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 radiation and criticality hazards of the content increase. |
| - Undamaged packages are safe. Contents of damaged packages may cause higher external radiation exposure, or both external and internal radiation exposure if contents are released. |
| - Type AF or IF packages, identified by package markings, do not contain life-threatening amounts of material. External radiation levels are low and packages are designed, evaluated and tested to control releases and to prevent a fission chain reaction un |
| - Type B(U)F, B(M)F and CF packages (identified by markings on packages or shipping papers) contain potentially life-endangering amounts. Because of design, evaluation and testing of packages, fission chain reactions are prevented and releases are not exp |
| - The rarely occurring "Special Arrangement" shipments may be of Type AF, BF or CF packages. Package type will be marked on packages, and shipment details will be on shipping papers. |
| - The transport index (TI) shown on labels or a shipping paper might not indicate the radiation level at one meter from a single, isolated, undamaged package; instead, it might relate to controls needed during transport because of the fissile properties o |
| - Some radioactive materials cannot be detected by commonly available instruments. |
| - Water from cargo fire control is not expected to cause pollution. |
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| - These materials are seldom flammable. Packages are designed to withstand fires without damage to contents. |
| - Radioactivity does not change flammability or other properties of materials. |
| - Type AF, IF, B(U)F, B(M)F and CF 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. |
| - Detain or isolate uninjured persons or equipment suspected to be contaminated; delay decontamination and cleanup until instructions are 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. |
| - In Canada, an Emergency Response Assistance Plan (ERAP) may be required for this product. Please consult the shipping paper and/or the ERAP Program Section (page 390). |
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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. Most packaging for liquid content have inner containers and/or inner absorbent materials. |
| Liquid Spill |
| - Package contents are seldom liquid. If any radioactive contamination resulting from a liquid release is present, it probably will be low-level. |
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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. |
| - Give artificial respiration if victim is not breathing. |
| - Administer oxygen if breathing is difficult. |
| - In case of contact with substance, immediately flush skin or eyes with running water for at least 20 minutes. |
| - Injured persons contaminated by contact with released material are not a serious hazard to health care personnel, equipment or facilities. |
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