When it comes to transportation of radioactive materials, there is strict adherence to safety standards, regulations and industry approved techniques to work with. Whether you are moving medical isotopes, scientific samples or industrial materials, you have to ensure proper packaging because otherwise the alternative is going against compliance and safety.
At Sub60 Couriers – operating across Australia’s East Coast – we specialise in radioactive transport. We offer safe, secure and compliant services for businesses that are in need of expert handling of their sensitive materials.
Let’s explore the best practices for packaging radioactive materials up for transport, with a focus on the regulatory compliance, safety measures, and industry standards that businesses must adhere to.
Top Radioactive Transport Considerations
1. Understanding regulations
Before transporting any radioactive materials, it’s essential that you are familiar with the regulations that govern both packaging and handling across Australia. The Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency sets these standards. They align them with the international guidelines from the International Atomic Energy Agency.
Radioactive materials must be classified correctly according to their radiation levels and potential risk factors. Depending on that classification, there is specific packaging required. Low risk materials, for example, can be safely transported in type A packaging, but more hazardous substances require type B.
At Sub60 Couriers, we ensure that all shipments are fully compliant with the relevant regulations.
2. Approved packaging materials must be used.
Proper packaging is essential for ensuring the safety of radioactive materials during long or short transport. The IAEA sets these clear standards for types of packaging, as laid out below:
- Type A packaging is suitable for low risk materials. It involves strong leak type containers that offer basic protections.
- Type B packaging is required for more hazardous materials as it’s more robust against impact fire and other external forces.
Packaging for radioactive transport must also include appropriate shielding, which minimises radiation exposure. At Sub60 Couriers, we only use approved containers by the IAEA, such as lead lined boxes and multi layer protective materials.
3. Proper labelling and marking
Labelling is critical for radioactive transport. All packages containing radioactive materials must be clearly marked with the radioactive trefoil symbol and the transport index.
Packages must also display appropriate handling instructions, which ensures that anyone involved in the transport is aware of any potential risks.
4. Ensure correct documentation
Radioactive transport requires specific documentation that accompanies a shipment to include protection papers, shipping papers and transport permits.
It’s critical to maintain traceability throughout the entire transport process and at Sub60 Couriers, we use an advanced tracking system to monitor its shipment from start to finish.
5. Taking extra safety measures
Along with the right packaging and labelling, extra safety measures should be taken to ensure safe transport. This can include ensuring temperature control when necessary and using shock proof containers.
Sub60 Couriers offers real time tracking and monitoring during the entire transport process which gives you that additional layer of security and protection.
6. Staff training and safety protocols
You should be ensuring that all staff involved in the packaging, transport and handling of radioactive goods are properly trained. This is essential for mitigating risk, and handling radioactive materials requires trained professionals at all times.
7. Double check compliance before dispatch
Conduct a thorough check before the shipment leaves the facility:
- Verify Packaging Integrity: Inspect the containers to ensure they are intact and sealed correctly.
- Review Documentation: Double-check that all regulatory paperwork is completed and attached.
Practising Transport Diligence
Transporting radioactive materials safely requires diligence, knowledge of regulations, and the use of specialised packaging solutions. By following these best practices, businesses can ensure the safe and compliant transport of radioactive materials, protecting public health and maintaining industry standards.