POTENTIAL HAZARDS |
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- Radiation presents minimal risk to transport workers, emergency response personnel and the public during transportation accidents. Packaging durability increases as potential hazard of radioactive content increases. |
- Undamaged packages are safe; contents of damaged packages may cause external radiation exposure, and much higher external exposure if contents (source capsules) are released. |
- Contamination and internal radiation hazards are not expected, but not impossible. |
- Type A packages (cartons, boxes, drums, articles, etc.) identified as "Type A" by marking on packages or by shipping papers contain non-life-endangering amounts. Radioactive sources may be released if "Type A" packages are damaged in moderately severe a |
-Type B packages, and the rarely occurring Type C packages, (large and small, usually metal) contain the most hazardous amounts. They can be identified by package markings or by shipping papers. Life-threatening conditions may exist only if contents are |
- Radioactive White-I labels indicate radiation levels outside single, isolated, undamaged packages are very low (less than 0.005 mSv/h (0.5 mrem/h)). |
- Radioactive Yellow-II and Yellow-III labeled packages have higher radiation levels. The transport index (TI) on the label identifies the maximum radiation level in mrem/h one meter from a single, isolated, undamaged package. |
- Radiation from the package contents, usually in durable metal capsules, can be detected by most radiation instruments. |
- Water from cargo fire control is not expected to cause pollution. |
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- Packagings can burn completely without risk of content loss from sealed source capsule. |
- Radioactivity does not change flammability or other properties of materials. |
- Radioactive source capsules and Type B packages are designed and evaluated to withstand total engulfment in flames at temperatures of 800°C (1475°F) for a period of 30 minutes. |
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PUBLIC SAFETY |
- CALL 911. Then call emergency response telephone number on shipping paper. If shipping paper not available or no answer, refer to appropriate telephone number listed on the inside back cover. |
- Priorities for rescue, life-saving, first aid, fire control and other hazards are higher than the priority for measuring radiation levels. |
- Radiation Authority must be notified of accident conditions. Radiation Authority is usually responsible for decisions about radiological consequences and closure of emergencies. |
- Stay upwind, uphill and/or upstream. |
- Keep unauthorized personnel away. |
- Delay final cleanup until instructions or advice is received from Radiation Authority. |
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- Positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) and structural firefighters' protective clothing will provide adequate protection against internal radiation exposure, but not external radiation exposure. |
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Immediate precautionary measure |
- Isolate spill or leak area for at least 25 meters (75 feet) in all directions. |
Large Spill |
- Consider initial downwind evacuation for at least 100 meters (330 feet). |
Fire |
- When a large quantity of this material is involved in a major fire, consider an initial evacuation distance of 300 meters (1000 feet) in all directions. |
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EMERGENCY RESPONSE |
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- Presence of radioactive material will not influence the fire control processes and should not influence selection of techniques. |
- If it can be done safely, move undamaged containers away from the area around the fire. |
- Do not move damaged packages; move undamaged packages out of fire zone. |
Small Fire |
- Dry chemical, CO2, water spray or regular foam. |
Large Fire |
- Water spray, fog (flooding amounts). |
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- Do not touch damaged packages or spilled material. |
- Damp surfaces on undamaged or slightly damaged packages are seldom an indication of packaging failure. Contents are seldom liquid. Content is usually a metal capsule, easily seen if released from package. |
- If source capsule is identified as being out of package, DO NOT TOUCH. Stay away and await advice from Radiation Authority. |
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- Call 911 or emergency medical service. |
- Ensure that medical personnel are aware of the material(s) involved and take precautions to protect themselves. |
- Medical problems take priority over radiological concerns. |
- Use first aid treatment according to the nature of the injury. |
- Do not delay care and transport of a seriously injured person. |
- Persons exposed to special form sources are not likely to be contaminated with radioactive material. |
- Give artificial respiration if victim is not breathing. |
- Administer oxygen if breathing is difficult. |
- Injured persons contaminated by contact with released material are not a serious hazard to health care personnel, equipment or facilities. |
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