Spent Nuclear Fuel (SNF)

Fuel that has been withdrawn from a nuclear reactor following irradiation, the constituent elements of which have not been separated by processing.

Fuel that has been withdrawn from a nuclear reactor following irradiation, the constituent elements of which have not been separated by reprocessing. Test specimens of fissionable material irradiated for research and development only, and not production of power or plutonium, may be classified as waste, and managed in accordance with the requirements of this Order when it is technically infeasible, cost prohibitive, or would increase worker exposure to separate the remaining test specimens from other contaminated material.

Fuel that has been withdrawn from a nuclear reactor following irradiation, the constituent elements of which have not been separated by reprocessing (40 CFR §191.02, Definitions).

Spent nuclear fuel (SNF). Fuel that has been withdrawn from a nuclear reactor following irradiation, the constituent elements of which have not been separated by reprocessing. The term "spent nuclear fuel" is considered to be synonymous with the terms "irradiated reactor fuel" and "used nuclear fuel" which are sometimes used in other regulatory or technical documents.

(1) SNF greater than 100 grams. A quantity of SNF in a single shipment weighing in excess of 100 grams (0.22 lbs) in net weight of SNF, exclusive of cladding or other structural or packaging material, which has a total external radiation dose rate in excess of 1 Gray (100 rad) per hour at a distance of 1 meter (3.3 feet) from any accessible surface without intervening shielding.

(2) SNF 100 grams or less. A quantity of SNF in a single shipment weighing 100 grams (0.22 pounds) or less in net weight of SNF, exclusive of cladding or other structural or packaging material, which has a total external radiation dose rate in excess of 1 Gray (100 rad) per hour at a distance of 1 meter (3.3 feet) from any accessible surface without intervening shielding.