Transportation of radioactive material in Georgia
Carter, M.W.; Gasper, J.T.; Kahn, B.
Health Physics 42(6): 759-775
1982
ISSN/ISBN: 0017-9078 PMID: 7107287 Document Number: 194375
A 3-yr study of radioactive material transportation examined the magnitude of radioactive material shipments in terms of the following: number of packages and motor vehicle trips and types of materials; compliance with regulations for packaging, labeling, handling, external radiation exposure and surface contamination; and dose to workers as measured with personnel dosimeters. Much information was obtained at the Atlanta [Georgia] airport and its vicinity, a package distribution center for southeastern USA and at the Barnwell, South Carolina [USA], radioactive waste burial site, the destination of most shipments of radioactive waste from or through Georgia. Approximately 12,000 packages in radioactive material categories 1, 2, and 3 were handled in Georgia each year. Motor vehicles made .apprx. 3300 trips/yr. Some instances of noncompliance were observed, but few had the potential for elevated radiation exposure of persons. Several incidents associated with radioactive material transport were reported, of which one may have resulted in slightly elevated exposures to persons. Among drivers and handlers who worked with radioactive material shipments, dosimeters showed that < 1/2 received radiation doses above background levels. The highest doses were found for drivers who transported large numbers of 99Mo generators.