contents
approved, perform the same steps as above, beginning with Item a. Another set of
containers do not have to be sent if there are still untested containers at the Test Facility
and the container has not been modified.
The procedural steps involved in obtaining a packaging approval are presented in Figure 4.1
of Section 4.2.2.2. In the listing above, Item b is the most involved step. The requested design
packet consists of detailed drawings and specifications, an analysis report, documented
operating instructions, and a completed packaging qualification checklist. The qualification
checklist addresses the characterization of the contents for compatibility with the selected
packaging and details the following characteristics: (1) radiological, (2) activity limits,
(3) thermal, (4) allowable contents (physical and chemical form), (5) packaging design
(including shielding), (6) lifting and handling, (6) tie down, and (7) quality assurance
provisions.
A properly completed packaging qualification checklist would contain documentation that the
applicant has addressed the following regulatory requirements:
178.350 Specification 7A; general packaging, Type A
173.21 Forbidden materials and packages
173.22 Shipper’s responsibility
173.24 General requirements for packagings and packages
173.24a Additional general requirements for non-bulk packagings and packages
173.24b Additional general requirements for bulk packagings
173.410 General design requirements
173.412 Additional design requirements for Type A packages
173.415(a) Authorized Type A packages
20
173.441 Radiation level limitations
173.442 Thermal limitations
173.443 Contamination control
173.461 Demonstration of compliance with tests
173.462 Preparation of specimens for testing
173.463 Packaging and shielding—testing for integrity
173.465 Type A packaging tests
Section 14
173.466 Additional tests for Type A packagings designed for liquids and gases
173.474 Quality control for construction of packaging
173.475 Quality control requirements prior to each shipment of radioactive materials
The applicant is required to provide a set of procedures describing the proper loading,
unloading, and other handling of the packaging. Compliance must be demonstrated with the
packaging structural requirements, including the lifting attachment requirements of 49 CFR
173.410(b) and the requirements for tie-down failure under excessive loads of 49 CFR
173.412(i).
Contents for the packaging under review should be in a form (e.g., nondispersible solid,
dispersible solid, liquid, or gas) suitable to the packaging. The applicant is not required to
specify radionuclide contents; however, if intended radionuclide contents are specified in the
packaging documentation, then the intended Type A contents should be provided or simulated.
If the representative load is simulated, the physical properties of the test contents should be
demonstrated to be equivalent to the working load. The representative load should be
acceptable to EM and the test facility. If evaluations of shielding and thermal load are
provided by the applicant, the test facility reviewing the documentation should confirm the
suitability of the packaging in both these areas. If the applicant desires to transport liquids
using a plastic packaging or receptacle, the liquid contents should be fully described by the
applicant so that the test facility can perform the required testing of chemical compatibility
and rate of permeation in plastic packagings and receptacles.
21
Any comments generated from the review of the documentation are provided to the applicant
by the test facility and in normal circumstances should be resolved before testing is
performed. For designs which perform satisfactorily, documentation is developed by the test
facility which includes draft text for the Blue Book. The Blue Book is a compilation of all
DOE-approved Type A packagings which provides documentation enabling DOE facilities to
use the packagings. When the documentation of the packaging evaluation is approved by
EM, the packaging is approved for use.
When a packaging is approved, EM provides the applicant with a copy of the approved test
report for the packaging so that the applicant may begin to use the packaging immediately.
EM also sends the approved Blue Book text and test report to WHC. WHC then transmits
the new Blue Book text to the applicant and to all holders of the Blue Book, and maintains a
record copy of the approved test report for EM.
For designs which do not pass the Type A tests, documentation of the reason for failure is
provided to the applicant by EM. The applicant may then either modify the design and have
the packaging reevaluated and retested by the DOT 7A Testing Program or abandon the
design effort.
4.2.4 Use of Blue Book Packagings. The Blue Book summarizes the evaluation and testing
performed for all the Type A packagings successfully qualified by the evaluation and testing
program administered by EM. Previously, the Blue Book was known as the Red Book. The
purpose of the Blue Book is to provide technical documentation of packagings qualified to the
requirements of DOT-7A (49 CFR 178.350) and considered acceptable for transport of Type
A quantities of radioactive material subject to the applicable restrictions and specifications.
Section 15
The specific packaging data contained in the Blue Book serve to meet the requirements of
49 CFR 173.415(a) for “. . . documentation of tests . . .” when the packagings are used as
prescribed. The Blue Book does not contain all the documentation needed for offering a
package for transportation. In addition to the documentation of tests, the user of the
packaging must maintain on file other appropriate data applicable to the shipment, including
22
(1) evaluation of the properties of the actual contents to be shipped for compatibility with the
packaging and that their characteristics are bounded by the simulated contents used in
qualification testing, and (2) the quality control program–and its implementation–developed
to ensure that the packaging materials, components, and arrangement are in accordance with
the qualified design.
Blue Book currently lists about 300 qualified packagings. The main family of containers
shown are (1) steel drums, (2) steel boxes, (3) wooden boxes, (4) fiberboard containers, (5)
UF 6 cylinders, and (6) containers for liquids and gases. Other miscellaneous, specialized
containers are presented and updates, including deletions, are made to the groups yearly. As
mentioned in Section 4.2.2, EM sends updates to WHC of approved packagings for entry into
the Blue Book once a design is qualified. It is the users responsibility to assure that the
packaging that he uses is still qualified and meets any necessary revisions.
In addition to information on packagings, the Blue Book contains useful information such as
applicable DOT regulations, procurement practices, quality assurance requirements, and
alternative packagings that can be used. These alternative packages that are permissible to be
used are NRC certified Type B packagings. In authorizing the use of NRC certified packages
for transportation of Type A quantities of radioactive material, DOT regulations specify, in
49 CFR 173.415, that certain conditions must be met. One condition (49 CFR 173.471) is
that the shipment of the package be made in compliance with the terms of the NRC Certificate
of Compliance. Alternatively, an NRC certified package may be shipped under the provisions
of 49 CFR 173.415(a) as a DOT-7A package. Conditions for this scenario are mentioned in
the pertinent text of Blue Book. The same would be applicable for DOE certified Type B
packagings.
4.3 DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY CERTIFIED TYPE B PACKAGES
4.3.1 Responsibilities. The flow of the documents for certification by EM of Type B packagings is
as follows:
23
a. Contractor prepares the application for a Type B packaging including a Safety Analysis
Report for Packaging (SARP) and submits all to the cognizant Field or Operations
Office. Guidance for the application is found in Section 4.3.2.
b. The Field or Operations Office reviews the application for completeness and forwards it
to the Secretarial Officer responsible for those facilities or activities requesting the
certification.
c. The Secretarial Officer reviews the application and, if appropriate, forwards it to EM.
The purpose of this review is for the responsible line management to: (1) be aware of the
application, (2) determine that there is a need and adequate funding for the project, and
(3) declare the Office’s support for the project.
d. On receipt of the application, EM establishes a docket for the application and assigns a
review team to the project. When the review is completed, EM may issue a Certificate
Section 16
of Compliance if the review indicates that the design meets the standards of or is
equivalent in safety to 10 CFR 71, as well as any special requirements that EM may
determine applicable. The approved Certificate will return to the requestor through the
same channels as received. Guidance for the review process is discussed in Section
4.3.3.
4.3.2 Safety Analysis Report for Packaging Preparation and Submission. The SARP should be
sufficiently detailed so as to permit the reviewer to determine that the package is designed and
analyzed in sufficient detail and should document the adequacy of the packaging with respect
to 10 CFR 71 standards or the equivalency thereto. These regulations state that a package
must meet certain containment, radiation control, and subcriticality assurance requirements
when subjected to specified normal transport and hypothetical accident conditions.
The SARP format preferred is described in NRC Regulatory Guide 7.9, Standard Format
and Content of Part 71 Applications for Approval of Packaging of Type B, Large Quantity,
and Fissile Radioactive Material, January 1980. Additional guidance for SARP preparation
may be found in other NRC Regulatory Guides and in the UCID-21218, Packaging Review
Guide for Reviewing Safety Analysis Reports for Packagings October 1988, or the
Packaging Handbook (Section 6 REFERENCES).
4.3.3 Review Process Guidance. DOE O 460.1A requires that EM execute the certification
program for the Department and that the Headquarters Certifying Official come from EM.
DOE 1540.2, which was replaced by DOE O 460.1A, had established procedures and review
24
policies for obtaining certification of packaging used by DOE and its contractors for Type B
radioactive materials. Such procedures are absent from DOE O 460.1A; instead, this Guide
offers the established references for consultation to the reviewer for use in determination of
the adequacy of the packaging design to meet the standards of NRC or the safety equivalent
thereto. Reasonable use of these references will maintain the quality and uniformity of the
reviews.
4.3.4 Renewal of DOE Certificates of Compliance. DOE certificates are issued for a specified
period of time. To qualify for use under "timely renewal" application, the contractor
requesting the renewal should submit documentation to the Headquarters certifying official,
through the appropriate field office, justifying renewal of the certificate. Such documentation
should include (but not limited to):
a. The necessity for renewing the certificate;
b. That the SARP has been reviewed and complies with applicable requirements and
standards; and
c. A summary of the history of past usage.
Documentation should be received by headquarters a minimum of 90 days prior to expiration
of the certificate.
4.3.5 Use of Department of Energy Certified Packages. DOE Field or Operations Offices and
contractors may use any packaging whose design has been certified by the Headquarters
Certifying Official provided the user meets the requirements specified in the Certificate,
maintains full component of the latest version of the SARP and Certificate of Compliance,
and meets all other DOE packaging and transportation safety requirements in accord with
DOE O 460.1A.
4.3.6 The Program for Review of Fabrication, Use, and Maintenance of Department of Energy
Certified Packages. A program was begun by EH in 1994 to evaluate the status of the DOE
Section 17
certified packagings in use throughout the DOE complex. The objectives of the evaluation
program are to:
25
a. determine that the condition and usage of packaging is in compliance with the applicable
federal regulations, DOE Certifications, facility quality assurance plans, and other
program requirements;
b. determine the effectiveness of Operations or Field Office oversight of contractor
organizations’ quality assurance programs for hazardous materials packaging for
transportation; and
c. provide Operations Office management with effective feedback to aid in continuous
improvement of the overall safe use of hazardous materials packaging.
The guidance for this program was contained in a draft EH-30 Instruction, Quality Assurance
Assessment Program for Packaging Used in the Transportation of Hazardous Materials.
The team leader is from Headquarters staff; team members are designated by the respective
team leader. One evaluation was performed in 1994 using these guidelines; it is expected
that the program will sponsor at least one evaluation per year. These evaluations will be a
part of the EM technical assistance program and should not be considered by the reviewed
facility or Operations Office as oversight assessments.
4.4 USE OF OTHER APPROVED OR CERTIFIED PACKAGINGS
DOE contractors may use any of the following in addition to the DOE approved packagings, as long as
all regulatory requirements and any special provisions for the packagings are met.
4.4.1 Nuclear Regulatory Commission Certified Packaging. If the contractor or DOE is registered
as a user and the contractor possesses a copy of the latest NRC Certificate of Compliance and
the packaging’s SARP, the contractor may use an NRC certified packaging.
All requests for NRC Certificates of Compliance should follow the same process flow as for
DOT exemptions (Section 3).
4.4.2 Department of Transportation Specification Containers. Packaging designs which have been
published in the Hazardous Materials Regulations as specification packagings may be used
provided that all provisions of the DOT specification and applicable quality assurance
26
requirements are met and provided that use of the packaging is not prohibited by DOE O
460.1A [i.e., the restriction on plutonium packagings at DOE O 460.1A, 4.a.(4)(c)].
4.4.3 International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Approvals. DOT is the authorized agency to
administer international approvals as the Competent Authority for the United States.
Domestic shippers receive certification of the suitability and compliance of domestic
packaging to foreign countries through DOT. This means that any DOE or NRC certified
packaging or DOT specification packaging must receive additional approval in the form of a
U.S. Competent Authority Certificate for shipment into foreign countries. Copies of current
U.S. Competent Authority Certificates covering the approval of packaging designs are sent
prior to shipment to the Competent Authority of each country into or through which the
packages will be transported. Foreign packaging of origin may be used only for
import/export shipments when an IAEA certification has been issued and a U. S. (DOT)
endorsement has been granted. This means that a foreign national competent authority has
certified the packaging’s suitability and compliance and such certification has been validated
by DOT. This validation or endorsement typically takes the form of a separate annex or
Section 18
supplement to the IAEA certification.
Additionally, radioactive material shipped as “special form” must have been first certified by
a national competent authority as meeting the IAEA requirements for special form based on
encapsulation or physical characteristics prior to any import or export shipments (49 CFR
173.476). DOT issues such certification for international shipments; domestic shipments do
not have this requirement.
DOE contractors may use any international certification to which they or DOE are registered
as a user, provided all requirements of the certification, special provisions, and other
applicable regulations are met. New applications for Competent Authority approval or
special form authorization should be submitted following the same process flow as for a DOT
exemption (Section 3).
5. ONSITE TRANSPORTATION SAFETY REQUIREMENTS
27
5.1 INTRODUCTION
The onsite portion of DOE O 460.1A (Paragraph 4.b) stems from the general realization throughout
DOE some years ago that there was a need to have onsite transportation requirements spelled out in an
Order. This realization was emphasized when the packaging and transportation community held a
workshop on the subject in Denver in August 1990. The result of these deliberations was that an Order
was needed and that it should mandate an Onsite Transportation Safety Document for each site or
facility in DOE. Already, before the workshop, sites and facilities had begun to develop such
documents and to define “onsite” and “offsite” for transportation purposes. At that time, detailed
contents of such documents were specified but later dropped from the proposed Order because
individual site requirements varied greatly from one another.
In May 1994, again in Denver, a second workshop was held, this time to discuss a draft Order in the
5480 series. By this time, many sites and facilities had developed onsite safety documents. The draft
was finalized at the workshop and was ready for formal coordination throughout DOE when the EH
Process Improvement Team suggested its inclusion with the revised DOE 5480.3, which has been done
(by reference) in DOE O 460.1A, Paragraph 4.b. Also, at that time it was realized were jurisdictional
“grey areas,” which were left to the sites to be discussed in their Transportation Safety Documents
(TSDs).
5.1.1 Purpose. The purpose of this section is to provide guidance to DOE Field Elements and DOE
contractors for implementation of the requirements of DOE O 460.1A, Paragraph 4.b,
“Onsite Safety Requirements.”
5.1.2 Discussion. The guidance provided herein supports the requirements of DOE O 460.1A.
Responsibility for managing DOE hazardous material packaging and transportation activities
in a safe and an environmentally sound manner resides with line management at DOE
Headquarters, at each DOE Field Element, and within each DOE contractor organization.
In the performance of onsite packaging and transportation activities, assurance must be given
that proper safety, health, and environmental protection are maintained. For onsite transfers
28
of hazardous material at DOE sites, this assurance can be provided by specification of
operational safety procedures in the site-specific TSDs. Adherence to federal regulations
normally applicable to offsite transportation is an acceptable approach to meeting the onsite
safety requirements. However, an alternative, integrated approach which considers the
Section 19
packaging in combination with specified communication and control measures is also
acceptable.
Such an integrated approach should include hazard classification of the material, hazard
containment, hazard communication, and control measures commensurate with the hazard of
the material being transported, such as:
a. identification of the physical characteristics, chemical characteristics, and potential
property damage of the designated hazard classification;
b. containment requirements for each hazardous material transfer that ensure retention of
materials under normal onsite transport operations;
c. hazard communication requirements that provide sufficient information to personnel
handling the material and to emergency responders, such that the hazards of the material
being handled or transferred can be assessed prior to having direct contact with the
material; and
d. control requirements appropriate for the level of containment and communication
provided that take into account the possibility and consequences of credible accidents.
These control requirements should result in minimal acceptance of risk above the risks
accepted in the context of existing Hazardous Materials Regulations. For radioactive
materials, appropriate controls also need to be provided to ensure nuclear criticality
safety and minimize personnel exposures in accordance with As Low as Reasonably
Achievable (ALARA) principles.
5.2 GUIDANCE TO RESPONSIBILITIES
5.2.1 Operations Office and Field Office Managers. In accordance with DOE O 460.1A,
Paragraph 5.c, Heads of Operations Offices or Field Offices shall implement the requirements
of this Order and ensure that contractors under their purview fully implement and comply
with the requirements of the Order. Responsibility specified for implementation of the onsite
requirements is review and approval of transportation safety documents.
29
5.2.2 Contractor Management. Contractor Management should ensure for onsite transfers of
hazardous materials that the Hazardous Materials Regulations are complied with or that an
approved site- or facility-specific TSD meeting equivalent safety requirements is followed.
Contractor management should ensure that a site- or facility-specific TSD exists which
satisfies Section 5.3 of this Guide and is updated and maintained.
5.3 PREPARATION OF TRANSPORTATION SAFETY DOCUMENTS
5.3.1 Introduction. DOE O 460.1A requires that deviations from the Hazardous Materials
Regulations of DOT for onsite transfers be documented in an approved site-specific TSD.
This document describes (explicitly or by reference) the methodology and compliance process
to meet equivalent safety measures relative to deviations from the Hazardous Materials
Regulations. This TSD is expected to include:
a. identification of responsibilities, lines of authority, and program approval procedures;
b. definition of minimum safe packaging requirements including necessary design,
fabrication, and quality assurance elements, using appropriate codes and standards;
c. description of transportation systems and operational controls utilized to restrict
personnel and public access and minimize the probability and consequence of credible
accidents;
d. a description of the process and analysis is used to ensure that equivalent safety
requirements are established. This should include a technically justified basis for
equivalency. For example, this could include a hazards analysis associated with the
Section 20
transfer, an assessment of the risks associated with the transfer, and a discussion of the
mitigating measures proposed to ensure the equivalent safety requirements will be
employed. This analysis would be performed for each deviation from the Hazardous
Materials Regulations;
e. site description, including maps identifying boundaries, railways, and roadways, which
clearly delineates offsite and onsite areas, and procedures for clearing and establishing
access control for any area having occasional public access;
f. provisions for effective emergency response and recovery under credible accident
conditions; and
g. process for accomplishing nonroutine packaging and transportation activities.
30
DOE O 460.1A requires that each TSD be approved by the cognizant DOE Field Element.
Approval shall constitute acceptance of the site program as meeting DOE transportation
safety requirements. This is a new requirement, but existing site programs may remain in
effect until this requirement is met. DOE O 460.1A states that no later than one year from the
date of incorporation of the Contractor’s Requirements Document into the contractor’s
contract, all onsite transfer shall comply with either the Hazardous Materials Regulations or
an approved TSD.
5.3.2 Preferred Format for Transportation Safety Documents. Following is a preferred format for
the TSDs. The level of detail required in each TSD is dependent on the complexity of
operations, demographic conditions at the site, quantities and types of materials being
transported, number and complexity of site transport routes, and need for special controls
(including safeguard controls) to meet DOE transportation safety requirements.
Sites which already have a well-developed TSD do not need to rewrite their document to this
format; instead, they may provide a crosswalk from the existing format to this one and add
relevant sections where needed. However, existing TSDs lacking significant amounts of
information and therefore requiring significant revision should consider revising to this
format.
a. Chapter I. Purpose, Scope and Applicability
Purpose. The purpose should state that the TSD documents the onsite packaging and
transportation program and demonstrates its compliance with DOE transportation safety
requirements.
Scope. The scope should state that the TSD covers all transfers of hazardous materials,
substances and wastes. Although the term "transfer" refers only to onsite transportation of
hazardous materials, readers not familiar with this definition may find a statement of this
definition helpful at this point.
31
Applicability. The applicability statement should describe how the requirements of the
document are applied to site and facility operations. It should be written so that someone
needing to move hazardous material can understand whether or not the requirements of the
document apply to the movement in question. This section should also state who is
responsible for control of document distribution and for preparation and distribution of
document updates. In addition, it should explain how controlled distribution and maintenance
of the document will be accomplished.
b. Chapter II. Definitions and Acronyms
Definitions and Acronyms. This section should define all terms or acronyms used in the TSD
which are relevant to onsite packaging and transportation operations. Site-specific terms
should be defined for the benefit of new employees or external reviewers of the document.
Section 21
Reference to definitions from the ORNL-M-3077, Transportation and Packaging Resource
Guide, December 1994, would be helpful.
c. Chapter III. Site Description
Maps. This section should identify the physical location of the site and associated facilities
on legible maps. Site boundaries should be clearly marked. Fences and other restrictions to
public access should be identified. All features of the site which are mentioned in any part of
the document, such as facilities, buildings, entryways, storage areas, transport routes, and
transportation hazards, should be clearly identified on one or more maps, and the appropriate
maps should be referenced when site-specific features are mentioned in the text. The goal of
this section should be to provide enough information to enable a reader unfamiliar with the
site (such as a new employee or an independent reviewer) to comprehend all site-specific
discussion in the TSD.
Vehicles. A list should be provided of the transport vehicles used for onsite hazardous
materials movements or reference to the location of such listing.
32
d. Chapter IV. Organizational Responsibilities
This chapter should describe the packaging and transportation organizational structure within
the framework of the entire site organization. Organization charts are encouraged for clarity.
The authority and responsibilities of principal organizations and key positions within those
organizations should be clearly described, so that lines of authority and reporting may be
understood. Independence of oversight organizations should be demonstrated. Program
approval procedures should be cited.
e. Chapter V. External Regulations
This chapter should reference the principal Federal, State, and local regulations, DOE Orders,
and other requirements affecting onsite packaging and transportation activities which have
been imposed by organizations external to the site organization. It should provide a complete
picture of all the externally-imposed requirements with which the onsite packaging and
transportation activities must comply. It should also identify any Government and industrial
standards used as benchmarks in the development of the onsite packaging and transportation
program.
f. Chapter VI. Site-Specific Standards, Procedures, and Instructions
This chapter should identify the site-specific standards, procedures, and instructions
applicable to onsite packaging and transportation activities. This section should only present
the general requirements governing the development of specific procedures for individual
hazardous material transport activities. Any packaging standards, performance criteria, and
design, fabrication, and quality elements identified in this chapter should be supported by
applicable codes and standards. Site-wide procedures for subjects such as securing of loads
and tie-downs, load compatibility, contamination and radiation exposure control, and
criticality control should be identified and/or referenced. All relevant site policy and
procedures Documents (e.g., radiological protection manuals and health and safety manuals)
should be referenced.
33
g. Chapter VII. Safety Assessment Methodology
This chapter should provide a description of the methodology used to achieve and demonstrate
compliance with DOE O 460.1A, Paragraph 4.b. The description of the methodology should
include a description of any problematic or risk-based approaches used.
Section 22
Guidance on developing and applying a safety assessment methodology is provided in
Section 5.4 of this document. This guidance recommends development of a hazardous
materials hierarchy and associated performance requirements and documentation of these
requirements in this chapter. In developing an onsite packaging and transportation system for
hazardous materials, it is recommended that the primary emphasis be placed on packaging
design and packaging performance to ensure containment of materials during normal onsite
transfer activities. A well-designed packaging can lessen both the probability and the
consequences of a hazardous material release for a given package handling scenario.
h. Chapter VIII. Routine Transfers
This chapter should identify the major categories of hazardous materials or hazard classes
routinely transferred onsite, the packagings used for each, and the specific procedures
followed. The procedures may cover such topics as identification and classification of
material, packaging selection, packaging preparation and use, transport vehicle scheduling
and use, hazard communication, hazard control, and routine approvals.
i. Chapter IX. Non-Routine Transfers
This chapter should present the procedures for processing and approving a request for an
exception to the routine transfer requirements of Chapter VIII. These procedures should
address the required format, content and control of this type of request, conditions under
which approvals should be sought and given, approval authorities, maintenance of
documentation, period of approval, and exclusions.
34
Except under emergency conditions, approval should only be granted after the proposed
transfer has been formally demonstrated in a safety assessment.
j. Chapter X. Personnel Qualification and Training
This chapter should define or reference the training requirements for personnel involved with
onsite hazardous material packaging and transportation activities. It should identify required
courses, course content, testing, and qualification requirements for various packaging and
transportation personnel as a function of the jobs to be performed. Documentation of
training, qualification, and recertification should be specified.
k. Chapter XI. Documentation and Record Keeping
This chapter should identify all site-specific documentation to be maintained to support the
onsite transportation safety program. The records requirements should include retention of
such items as packaging documentation (e.g., SARPs, test reports, or other packaging
evaluations), personnel training and qualification records, vehicle maintenance and inspection
records, and documentation associated with both routine and nonroutine transfers. This
chapter should specify what records must be maintained, who is responsible for maintaining
the records, how the records are to be stored, and how long the records are to be retained.
l. Chapter XII. Incident Reporting and Emergency Response
This chapter should describe the incident reporting and emergency response plans for the site.
The lines of communication and the roles and responsibilities of key personnel involved in an
emergency response or incident report should be presented. Relevant procedures may be
referenced. Planning should be adequate to cover all credible emergency situations to ensure
effective response and recovery after a transport accident or incident.
m. Chapter XIII. Transport Vehicle Operations
35
Section 23
This chapter should identify or reference maintenance and inspection requirements and
associated procedures for onsite vehicles. It should identify routine operator duties and
procedures.
n. Appendices and Other Pertinent Information
This section might include additional site specific guidance to assist transport operations such
as:
— Examples of labels, markings, placards
— Site material transfer documents (shipping papers)
— Lists of packagings (packaging directory)
— Maps (roads, railways, site boundaries, facilities, crossings, adjacent streams,
waterways and wetlands)
— Incident reporting forms
— Vehicle maintenance forms
— Other forms
5.4 SAFETY ASSESSMENT METHODOLOGY
5.4.1 Use of a Graded Approach. DOT regulations are structured so that materials representing a
greater hazard are subject to greater containment, communication, and control requirements.
DOT regulations may be applied to onsite transfers to ensure compliance with the Order.
Where DOT regulations are not used to ensure compliance with the Order for onsite
movements, a graded approach to compliance may be established.
A site seeking to establish a graded approach to compliance with DOE O 460.1A should
develop a hierarchy in which hazardous materials are grouped into a series of hazard levels.
For each hazard level, the performance requirements for the transport system (where the
transport system consists of the packaging plus the controls and communication requirements
imposed on its transport) should then be established. For materials representing low hazards,
the transport system would be expected to prevent loss of containment during normal onsite
36
handling, and may also be expected to survive minor mishaps (e.g., a 3-ft drop or a low-
impact collision of the transport vehicle). For higher hazards, the transport system would be
expected to withstand more severe handling (e.g., a 5-ft drop or a moderate-impact collision
of the transport vehicle) without loss of containment. For hazardous materials, such as Type
B radioactive materials, the transport system would be expected to prevent loss of
containment both for normal handling and for all credible onsite accidents.
The performance requirements imposed on each hazard level in the hazardous materials
hierarchy should be documented in Chapter VII of the TSD. This documentation should
enable a site to establish containment, control, and communication requirements for onsite
movements in a consistent and justifiable manner, and should ensure that requirements
established for an onsite movement will be commensurate with the hazard of the material
being transported.
5.4.2 Safety Assessment. Reliance on packaging performance is a preferred way to ensure overall
safety; however, an integrated approach which considers the packaging in combination with
specified communication and control measures is also acceptable.
Figure IV.3 presents the options available to a site for complying with DOE O 460.1A, and
indicates the evaluations that would support each. As a first step, the packaging should be
placed into one of three categories: (1) DOT packaging, (2) equivalent packaging, or (3) non
equivalent packaging. DOT packaging is packaging which meets the regulations of DOT for
offsite shipment of the hazardous material to be transported onsite. Equivalent packaging is
packaging which can be shown conclusively to provide performance equivalent to packaging
Section 24
meeting the requirements of DOT for offsite shipment. Packaging falling into this category
will generally be a slight modification of a DOT packaging. Non-equivalent packaging is any
packaging which cannot be demonstrated to be either DOT or equivalent packaging. As the
figure shows, DOT packaging requires no special evaluation. It need only be documented as
approved packaging. Equivalent packaging should be supported by a documented evaluation
in which this equivalence is formally established. Once established, equivalent packaging
may be used interchangeably with DOT packaging for onsite movements.
37
Still following the logic of Figure IV.3, DOT and equivalent packagings may be used onsite in
two ways. First, they may be used in compliance with all DOT control and communication
requirements for offsite movements. The use of full DOT control and communication
requirements should be documented in the TSD. No further evaluation is then required.
Second, these packagings may be used with site-specific control and communication
requirements. To ensure that DOE O 460.1A is met, the site-specific requirements should be
evaluated to demonstrate that (1) transport conditions provided by the onsite controls are no
more severe than would be encountered by a package being transported offsite and (2)
personnel potentially involved with the transport and emergency response teams receive
adequate communication regarding the hazards involved with the transport. The final option
represented in Figure IV.3 involves the use of non-equivalent packaging. Because this
packaging has not been demonstrated to function equivalently to DOT packaging, the use of
full DOT control and communication requirements may not be adequate for this type of
packaging.
Before non-equivalent packaging may be used for onsite transport, a performance envelope
should be established for the packaging and specific control and communication requirements
should be developed which ensure that the transport system will operate safely within the
performance envelope.
The evaluation of the transport system described in Figure IV.3 should take the form of a
safety assessment. The safety assessment may be straightforward or very complex,
depending primarily on the packaging to be used for the hazardous materials movement. As a
first step, the packaging should be evaluated and placed into one of the three categories
described earlier: (1) DOT packaging, (2) equivalent packaging, or (3) non-equivalent
packaging. The details of the required evaluation then follow from Figure IV.3.
38
Is the packaging. . .
, ,
DOT? Equivalent? Non-Equivalent?
Document this. Demonstrate packaging Establish performance
equivalence. envelope of the packaging
and evaluate the transport
system (including controls
and communication).
,
Demonstrate that the
system operates safely
Are controls and communication. . . within the performance
envelope.
,
Full DOT? Site-Specific?
Document this. Demonstrate that transport
No additional conditions provided by
evaluation required. onsite controls are not
more severe than would be
encountered offsite.
Demonstrate adequacy of
communication with
personnel and emergency
response team.
39
Figure IV.3. Available options for complying with DOE O 460.1A.
40
The safety assessments for routine onsite hazardous materials movements may be documented
in Chapter VIII of the TSD or as stand-alone documents referenced in Chapter VIII. The
Section 25
process by which safety assessments for nonroutine transfers are performed, documented, and
approved should be described in Chapter IX of the TSD. Documentation of the safety
assessment may cover the following topics:
a. Description. The onsite hazardous material movement to be evaluated should be
thoroughly described. The hazardous material to be transported should be stated, and its
hazard level should be indicated. Site-specific details, such as transport routes, should
be described where appropriate.
b. Packaging. The packaging to be used for the onsite transfer should be described, and
should be categorized as (1) DOT packaging, (2) equivalent packaging, or (3) non
equivalent packaging. For DOT packaging, the safety assessment documentation should
reference the appropriate DOT standard and any packaging test report or other
documentation which demonstrates that the packaging is approved for offsite shipment
of the hazardous material to be transported onsite. For equivalent packaging, the safety
assessment documentation should provide a reference to the DOT packaging to which
this packaging is equivalent, and should provide supporting evidence to demonstrate
equivalence. For non-equivalent packaging, the safety assessment documentation should
provide a detailed analysis of the packaging in which the performance envelope of the
packaging is clearly established. To establish the performance envelope of the
packaging, evaluation of design basis conditions (DBCs) is recommended. DBCs should
be site-specific and possibly route-specific conditions under which the packaging should
be able to provide containment during onsite transport. DBCs to be considered for a
particular hazardous materials transport will depend on the hazard level of the material.
Chapter VII of the TSD should include guidance on which DBCs should be developed
for each hazard level, and should establish minimum performance requirements for each
hazard level. Examples of DBCs which may be appropriate for some hazard levels are
shock, vibration, collision, fall, fire, penetration, and immersion. Others may also be
appropriate.
To illustrate how the performance requirements established in Chapter VII of the TSD
can be used to develop an appropriate DBC, a particular hazardous material may be
grouped into a hazard level that requires a packaging to be able to survive a 3-ft drop
with no loss of containment. For this hazardous material, a 3-ft drop would then become
the DBC for falls, without regard to conditions along the transport route or during
handling which might expose the packaging to a fall from a higher distance. If the
packaging could not survive a 3-ft drop, additional administrative controls would need to
be imposed on the transport system to ensure an adequate level of safety during
transport. Guidance regarding appropriate administrative controls should be provided in
Chapter VII of the TSD.
41
As an example of how physical limitations of a site may be incorporated into a DBC, a
particular hazardous material may be grouped into a hazard level that requires a
packaging to be able to survive a 30-ft drop. For this particular hazardous material
shipment, an evaluation of the transport route may show that, for any accident which
could occur along the transport route, the packaging could never fall more than 10 ft. If
a control on the packaging is also imposed requiring that the packaging never be elevated
Section 26
more than 10 ft during handling, the DBC need only consider a 10-ft fall.
c. Controls. The controls to be placed on the onsite hazardous materials transport should
be described. As shown in Figure IV.3, full compliance with DOT control and
communication requirements for offsite transport is an option, unless a non-equivalent
packaging is being used. The full compliance option may be documented with no further
evaluation. (The tie down and vehicle requirements of DOT would need to be imposed
for a hazardous materials transport to be in full compliance with offsite DOT
regulations.) For DOT or equivalent packaging, the other option is to provide site-
specific controls. These controls need only ensure that the packaging will not be
exposed to transport conditions any more severe than the packaging would experience
during an offsite shipment.
For non-equivalent packaging, controls should be commensurate with the hazard
represented by the package being transported, and should ensure that the packaging
operates within its established performance envelope. The hazard levels and associated
performance requirements documented in Chapter VII of the TSD will greatly facilitate
development and justification of appropriate transport controls. Controls may include
establishment of special communication requirements (e.g., radio contact with
emergency response personnel) which are required to compensate for packaging
inadequacies.
d. Communication. The communication requirements for the onsite hazardous material
transport should be described. Again, Figure IV.3 shows that full compliance with DOT
communication and control requirements for offsite transport is an option for DOT and
equivalent packaging. This option may be documented with no further evaluation. Full
DOT compliance would include strict adherence to use of DOT packaging as well as all
marking, labeling, placarding, and shipping papers requirements of DOT. The other
option for DOT and equivalent packaging is to develop site-specific communication
requirements. Since the purpose of the DOT marking, labeling, placarding and shipping
papers requirements is to communicate the hazards of the material being shipped to
personnel handling the material and to emergency responders in the event of an accident,
sites may develop other methods of communication with personnel involved with the
transport and with emergency response personnel.
For non-equivalent packaging, communication requirements need to be established and
evaluated as part of the entire transport system. The system should be shown to provide
equivalent safety.
As with the establishment of all transport requirements, communication requirements
should be commensurate with the hazard of the material being transported. Justification
42
for communication requirements can best be provided on the basis of the performance
requirements documented in Chapter VII of the TSD.
In some cases, special communication requirements will be described as part of the
control requirements for the transport. Such requirements should be repeated here.
e. Conclusion. The safety assessment should conclude that, based on the evidence
provided, the transport system provides a level of protection commensurate with the
hazard of the material being transported.
6. REFERENCES
a. Code of Federal Regulations, Office of the Federal Register, Washington, D.C.
(1) Title 10, Part 71, "Packaging and Transportation of Radioactive Materials."
Section 27
(2) Title 29, Part 1910, “Occupational Safety and Health Standards.”
(3) Title 40, Parts 260-281, “Environmental Protection Agency Regulations.”
(4) Title 49, Parts 106-199, "Hazardous Materials Regulations."
(5) Title 49, Parts 350-399, “Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations.”
b. American National Standards Institute, American National Standards Institute, New York.
(1) N14.1-1995, Packaging of Uranium Hexaflouride for Transport, 1995.
(2) N14.5-1987, Leakage Tests on Packages for Shipment, 1987.
(3) N14.6-1993, Special Lifting Devices for Shipping Containers Weighing 10,000 Pounds
(4500kg) or More, 1993.
(4) N14.27-1993, Carrier and Shipper Responsibilities and Emergency Response
Procedures for Highway Transportation Accidents, 1993.
(5) N14.29-1988, Guide for Writing Operating Manuals for Packaging, 1988.
(6) N14.30-1992, Design, Fabrication, and Maintenance of Semi-Trailers Employed in the
Transport of Weight-Concentrated Radioactive Loads, 1992.
43
c. Arendt, J. W., et al., ORNL/M-3077, Transportation and Packaging Resource Guide, Oak
Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, Tennessee, December 1994.
d. Fischer, L.E., et al, UCID-21218, Packaging Review Guide for Reviewing Safety Analysis
Reports for Packagings, Rev.1, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore,
California, October 1988.
e. O’Brian, J., WHC-SP-0864, Performance-Oriented Packaging - A Guide to Identifying,
Procuring, and Using, Westinghouse Hanford Company, Richland, Washington, September
1992.
f. Shappert, L. B., ORNL/M-5003, Packaging Handbook, to be published at Oak Ridge
National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, Tennessee.
g. U.S. Department of Energy, Draft EH-30 Instruction 30.50.02, Rev.0, “Quality Assurance
Assessment Program for Packaging Used in the Transportation of Hazardous Materials,”
Office of Environment, Safety and Health, Washington, D.C., April 1994.
h. U.S. Department of Energy, U.S. Department of Energy, Washington, D.C.
(1)
(2)
DOE M 251.1-1, DIRECTIVES SYSTEM MANUAL, October 1995.
DOE O 5700.6C, QUALITY ASSURANCE, August 1991.
i.
(3) DOE-STD-1075-94, DOE Standard: Standard for Developing and Issuing DOE
Safety Guides and Implementation Guides, July 1994.
U.S. Department of Energy, WHC-EP-0558, Test and Evaluation Document for DOT
Specification 7A Type A Packaging, Westinghouse Hanford Company, Richland,
Washington, July 1992.
44
j. U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Office of Standards Development, Washington D.C.
(1) Regulatory Guide 7.6: Design Criteria for the Structural Analysis of Shipping Cask
Containment Vessels, Rev. 1, March 1978.
(2) Regulatory Guide 7.8: Load Combinations for the Structural Analysis of Shipping
Casks for Radioactive Material, Rev. 1, March 1989.
(3) Regulatory Guide 7.9: Standard Format and Content of Part 71 Applications for
Approval of Packaging of Type B, Large Quantity, and Fissile Radioactive Material,
Rev. 1, January 1980.
(4) Regulatory Guide 7.10: Quality Assurance Programs Applicable to Design,
Fabrication, Assembly, and Testing of Packaging Used in Transport of Radioactive
Material, Rev. 1, June 1986.
(5) Regulatory Guide 7.11: Fracture Toughness Criteria of Base Material for Ferritic
Steel Shipping Cask Containment Vessels with a Maximum Wall Thickness of 4
Inches, June 1991.
(6) Regulatory Guide 7.12: Fracture Toughness Criteria of Base Material for Ferritic
Steel Shipping Cask Containment Vessels with a Wall Thickness Greater than 4
Section 28
Inches But Not Exceeding 12 Inches, June 1991.
45
46
ATTACHMENT 1
SELECTED CHRONOLOGICAL MILESTONES CONCERNING DEPARTMENT OF
ENERGY ORDERS 1540.2 AND 5480.3
• 1985. The Department of Energy (DOE) Order 5480.3 provided for a packaging
certification program where each field office was allowed to perform its own
certifications.
Following a congressional inquiry, the program was changed, and a centralized
certification program was established at DOE Headquarters in 1985 under Defense
Programs (DP). This centralized program was proscribed in DOE 1540.2. Management
of transportation operations was also under DP at this time.
However, DOE 5480.3, which addresses packaging and transportation safety, was not
changed. Therefore, one Order allows certification at the field office level, and one does
not. (A memorandum was issued that clearly removed the authority from the field, but
DOE 5480.3 was never changed.)
• 1987. Defense Programs requested that the Office of Environment, Safety and Health
(EH) update DOE 5480.3 to reflect the current organizational responsibilities
as well as correct 21 areas where the Order conflicted with the Department of
Transportation/Nuclear Regulatory Commission packaging and transportation regulations
used by DOE (essentially Title 10, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 71, and Title 49,
Code of Federal Regulations, Part 173).
EH was also requested to issue a Notice to the Order clarifying the issues until the Order
could be revised. Although Notices were issued, the Notices have expired without any
revisions to the Order: therefore, the current Order continues to reflect the conflicts.
• 1989–1992 Reorganizations. The Office of Environmental Restoration and Waste
Management (EM) was formed, and the management of transportation operations
function was transferred from DP to EM. Also, during this period, the certification
function was transferred from DP to EH.
These changes left the Orders in a status where they were not only in conflict with one
another and with the federal regulations, but no longer reflected any correct organizational
structure or responsibilities. For example, both Orders showed DP with the major
programmatic responsibilities for packaging and transportation operations and safety.
1992. EH and EM began a concerted effort to update the Orders. Since previous
reorganizations had transferred major responsibilities from DP and split them between EH
and EM, the Order revision effort involved revamping the existing five transportation and
packaging Orders 1540.1, 1540.1A, 1540.3, 1540.4, and 5480.3 into eight Orders
1540.1A, 1540.2A, 1540.3A, 1540.4A, 1540.5A, 1540.6A, 5480.3R, and 5480.X (onsite
safety).
The intent was to cancel DOE 1540.2 and transfer its safety requirements to DOE
5480.3R, the successor to DOE 5480.3 which was being totally rewritten. DOE 1540.2
was to be reissued as a new Order with a different title and different requirements.
1994. Draft Orders 5480.3R, 5480.X, and 5480.3V (Motor Carrier Safety) were
completed.
1995. As part of the Directives Reduction Initiative, DOE O 460.1 was issued which
contained the surviving portions of the three 1994 Safety Orders. At the same time the
revisions to the 1540 series took place in the form of DOE O 460.2.
1996. DOE O 460.1A replaced DOE O 460.1 when the EH packaging and transportation
safety functions were transferred to EM.
1997. DOE G 460.1-1 is issued.
ATTACHMENT 2
Section 29
LETTER, JUDITH S. KALETA, CHIEF COUNSEL, U. S. DEPARTMENT OF
TRANSPORTATION TO SUSAN H. DENNY, DIRECTOR, TRANSPORTATION
MANAGEMENT DIVISION,
U. S. DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY, APRIL 23, 1991
0
Us. DeQonrreo1
of Tronsoor1a11C)(l
Research and
Spe~icl Programs
Administration
.... JR 2 3 1991
Ms. Susan H • . Denny
Director
01f•Cf 'j ~· If"'!
c~,e, Cowrse·.
.· Transportation Management Program
Office of Technology Development
Department of Energy
Washington, DC 20585
Dear Ma, Denny:
~0C Sevt'!" 51 s 'N
N~sn,11;1011 0 C ;-.:sgo
I am responding to your March 25 request for a definition of
"public highway" in the context of tha ·Hazardous Materials
Transportation Act (HMTA), 49 App. U.s.c. 1801 et · ~eq,, and the
' Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR), 49 C.F.R. Parts 171-160,
issued under the HMTA. Because the applicability ot the HMTA
depends upon the existence ot "transportation in commerce"
(49 App. u.s.c. 1801, 18'03, 1804), I will discuss the issues in
terms ot whether there is transportation in commerce rather
than whether . there is transportation on public highways.
On November 16, 1990, . the HM'l'A was amended· by the Hazardous
Material• Transportation Uni(orm Safety ·Act of 1990 (HMTUSA),
Pul>lic Law 101-615. Section 3 ot the HMTUSA added a definition
ot "person" to 49 App. o.s.c. 1802 that makes it clear that
government agencies· ottering hazardous materials for
transportation in commerce or transporting hazardous materials
ln furtherance of a c:0DU11ercial enterprise are s.ubj ect to the
MMTA. It states:
The tea· 'person' means • ~ • gcvernr.ient, Indian tribe, or
a9ency or instrumentality of. any gcvernzcent or Imiian
ttiba wha~ it otters hazardous materials in furtherance of
a commercial enterprise, but such tern does not ·include
(a) the United States Postal service, or (B) · for the
purposes of aactions 110 and 111 [penalties and specific
relief, respectively) of this title, any ag~nc;y or
instrumentality of the Federal Government.
Also, Section 20 of the HMTUSA adc:!ed 49 u.s.c. App. 1818 to
provide that the HMTA applies to contractors with, ·among
others, the Federal Government. It states:
2
Any person who, · under contract with any depart1Uent,
agency, or instrumentality of the executive, legislative,
ot: judicial · branch ot the Federal government, tran'sports,
or causes to be transported or shipped, a hazardous
material,, •. shall be subject to and comply vith all
provisions of this title, all orders and regulations
issued under this title, and all oth~r substantive and
procedural requirements cf Federal, State and local.
govern111ents and Indian tribes (except any such
requirements that have been preempted by this title or any
other Federal lav), in the same manner and to the same
extent as any person engaged in such activities that are
in or affect ·commerce is subject to such provisions,
~rders, regulations, and requirements,
Theratore, . the Oepartment of Energy (DOE) . is required to comply
with the HMR. when it offers hazardous materials for
transportation or tr an.sports them in commerce. DOE, however,
is not required to comply with the HMR when it offers or
transports hazardous materials in a Government vehicle because
those COE activities are presumed to be for a governmental
purpose and thus net in commerce. ·
DOE'S contractors, howeve~, must comply with the HMR even when
the transportation is in a Government vehicle -- unless the
transportation is not in commerce (a prerequisite to the
applicability of the HM~A and the HMR) • .
Section 30
Transportation on (across or along) roads outside of Government
prop4arties generally is transportation in ccm?nerc.e.
Transportation on Governm~nt properties requires close analysis ,
to determine whethe! it is in commerce. If a road is used by
members ot the general public (including dependents ot
Goverztmant employees) without their having to gain access
through a controlled access point, trani·pertation on (across or
along) that road iJ in commerce. On th.• other hand, if access
to a road is controlled at all times through the use ot gates
and guards, transportation on that road is not in commerce.
One other means of preventing hazardous materials
transportation on Government property from being in commerce is
to temporarily block access to the section of the road being
croa1ad or used for that transportation. The road would have
to be blocked by persona havin~ t~e legal authority to do so,
and public access to the involved section o! road would have to
·· be effectively precluded.
The following discussion applies these general principles to
the situations described in your letter.
3 ·
Ex~mple 1: Road A is located on DOE-owned property and is
maintained by DOE. Speed entorce:ment is by a DOE contractor.
The road has unrestricted public access, but there are signs
stating that person~ are entering DOE property. Analvsis: ~oad
A has unrestricted public access, and, therefore,
transportation on or across it is subject to the HMR.
Example 2: Road B traverses a DOE site, but is rr,aintained by
the State. Speed enforce::nent is by the State. '!'h·e DOE cannot
unilatetally block the road. There is unrestrict~d public
access, except for times when DOE/State Police physically block
· public access in order to make special shipments. Ao~lysis:
Because there is ~nrestricted public acces~ to Road B,
transportation on or across it is subject to the HMR. However,
effective blocking of public access (as described above) by DOE
or State officials would avoid application of the HMR,
Example J: · Road c connects two DOE sites, is owned by the city
and is maintained by DOE under a legal agreement. Speed
enforcement is by the city. The public has unrestt:icted
access. Analysis: Road c is not on Government property;
thu•, the HMR would apply.
Example 4: Road Dis on DOE-owned property and is maintained
by DOE. Speed enforc.ement is by a DOE ·contractor. The road is
posted with a sign restricting usage to those on official
government business, but there are no physir;al barriers.
Analysis: Because 'the~e is public access to Road D, the HMR
Yould apply there. This· rH\llt could be changed either by
effectively blocking public access or by controlling public use
at all times through the use o! gates and guards.
As indicated above, transporting a hazardous material across a
road or doing·so along a road both are subject to . the HMR
unless the section of tha road involved is removed from
commerce by one o! the above-d~seribed actions.
I trust that this information will be useful to you in
providing guidance to your operating contractors. Please
advise me it additional infcrt11ation or clarification is
desired. ·
Sincerely,
l 1. ~·. ,-1~), .
L-~~~ ,~~.
Jud.ith s. a e a. /ief counsel
ATTACHMENT 3
LETTER, E. H. BONEKEMPER, ASSISTANT CHIEF COUNSEL, U. S. DEPARTMENT
OF TRANSPORTATION TO JO ANN WILLIAMS, OFFICE OF CHIEF COUNSEL,
U. S. DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY, APRIL 26, 1993.
2
Section 31
~ at S 1830(11}, ;aazardo~• mat.rial• tranapoz.otatioa hy a
Fedaral., stat• or 1~1 9cver.rm•nt &iem:y or an Indian tri.ba,
then, 1• •ubjeet to r.-gulation Wider th• HlrtA wben that
tr~sporta.tion ii tn f\1.t"thttat'\u ot a ooms~i•l ente.rp:i:i1a."
ltSPA define• this t by ita dOftVerae: ;ov•rnaantal
tranaportati.on i• in furtherance ot a coae.rcial enterprise
when it i• ~rri•d ut (1) by c;ov.rmaent puaoM•l and 0) tor
• gov•rma•ntal purpq•e. .
'l'ha aphe:>• ot "govatna.ntal pm:poa•" cannot l)e d•linutad in
the abatraet. When 1the activity Ln cgnjunotion vith Vbicb
th• tnnasportation r:::· 1• conatitu.tionally undau.J or
authorizedt Wh•n it h a traditiONl •acverelp11 activity er
oaa tallia~ within • police payer, or whtn it• bal.•tita
accrue to tha publ~ •• a vhole, it ia likely to tall within
the real.la ot the r; ermaental· pw:po••· 'th•~·· 1• mare a.pt
to ba deemed non•; arZU11antal lt tber• la 1. conaoiou. P~••
to we.nerate a p~Qti~, it th• activity ia undertaken by a public
corporation vi.th liaited. liability( or it th• activity eomp•tes
with, or ditplae••, :th• priva~ acc:tor. Eacb c:ae• au1t i,.
oa~aid&r•d on itt t~cts.
. I
Whan the tranopo~t.Jt 1a riot th• 1aderal Goverimant it1•lt, but
a Federal ooritraetozf, th• IDITA pz:,ovid .. :
Any ,u-•o~ who, .undu opntr&ct with any
departnani; •.. ot the redual go\lft'l'Qlant,
transpo~, er ca.u•M tp betranaported Qr
shipped,~ haiard.ou1 •t•rial .•. shall
b• aubjec~ to and~! with all
l'roviaic'n~ ct [tha mr.t'A f all o~cS•i-. • and
r6(J'UlatiOJ1• i"ued und . . [tho HH'rA] , and
all ot;har :subatantivt ~d prooadur~l ·
requiroe~t, of Federal; Stat• l.nd lcoal .
qoverrun•nti• and Indian .Fi~a (u¢ept •u6h
r•quiratnta thath&VI bee preup1*iby
thi• <:hapter or any otb,r Fede.rel lav), in
th• aaiM ~nner and to th• •au extant••
any perao~ enqa;•d in 111.leh activiti•• that
are in or ,a!!eet eozut~ca ia subject to
such prov~sicns, or~ar•, regulatioM, and
J::oquiramerita.
49 App. u.s.c. S 181:8. '!'b.ia provision, ildded tc, the •tatuta by
th• 1990 a~end.z:iant, mQrely olAritied •~i1tinq law. lAI a. Rap.
No. 101-444 (P~rt :l)., 101 Con;., 2~ S•••· all (l;9o} ("It i 111 the
· couitt••'• fi?'1n . poaiition that (eection 16l8J almply reetAtQs
e.xiating h.w. ") . Th.a ;proviaion ?le&na that e F~e:r.al e¢ntractcr
cannot cJaim sov~reign i:Ql!l.unity and doe• not •ha.re in th8
3
•~~pt:t.on tro11 ffMTA;juriadic:tion oont•rred on tlle qovernment«l
a.9.ncy it•alt. Th,,taetor•, tb• CQntt"aator'• tranffp,Ot°t.t!on ·
aativlty i~ aU])ject't~ BMTA r~lat!on if that activity i• "in
C0.6l:°C8t"
MPA •tlcord• the "; coaarca• riqUa ... nt 1U at1oaptad
•a~l.ng • . i.U ,9 Ap , o.s .. c. 5 18Q2(2) . (4•f1.n1119 tr.ansporta.tion
in "eo11D1lerce111 ·•• tr n~rtation that ia o~ a.ttect1 inter.tat~
trade or t+aftic) • Thus, the ~ do.• llOt apply tc trans
portation that is •~tit"ely on p~ivata property and neither .
follo,19 nor crosa .. ,a ~uolic v•r· Analoqo\aaly, tranaportation
by a .federal contrac,tor i• not n ocamcraa if it tat .. place
entirely on red.ral:property, to 1'hi=i tber• i• no 9enwa1
public right ot aoc•e•, o+ it public aoc .. • le;ally i• 6ani•4
during th• .P•rio4 of tr~s~rtatiora. . · ·
ware the univarsity_i~t .Calitorni& not itaelt a QOV~nt
ageJlcyr it• tn.tt1pona.t!ort Qt hacardo~a m.teriala in th•
p~rtormanc& ot its oontraotual dU'tiBs would be sul)ject to the
HMTA, to the exte.nt tr-an•porta.tion oecurrad on public rocda. ·
However, b6oausa th• Univai:"sity 1• a 9~ve!'mllantal body, ita l'
haz~rdous m.t.•riala . tre.nspcrtaticn la th• ope.:,4tor of thia Lc1 ·l'
Section 32
11
1
Almnc• Natienal J:..aboratory, on public roada en: not·~ i• not.
subject to the HM'l'A, pr¢vic:lad that tranapor:tation i• by
q()vermiuant peraorma1 and tor a 90"-larmaental ,urpoae.
'l'b.e mat, howevu-, 1124,y bpoaa ,.-~.l.t'ematlta an th• univuai ty
ot C&lifornia irr••~tive ot it. •tatua a• a 9overnat111~1 body
or tederal contra.ctor, attd vhath~ or not the b-anapoa.-t.a.tion in
vhiob it aflgaqea ls ill CODllatte-. l"or uupl•, ~• requ.i.recent
that every 1'ulk. oil t:,.naportu ;ra~r• and u.intail'l a apill
"tes.pon•e planwould a.pply to t:he trnivuaityf ev~n u a st.at.•
a.genQy and" Fed4;1.ral:. contractor, and avui v•r• 11:• tranaporta
tion ttot in coc:mero•~ 49 c.F.lt. e.t S 171 .. 5 (inter!• tin.al rul•
promulgated at ss Fid. Ref·· eas,, Febr-uary 2, 1993) •
CQ1,va.r•ely,. govet>.nmantal bocU•• ara alCupt troa th• · .
r*9i~tration and te~ raquir.-menta ot 49 c.r.~. Subpart 107,6001
•van wher~ they tranapcrt. haZ&rdQµa ll&t.ri&ll ill ooaaerca.
49 c.r.R. S 101.,0,. · And vh•r• tran•pcrt&tion otheni•• would
be subject to the Kl1'fA, it tnay be isxcapt.ed. trom ;regulation by
a speeitic codapro~i1don (a.....g_._, .4g c.,.1L SS 173.7(b) and
l'J?.806(1:l), excepting certain n~t$.onal s•eurity •hipme.nt& or
Cl~u• 7 radioacti v~ materia.l•),
W'he?:'e tho TJniver1dty'1 ha.tc!lrdous IUlteri.&l• tranaport.At.LQn, · ar (~
s.ol:le part of. it, is exe::r.ptecd from KM1tA juri•diction, tl\&
University r..n:j, oo,; fltill ma.y (ind it d••iral:ile to ilQT••, or
DOE may. chooses to r~ire:, t.ha.t tra.napartation aha.11 be in
accord~nr.:lit i,.ri th lT.o!R etu:darde, . such a course 21ay be ~ensible.,
part::Lcularly qlvan ~et it MY not al.vaya b4l cl•ar vb•i:-• the
lin• betwoan 9ove~ental and non-govcu*1\Ul purpo•• liea.
-rhia d•oi•ion, holilefe, would bl ~n• not ot tb• application
ot the HM'l'A,. bu.t rathu ot oontraotual obli;-atieina awed to
the 00! by the u~iv41Z'•ity apart froa Sf1'A or u.s. O.l)U'taNit
of Tr•neportat.ipn :.t~!•d.ictlon. If the~ 414 ngt otbervia•
apply, tb• tTniver,it.Y'• a~nent, voluntary or throu;h
contract, to eomp1y·vith th•Hlm 110\lldnot invok• U .. i .. DOT
enrorcuaent jurildiction.
I tl:U•t this ~ida.n~ ia ot •••i•tanc. to you. Pleue ·to•l
fr•• to call m• at ;02-366-4400 it ye~ ha.v• any t\U:'ther
queation• on tbi• utter.
-cc;
(
ATTACHMENT 4
CAPABILITY OF TEST FACILITIES FOR TESTING TYPE A PACKAGINGS
The following sections provide additional description to Section 4.2.2.4.2, “Test Requirements,” presenting
details on the test facility requirements for the Type A packaging tests and the pass/fail criteria for each
test.
a. Chemical Compatibility Test for Plastic Packagings and Receptacles
A chemical compatibility test for plastic packagings and receptacles designed to transport liquid contents is
required by 49 CFR 173.24(e)(3)(ii). To perform this test, a test facility should be capable of filling three
of the plastic packagings or receptacles to rated capacity with the specific hazardous material to be
transported, storing them at one of the specified test temperatures for the test duration required by
Appendix B to 49 CFR 173, inverting the containers for the required times at the beginning and end of the
storage period, and determining the weight loss of hazardous materials contents during the storage period.
After storage, a test facility should be capable of draining, rinsing, and refilling the containers with water to
their rated capacity, then dropping the containers at ambient temperature from the height required by
Section 33
Appendix B onto a rigid non-resilient, flat and horizontal surface. A test facility should also be capable of
evaluating the containers for visible evidence of permanent deformation due to vapor pressure buildup or
collapse of walls, deterioration, swelling, crazing, cracking, excessive corrosion, oxidization,
embrittlement, leakage, rupture, or other defects likely to cause premature failure or a hazardous condition.
In addition, a test facility should be capable of calculating the rate of permeation over the test period and
comparing it to the permeation limits of Appendix B.
Alternative procedures or rates of permeation are permitted by 49 CFR 173.24(e)(3)(iii) if they yield a level
of safety equivalent to or greater than that provided by 173.24(e)(3)(ii) and are specifically approved by the
Associate Administrator for Hazardous Materials Safety at DOT. Justification and procedures would have
to be developed by the test facility and submitted to EM. If EM approved the request and the supporting
documentation, EM would then submit the application to DOT.
Each test facility should have procedures which describe the equipment to be used for the required storage,
permeation evaluation, and drop test. The test procedure should describe the test equipment, discuss the
method by which the storage temperature would be maintained, state how the various storage
configurations would be achieved and timed, describe how the rate of permeation would be determined,
document the maximum package size (external dimensions and weight) the apparatus is capable of testing,
describe the means by which the proper drop height is assured, provide the pass/fail criteria for the test, and
list the records to be kept of the testing and results. Any package design which exhibited a rate of
permeation in excess of the permeation limits of Appendix B or any visible evidence of permanent
deformation of any of the containers due to vapor pressure build-up or collapse of walls, deterioration,
swelling, crazing, cracking, excessive corrosion, oxidization, embrittlement, leakage, rupture, or other
defects likely to cause premature failure or a hazardous condition as a result of this test would fail this test.
b. Vibration Test
A vibration test for non-bulk packaging is required by 49 CFR 173.24a(a)(5). Non-bulk packaging is
defined in 49 CFR 171.8 as a packaging which has (1) an internal volume of 450 liters (119 gallons) or
less as a receptacle for a liquid; (2) a capacity of 400 kg (882 lb) or less or an internal volume of 450 l
(119 gal) or less as a receptacle for a solid; or (3) a water capacity of 454 kg (1,000 lb) or less as a
receptacle for a gas. The ability to withstand vibration is also required of all Type A packagings in 49
CFR 173.410(f).
To perform the vibration test, a test facility should be capable of placing three sample packagings, filled
and closed as for shipment, on a vibrating platform that has a vertical double-amplitude (peak-to-peak
displacement) of 1 in.. The packages should be constrained horizontally to prevent them from falling off
the platform, but should be left free to move vertically, bounce and rotate. The test should be performed
for 1 hour at a frequency that causes the package to be raised from the vibrating platform to such a degree
that a piece of material of approximately 1.6 mm (0.063 in.) thickness (such as steel strapping or
paperboard) can be passed between the bottom of any package and the platform. Immediately following
Section 34
the period of vibration, each package should be removed from the platform, turned on its side and observed
for any evidence of leakage. Other methods, at least equally effective, may be used, if approved by the
Associate Administrator for Hazardous Materials Safety.
A test facility should provide documentation describing its vibration test apparatus and demonstrating that
it meets the test requirements specified in 49 CFR 178.608. The vibration test procedure should describe
the vibration test equipment, document the maximum package size (external dimensions and weight) the
apparatus is capable of testing, describe the means by which the proper vibration height is assured, provide
the pass/fail criteria for the test, and list the records to be kept of the testing and results. Any package
design showing evidence of rupture or leakage as a result of this test would fail this test.
c. Reduced Ambient Pressure Test
A reduced ambient pressure test should be conducted to verify the Type A package design requirement
found in 49 CFR 173.412(f). To perform this test, a test facility should be capable of subjecting the
2containment system to a reduced ambient pressure of 25 kPa (3.5 lb/in. ) or otherwise creating an
equivalent pressure differential. A test facility should have procedures which describe the equipment to be
used for the test, the range of packaging sizes which can be tested with this equipment, the way in which
the test will be conducted, the test duration, the pass/fail criteria for the test, and records to be kept of the
testing and results. Any package design showing evidence that the containment system would not retain its
radioactive contents under the conditions of this test would fail this test.
d. Water Spray Test
A water spray test is required for Type A packages by 49 CFR 173.465(b). To perform this test, a test
facility should be capable of simulating exposure to rainfall of approximately 5 cm (2 in.) per hour for at
least 1 hour. Water spray should either be applied from four different directions simultaneously, in which
case an interval of 2 hours should elapse before the next test is performed on the packaging, or from each
of four directions consecutively in which case no time should elapse before the next test is performed.
Each test facility should have procedures which describe the equipment to be used for the test, any
calibration which is required to ensure a water spray of 5 cm (2 in.) per hour how the test will be conducted
and timed, the pass/fail criteria for the test, and records to be kept of the testing and results. Any evidence
of the following as a result of this test would constitute failure of this test: (1) loss or dispersal of the
radioactive contents, or (2) any significant increase in the radiation levels recorded or calculated at the
external surfaces of the packaging. Because any radiation level increase would be dependent on the
radioactive package contents, this criterion should be evaluated for specific package contents whenever
damage to the packaging occurs as a result of the test. The test facility should document any decrease in
effectiveness of the shielding in a way that will enable a determination of acceptability to be made by any
package user for any contents. This documentation should be incorporated into the Blue Book.
e. Free Drop Test
A free drop test is required for Type A packages by 49 CFR 173.465(c). For liquids and gases, an
Section 35
additional test is specified in 49 CFR 173.466(a)(1). To perform these tests, a test facility should be
capable of dropping a packaging onto a flat and horizontal surface of such mass and rigidity that any
increase in its resistance to displacement or deformation upon impact by the specimen would not
significantly increase the damage to the specimen. The test apparatus should be capable of handling both
small and large packagings, and should be capable of performing drops ranging from 0.3 m (1 ft) to 9 m
(30 ft).
Each test facility should provide documentation describing its drop test apparatus and demonstrating that
its target surface meets the mass and rigidity requirements of 49 CFR 173.465(c)(5). The drop test
procedure should document the maximum package size (external dimensions and weight) the apparatus is
capable of testing, the means by which packagings of various sizes and types would be lifted and dropped,
the manner in which a maximum-damage drop orientation would be determined for each packaging, the
means by which the appropriate drop orientation and drop height would be ensured during testing, the
pass/fail criteria for the drop tests, and records to be kept (including photographs and/or videotape) of the
testing and results. Any evidence of the following as a result of this test would constitute failure of this
test: (1) loss or dispersal of the radioactive contents, or (2) any significant increase in the radiation levels
recorded or calculated at the external surfaces of the packaging. Because any radiation level increase
would be dependent on the radioactive package contents, this criterion should be evaluated for specific
package contents whenever damage to the packaging occurs as a result of the test. The test facility should
document any decrease in effectiveness of the shielding in a way that will enable a determination of
acceptability to be made by any package user for any contents. This documentation will be incorporated
into the Blue Book.
f. Stacking
A compression test is required for Type A packages by 49 CFR 173.465(d). To perform this test, a test
facility should be capable of applying a compressive load uniformly to two opposite sides of a packaging
specimen, one of which should be the base on which the package would normally stand, for a period of at
least 24 hours.
Each test facility should have procedures describing the apparatus used for compression tests, how the
compression test is performed for various packaging sizes and shapes, how the compressive load is
determined for each packaging, the pass/fail criteria for the test, and records to be kept of the testing and
results. Any evidence of the following as a result of this test would constitute failure of this test: (1) loss
or dispersal of the radioactive contents, or (2) any significant increase in the radiation levels recorded or
calculated at the external surfaces of the packaging. Because any radiation level increase would be
dependent on the radioactive package contents, this criterion should be evaluated for specific package
contents whenever damage to the packaging occurs as a result of the test. The test facility should document
any decrease in effectiveness of the shielding in a way that will enable a determination of acceptability to be
made by any package user for any contents. This documentation will be incorporated into Blue Book.
g. Penetration Test
Section 36
A penetration test is required for Type A packages by 49 CFR 173.465(e). An additional test for Type A
packagings designed for liquids and gases is specified in 49 CFR 173.466(a)(2). To perform these tests, a
test facility should be capable of evaluating a packaging to determine where it is most vulnerable to
puncture, then placing a packaging specimen on a rigid, flat, horizontal surface that will not move while the
test is being performed and dropping a 3.2 cm (1.3 in.) diam, 6 Kg (13.2 lb) bar with a hemispherical end
onto the most vulnerable part of the packaging, from a distance of 1 m (3.3 ft) or greater and with its
longitudinal axis vertical.
Each test facility should have documented procedures describing the means by which the part of the
packaging most vulnerable to penetration is determined, the way in which the test is conducted, the pass/fail
criteria for the test, and records to be kept (including photographs and/or videotape) of the testing and
results. Any evidence of the following as a result of this test would constitute failure of this test: (1) loss
or dispersal of the radioactive contents, or (2) any significant increase in the radiation levels recorded or
calculated at the external surfaces of the packaging. Because any radiation level increase would be
dependent on the radioactive package contents, this criterion should be evaluated for specific package
contents whenever damage to the packaging occurs as a result of the test. The test facility should document
any decrease in effectiveness of the shielding in a way that will enable a determination of acceptability to be
made by any package user for any contents. This documentation will be incorporated into the Blue Book.
ATTACHMENT 5
QUALITY ASSURANCE FOR CONTRACTOR TESTING FACILITIES
The following criteria pertain to establishing quality assurance for contractor testing facilities and provide
additional guidance to Section 4.2.2.5, “Quality Assurance.”
a. Management
DOE 5700.6C specifies four management quality assurance criteria.
Criterion 1—Program. Organizations shall develop, implement, and maintain a written quality
assurance program (QAP). The QAP shall describe the organizational structure, functional
responsibilities, levels of authority, and interfaces for those managing, performing, and assessing
adequacy of work. The QAP shall describe the management system, including planning,
scheduling, and cost control considerations.
Each test facility should operate under a documented QAP. This documentation should be provided to EM
for review as part of the approval process for the test facility.
Criterion 2—Personnel Training and Qualification. Personnel shall be trained and qualified to
ensure they are capable of performing their assigned work. Personnel shall be provided continuing
training to ensure that job proficiency is maintained.
The various review and testing tasks which should be performed as part of this program should be defined.
Minimum personnel qualifications should then be established for each of these tasks. Personnel reviewing
the applicant's documentation and evaluating test results should be technically qualified to do so,
particularly in mechanical design areas such as lifting and tie down requirements. Personnel determining
worst-case drop orientations should also be qualified to do so. Personnel performing the tests should be
trained in the test requirements and test procedures. Documentation of the defined tasks and qualification
Section 37
requirements for each should be provided to EM for review as part of the approval process for each test
facility.
A procedure for qualifying personnel to perform the defined tasks should also be provided to EM. The
procedure should include establishment and maintenance of training records, where appropriate.
Criterion 3—Quality Improvement. The organization shall establish and implement processes to
detect and prevent quality problems and to ensure quality improvement. Items and processes that
do not meet established requirements shall be identified, controlled, and corrected. Correction shall
include identifying the causes of problems and preventing recurrence. Item reliability, process
implementation, and other quality-related information shall be reviewed and the data analyzed to
identify items and processes needing improvement.
Each test facility should provide documentation demonstrating that the test facility organization has
established quality improvement processes and that the test facility operates under these established
processes. This documentation should be provided to EM for review as part of the approval process for the
test facility.
Criterion 4—Documents and Records. Documents shall be prepared, reviewed, approved, issued,
used, and revised to prescribe processes, specify requirements, or establish design. Records shall
be specified, prepared, reviewed, approved, and maintained.
As discussed in Section 4, each test facility is required to have a set of procedures fully documenting the
way in which it processes an application for a Type A package evaluation. The procedures should cover
both the review of the applicant's documentation and the testing which is performed on the packaging
subsequent to the documentation review. These procedures should be provided to EM for review as part of
the approval process for the test facility.
The procedures should be prepared, reviewed, approved, issued, used, and revised under a formal document
control system. Documentation of the formal document control system should also be provided to EM for
review as part of the approval process for the test facility.
Each procedure should document the records to be maintained as a result of implementation of that
procedure. The records should provide adequate detail to ensure that the procedure was correctly
implemented and the proper conclusions regarding the packaging were reached. For some tests (e.g., the
drop tests) a visual record (photographs and/or videotape) may be appropriate. Appropriate records
include:
a. applicant's design packet;
b. documentation of review of applicant's design packet, including comment resolution where appropriate;
c. records of the testing and results, including photographs and/or videotape where appropriate;
d. documentation developed by test facility of testing and results, including Blue Book changes where
appropriate; and
e. records of review and approval of the documentation by EM.
Records to be maintained should also include documentation of the test facility program and procedures,
including:
a. documentation of procedures and procedure revisions;
b. documentation of equipment qualification and maintenance, where appropriate;
c. documentation of review and approval of test facility procedures and equipment by EM;
d. task descriptions; and
e. personnel qualifications for individuals performing defined tasks.
Records should be maintained under a formal records maintenance system covering retention, protection,
Section 38
preservation, traceability, accountability, and retrievableness of records. Documentation of the records
maintenance system for the test facility organization should be provided to EM for review as part of the
approval process for the test facility.
b. Performance
DOE 5700.6C specifies four performance quality assurance criteria.
Criterion 5—Work Processes. Work shall be performed to established technical standards and
administrative controls. Work shall be performed under controlled conditions using approved
instructions, procedures, or other appropriate means. Items shall be identified and controlled to ensure
their proper use. Items shall be maintained to prevent their damage, loss, or deterioration. Equipment
used for process monitoring or data collection shall be calibrated and maintained.
Section 4.2.2.4 of this document discusses the content expected in procedures describing work to be
performed under this program.
Criterion 6—Design. Items and processes shall be designed using sound engineering/scientific
principles and appropriate standards. Design work, including changes, shall incorporate applicable
requirements and design bases. Design interfaces shall be identified and controlled. The adequacy
of design products shall be verified or validated by individuals or groups other than those who
performed the work. Verification and validation work shall be completed before approval and
implementation of the design.
This program performs design verification activities rather than design work. As such, most of the
elements of this criterion do not apply. Careful documentation of the design being reviewed, including
documentation of any design changes resulting from the review, should be assured so that verification of
the correct design is established. This program already ensures that verification and validation of the
package design are completed before the packaging is approved for use. Independence of personnel
performing design verification from package design should also be ensured. Documentation should be
provided to EM demonstrating that (1) the test facility will ensure that verification of the correct design is
established and (2) personnel performing the design verification activities are independent of package
design efforts. This documentation should be provided to EM for review as part of the approval process
for the test facility.
Criterion 7—Procurement. The organization shall ensure that procured items and services meet
established requirements and perform as specified. Prospective suppliers shall be evaluated and
selected on the basis of specified criteria. The organization shall ensure that approved suppliers
can continue to provide acceptable items and services.
This criterion should be applied to the procurement of test apparatus and any other items procured in
support of this program. Each test facility organization should have a documented procurement program to
accomplish this. Documentation of the procurement program for the test facility organization should be
provided to EM for review as part of the approval process for the test facility.
Criterion 8—Inspection and Acceptance Testing. Inspection and acceptance testing of specified items
and processes shall be conducted using established acceptance and performance criteria. Equipment
used for inspections and tests shall be calibrated and maintained.
Inspection and acceptance testing of test apparatus should be specifically addressed in the test procedures,
Section 39
where appropriate.
c. Assessment
DOE 5700.6C specifies two assessment quality assurance criteria.
Criterion 9—Management Assessment. Management at all levels shall periodically assess the
integrated quality assurance program and its performance. Problems that hinder the organization
from achieving its objectives shall be identified and corrected.
Each test facility should provide documentation demonstrating that the test facility organization has an
established management assessment program, and that the test facility operates within this management
assessment program. This documentation should be provided to EM for review as part of the approval
process for the test facility.
Criterion 10—Independent Assessment. Planned and periodic independent assessments shall be
conducted to measure item quality and process effectiveness and to promote improvement. The
organization performing independent assessments shall have sufficient authority and freedom from
the line organization to carry out its responsibilities. Persons conducting independent assessments
shall be technically qualified and knowledgeable in the areas assessed.
Each test facility should provide documentation demonstrating that the test facility organization has an
established independent assessment program, and that the test facility operates within this independent
assessment program. This documentation should be provided to EM for review as part of the approval
process for the test facility.
FOREWORD
CONTENTS
I. INTRODUCTION
II. APPLICABILITY
1. DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY ELEMENTS
2. CONTRACTORS
3. EXCLUSIONS
III. GENERAL INFORMATION.
IV. GUIDELINES.
1. OFFSITE PACKAGING AND TRANSPORTATION SAFETY
2. GUIDANCE FOR DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY EXEMPTIONS
2.1 CONTENT AND FORMAT FOR SUBMITTAL
2.2 REVIEW PROCESS GUIDANCE
2.2.1 Operations Office Responsibility Guidance.
2.2.2 Evaluation Guidance for EM.
2.2.3 Requesting Organization.
3. GUIDANCE FOR DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION EXEMPTIONS
4. SPECIAL PACKAGING FOR RADIOACTIVE MATERIALS
4.1 INTRODUCTION
4.2 DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY APPROVED TYPE A PACKAGES
4.2.1 Responsibilities.
4.2.2 Contractor Testing Facilities Approval.
4.2.2.1 DOE Test Program for DOT Specification 7A Type A Package Designs.
4.2.2.2 Procedure for Establishing a Test Facility.
4.2.2.3 Established Requirements for Type A Packaging.
4.2.2.3.1 Documentation Review.
4.2.2.3.2 Test Requirements.
4.2.2.4 Quality Assurance.
4.2.3 Application for Packaging Approval.
4.2.4 Use of Blue Book Packagings.
4.3 DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY CERTIFIED TYPE B PACKAGES
4.3.1 Responsibilities.
a. Contractor
b. The Field or Operations Office
c. The Secretarial Officer
d. On receipt of the application, EM
4.3.2 Safety Analysis Report for Packaging Preparation and Submission.
4.3.3 Review Process Guidance.
4.3.4 Renewal of DOE Certificates of Compliance.
4.3.5 Use of Department of Energy Certified Packages.
4.3.6 The Program for Review of Fabrication, Use, and Maintenance of Department of EnergyCertified Packages.
4.4 USE OF OTHER APPROVED OR CERTIFIED PACKAGINGS
4.4.1 Nuclear Regulatory Commission Certified Packaging.
4.4.2 Department of Transportation Specification Containers.
4.4.3 International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Approvals.
5. ONSITE TRANSPORTATION SAFETY REQUIREMENTS
5.1 INTRODUCTION
5.1.1 Purpose.
5.1.2 Discussion.
5.2 GUIDANCE TO RESPONSIBILITIES
5.2.1 Operations Office and Field Office Managers.
5.2.2 Contractor Management.
Section 40
5.3 PREPARATION OF TRANSPORTATION SAFETY DOCUMENTS
5.3.1 Introduction.
5.3.2 Preferred Format for Transportation Safety Documents.
a. Chapter I. Purpose, Scope and Applicability
b. Chapter II. Definitions and Acronyms
c. Chapter III. Site Description
e. Chapter V. External Regulations
g. Chapter VII. Safety Assessment Methodology
h. Chapter VIII. Routine Transfers
i. Chapter IX. Non-Routine Transfers
j. Chapter X. Personnel Qualification and Training
k. Chapter XI. Documentation and Record Keeping
l. Chapter XII. Incident Reporting and Emergency Response
m. Chapter XIII. Transport Vehicle Operations
n. Appendices and Other Pertinent Information
5.4 SAFETY ASSESSMENT METHODOLOGY
5.4.1 Use of a Graded Approach.
5.4.2 Safety Assessment
6. REFERENCES
a. Code of Federal Regulations, Office of the Federal Register, Washington, D.C.
b. American National Standards Institute, American National Standards Institute, New York.
c. Arendt, J. W., et al., ORNL/M-3077,
d. Fischer, L.E., et al, UCID-21218,
e. O’Brian, J., WHC-SP-0864,
f. Shappert, L. B., ORNL/M-5003,
g. U.S. Department of Energy,
h. U.S. Department of Energy, U.S. Department of Energy, Washington, D.
i. U.S. Department of Energy,
j. U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission,
ATTACHMENT 1SELECTED CHRONOLOGICAL MILESTONES CONCERNING DEPARTMENT OFENERGY ORDERS 1540.2 AND 5480.3
ATTACHMENT 2. LETTER, JUDITH S. KALETA, CHIEF COUNSEL, U. S. DEPARTMENT OFTRANSPORTATION TO SUSAN H. DENNY, DIRECTOR, TRANSPORTATIONMANAGEMENT DIVISION,U. S. DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY, APRIL 23, 1991
ATTACHMENT 3. LETTER, E. H. BONEKEMPER, ASSISTANT CHIEF COUNSEL, U. S. DEPARTMENTOF TRANSPORTATION TO JO ANN WILLIAMS, OFFICE OF CHIEF COUNSEL,U. S. DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY, APRIL 26, 1993.
ATTACHMENT 4. CAPABILITY OF TEST FACILITIES FOR TESTING TYPE A PACKAGINGS
ATTACHMENT 5. QUALITY ASSURANCE FOR CONTRACTOR TESTING FACILITIES