Transporting Radioactive Materials in New Jersey:


Packaging

The strict packaging standards specified by U.S. Department of Transportation and U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission regulations have reduced the possibility of any harm to people and the environment associated with the transportation of radioactive materials.

The packaging used is determined by the activity, type and form of the material to be shipped. Depending on these factors, radioactive material is shipped in one of three types of containers:

Strong, Tight Packages...
are used for materials that present little hazard from radiation exposure because of their low level of radioactivity. These containers will retain and protect the contents, such as contaminated clothing, laboratory samples, and smoke detectors, during routine transportation.
Type A Packages...
are used for materials with higher specific activity levels. Regulations require that these packages protect their contents under conditions normally encountered during transportation. Type A packages are typically used to transport radiopharmaceuticals and certain industrial products.
 Type B Packages...
are used for radioactive materials that exceed the limits for a Type A package. Shippers use this type of package for materials that would present a radiation hazard should there be a major accident. Type B packages must be able to withstand severe accident conditions without releasing their contents. Type B packages, which can range in size from small containers to containers weighing over 100 tons, are used to transport such materials as high-level radioactive waste, spent fuel rods from nuclear power plants, and medical therapy sources.

Return to Public Information Material home page


Back to the Siting Board Home Page 

Last updated September 1997