Uranium Concentrates Industry Good Practices for ISO Containers

in Multimodal Transports– Revision 0

WNTI STANDARD

Dedicated to the safe, efficient and reliable transport of radioactive materials

WORLD NUCLEAR TRANSPORT INST I TUTE

WNTI

1. Introduction 5

2. Objectives and Scope 6

3. Terminology 7

4. Drum Features 11

5. ISO Container Features 13

6. Loading and Securing (Packaging) Drums into ISO Containers 15

7. Release of ISO Containers 17

8. Bibliography 19

Appendix 1 20

Appendix 2 21

Appendix 3 22

Appendix 4 26

Contributors and credits 27

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Uranium Concentrates Industry Good Practices for ISO Containers in Multimodal Transports– Revision 0

Table of contents

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This publication is intended as a guide only. The official documentscited in the text must be consulted for a definitive description of theirpurpose and contents.

First Edition published in February 2008by World Nuclear Transport Institute, Remo House, 310-312, Regent Street, London, W1B 3AX

© World Nuclear Transport Limited, 2008

home contents 1. introduct ion

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This document is specific for natural uranium concentrates,

which are transported as Class 7 (radioactive) materials

and identified as UN2912. These uranium concentrates are

shipped from uranium mine/mill or other facilities worldwide

to commercial toll uranium conversion or other facilities

globally. This document reflects the packing aspects that

are applicable to producer and converter tooling.

Uranium concentrates are typically packaged in open

head steel drums and shipped in dry sea (ISO) containers.

This publication covers transports that typically include a

marine logistic component. This document provides

information about good industry practices,

which are intended to complement the regulations

that are applicable to specific shipment logistics.

1. Introduction

The scope of this document is to describe common industry

good practices for packaging and loading dry ISO containers

for shipment by marine, road and/or rail modes of transport.

It reflects current packaging and shipping methods that are

compatible with the processes existing at the conversion

facilities in the toll conversion business. The aspects of

shipping that are covered in this document are as follows:

2.1 Drums

2.2 ISO Containers

2.3 Loading and Securing (Packing) Drums into ISO

Containers

2.4 ISO Container Release

This document is intended for use by WNTI Member

companies as well as all other stakeholders in the

transportation of uranium concentrates.

2. Objectives and Scope

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These are the terms that are used throughout this

document. In the document the word “shall”

indicates a requirement, the word “should” indicates a

recommendation and the word “may” indicates permission.

3.1 ACEP – Approved Container Examination

Program (under the CSC).

3.2 Activity – Measure of radioactive disintegrations

per unit time, the SI unit of activity is the

Becquerel.

3.3 Anchor Points – Securing devices located at the

base structure of the container at the top and

bottom with a restraint capacity of 1000 kg

in any direction [reference 8.7].

3.4 Background Instrument Count Rate – The normal

level of radioactivity within the location not

originating from the object to be measured.

3.5 Becquerel – The SI unit for activity.

One Becquerel is equal to one disintegration

per second (dps).

3.6 Bulk Density – Weight per unit volume for

the uranium concentrate powder.

3.7 Bung Hole – Hole in the centre of the lid through

which the drum is filled.

3.8 Centre Load Lid – Drum lid with bung hole in the

centre that is sealed for handling and transport.

3.9 Chine – Circumferential ridge(s) in a drum profile.

3.10 Corded Polyester Rated Strapping – Strapping

of this type with a specific strength rating.

3.11 Clip Ring – Type of metal drum lid ring with a

torsion clip arrangement to hold the ring in place.

3.12 Consignee – Receiver of ISO container

of uranium concentrate cargo.

3.13 Consignor – Dispatcher of ISO container

of uranium concentrate cargo.

3.14 Contamination (fixed) – This is contamination

other than non-fixed contamination

[reference 8.1].

3.15 Contamination (non-fixed) – This is

contamination that can be removed from a

surface during routine conditions of transport

[reference 8.1].

3.16 Converter – Facility that processes natural

uranium concentrates, typically to natural

uranium hexafluoride (UF6).

3.17 CSC – International Convention for Safe

Containers, 1972 [reference 8.3].

3.18 CSC Plate – A safety approval plate fixed to the

external surface of an ISO container (usually

the door) bearing construction, loading, and

maintenance information [reference 8.3].

3.19 Dedicated Use – A container in this use is utilised

solely for radioactive materials transport and it

is not released back into the general container

pool. This definition is provided to distinguish

dedicated use from exclusive use.

3.20 Detection Efficiency – The percent efficiency

with which a radiation meter detects.

3.21 Direct Fixed Point Measurement – Measurement

of specified points within the ISO container.

Direct measurement will measure both fixed

and non-fixed contamination.

3.22 Double Tier Loading – Where a second layer of

drums is loaded on top of the first layer within

the ISO container.

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3. Terminology

3.23 Drum – A good quality metal drum, examples

of the drum styles are as follows:

3.24 Dunnage – Materials of various types, usually

timber, placed into the ISO container to brace the

drums to prevent damage due to movement of

the drums during transport. Wood dunnage shall

be phytosanitary compliant in most jurisdictions.

3.25 Exclusive use – In this application, a container

is in exclusive use when it is loaded by the

consignor and it travels to the consignee under

the direction of either the consignor or consignee

[reference 8.1].

3.26 Filling – The process of filling the drums with

uranium concentrate.

3.27 Free Release – Release of an uncontaminated

ISO container that can be sent back for use with

general cargo and that does not require transport

under the radioactive materials regulations.

By definition the ISO container is free released

when it is uncontaminated [reference 8.1,

paragraph 214].

3.28 Galvanized – Zinc coated.

3.29 Gross Weight Capacity – The total approved

weight including the ISO container and contents

as marked on the CSC plate.

3.30 IAEA – International Atomic Energy Agency.

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Conventional style drum,complete with a double chine:

Nesting style drum (i.e. will nest when stacked empty, no lower chine):

boltedring

chine

chine

boltring

chin

chin

chine

boltedring

chine

boltedring

chine

chine

3.31 IMDG – International Maritime Dangerous Goods

Code.

3.32 IMO – International Maritime Organization.

3.33 ISO – International Organization for

Standardization.

3.34 ISO Container – A freight container constructed

to the specifications of ISO 1496-1 and that is

CSC compliant [references 8.3 and 8.7].

3.35 Lashing Points – Securing devices located in

any part of the container other than the base

structure (other than anchor points) with restraint

capacity of 500 kg in any direction [reference 8.7].

3.36 Lid – Steel lid of drum.

3.37 Lid Centre Hole – Filling hole in Centre Load Lid.

3.38 Open Head – Removable lid that is the entire

circumference of the drum.

3.39 Packaging – Receptacles in which material is

contained. Both drums and ISO containers

can be packaging.

3.40 Phytosanitary Compliant – Meets the relevant

national regulations covering the import of

lumber dunnage [reference 8.6].

3.41 Producer – Facility (or facilities), which processes

natural uranium ore to uranium concentrates.

Typically this is a mill associated with a mining

operation.

3.42 Product Identification Marking – Marking on

a drum to identify specific Lot and/or Batch

of concentrate.

3.43 Rated Design Maximum – Maximum Net weight

of concentrate that the drum is designed to

contain (alternately this may also be expressed

as a maximum gross weight capacity).

3.44 Responsible Person – Suitably authorized and

qualified person.

3.45 Restraint Longitudinal/Lateral/Vertical – This is

described in reference 8.2 (Appendix V tables)

and reference 8.5.

3.46 Ring – Semi circular metal fastening which holds

the lid to the drum.

3.47 Ring Gauge – Thickness of the metal ring.

3.48 Routine Conditions of Transport – This is

described in reference 8.1.

3.49 Seal – Anti-tamper device on container door

to indicate unauthorized access in transport.

3.50 Secular Equilibrium – Following chemical

purification, uranium concentrates achieve

a stable level of radioactivity (activity) referred

to as secular equilibrium within less than six

months of production.

3.51 Single Tier Loading – Where only a single layer

of drums is loaded within the ISO container.

3.52 Structural Member – Support that is a constituent

part of any structure or building.

3.53 Top Bolted Ring – Type of lid ring where bolt sits

above drum lid rather than the side, thus

preventing stacking.

3.54 Traceable Calibration Source – Radioactive source

of certified activity used to check the monitoring

equipment.

3.55 Uranium Concentrates – Chemical compounds

of natural uranium originating from natural ores.

Usually in dry powder form. Term includes

yellowcake, uranium oxide and uranium ore

concentrate (UOC).

3.56 Wafering – Use of boards or equivalent materials

within the ISO container to spread any point loads.

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3.57 Wipe Papers – Paper that is used to rub (wipe)

the surface to be measured for non-fixed

contamination.

3.58 Wipe Samples – See Wipe Papers, samples taken

by this method.

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Drums are typically handled a number of times (may be up

to 10 times) in a single fill-to-empty life cycle for one drum

(producer to converter) and they may also be recycled for

reuse. Some national regulations may have particular

requirements for the style of these drums, such as the use

of centre load type lids. Drums shall be filled to weights

no greater than the rated design maximum for the drum.

4.1 Lids and Rings

4.1.1 Bolted ring style lids shall only be used.

4.1.2 Welding shall not be used on the bolts on

the rings nor top bolted rings, examples are

illustrated as follows:

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4. Drum Features

Top bolted locking ring (unwelded) Side bolted locking ring (welded)

� weld materialweld material �

4.1.3 Clip rings shall not be used. These rings tend

to be less reliable and can potentially open

on impact during transport.

4.1.4 The drum ring profile (“C” or “U”) shall be

matched to the profile of the drum rim and lid.

4.1.5 For drums that are loaded through a centre hole

in the lids, the lids shall have effective water

proof seals on the bung holes that will last for

long term (multiple months) of storage time.

4.1.6 The rings shall have sufficient strength and

durability for re-use (this allows for the in-life

cycle opening and closing of a drum ring for

activities such as sampling).

4.2 Drums

4.2.1 Drum style shall be open head steel.

4.2.2 Both nesting and non-nesting types are in routine

use by industry, but may be specified by the

parties.

4.2.3 The drum size shall be a nominal 210L

(45 imperial gallon/55 US gallon) per drum.

Alternate drum sizes such as 140L (30 imperial

gallon/37 US gallon) may be used as agreed

by the parties.

4.2.4 The drums shall not have galvanized interiors

or other (including organic) coatings on the

interior surface.

4.2.5 In addition to label(s) and marking that may be

required to be compliant with the applicable

transport regulations, for convenience in

handling, the drums should have uniform product

identification marking (as a minimum the lot

number, drum number as well as gross, tare

and net weight) at two sides, 180˚ apart.

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“C” or “U” section locking rings with high durability and re-usage capability Centre fill lids with effective waterproof seals

5.1 Type of ISO Container

5.1.1 Twenty foot (20’) dry van type, full height heavy

duty ISO containers.

5.1.2 Minimum gross weight capacity greater than

24 tonnes (48,000 pounds).

5.2 Features of the ISO Container

5.2.1 Containers shall be compliant with ISO 1496-1

[reference 8.7].

5.2.2 Container features shall include a minimum of

10 anchor points as specified in reference 8.7.

Containers are preferred to have a total of 20

anchor points and an equal number of anchor

points on the top and bottom (5 bottom and 5

top on each side). The preference for 20 anchor

points is related to the use of chorded strapping.

5.2.3 Containers shall be equipped with fork pockets

for fork lift truck tynes (forks) and with the

design capacity for lifting a fully loaded container.

5.2.4 Containers shall be free of holes or cracks that

may allow the entry or discharge of material

or moisture into or from within the container.

See the Checklist in Appendix 3.

5.2.5 Containers shall have adequate door seals that

prevent the entry or discharge of material or

moisture into or from within the container.

5.2.6 At least one of the locking handles on each

container door shall have a hole capable of

allowing the placement of a container seal.

5.2.7 Containers shall be compliant with the

International Convention for Safe Containers

(CSC), including having a current CSC plate

or ACEP marking attached.

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5. ISO Container Features

CSC plate with current examination date markingsCSC plate with ACEP marking

APPROVED FOR TRANSPORTUNDER CUSTOMS SEAL

MANUFACTURER’S NO.OF THE CONTAINERTYPE XXX-XXXXXXXXXX XXX-XXXXXXXXXX

MANUFACTURED BY:

OWNER:XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

TIMBER COMPONENT TREATMENTXXXXXXXXXX XX-XX/XXXX

CSC SAFETY APPROVALX/XX/XXXX/XX

DATE MANUFACTURED

IDENTIFICATION NO.

MAXIMUM GROSS WEIGHT

ALLOW STACK WT. FOR 1.8G

RACKING TEST LOAD VALUE

XX/XXXX

XXXX XX XXXX XX

XX,XXX KGS XX,XXX LBS

XXX,XXX KGS XXX,XXX LBS

XX,XXX KGS XX,XXX LBS

ACEP

XX

XXXX

XXXX

XXX

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXX XXXXXXXX XX XXX

XX/X XXXX XX/XXXX

XXXX

APPROVED FOR TRANSPORTUNDER CUSTOMS SEAL

XX/X XXXX XX/XXXX

MANUFACTURER’S NO.OF THE CONTAINERTYPE XXX-XXXXXXXXXX XXX-XXXXXXXXXX

MANUFACTURED BY: MANAGED AND OPERATED BY:

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

TIMBER COMPONENT TREATMENT XX/XXXXXXXX XX-XX/XXXX

CSC SAFETY APPROVALX/XX/XXXX/XX

DATE MANUFACTURED

IDENTIFICATION NO.

MAXIMUM GROSS WEIGHT

ALLOW STACK WT. FOR 1.8G

RACKING TEST LOAD VALUE

XX/XXXX

XXXX XX

XX,XXX KGS XX,XXX LBS

XXX,XXX KGS XXX,XXX LBS

XX,XXX KGS XX,XXX LBS

FIRST MAINTE-NANCE EXAMI-NATION DATE

/200XX X

(PLACERE-EXAMINATIONDECAL HERE)

XXXX XX

XXXX XXXXXXXX XXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXX XXXXXXXXXXX

5.3 Receipt Handling and Preparation for Loading

(Packing) of the ISO Container

5.3.1 Before loading the consignor shall carry out

a receipt inspection of the ISO container.

5.3.2 If the ISO containers are repaired or modified,

this shall be done in accordance with CSC and

ISO 1496-1 requirements. A sample pre-use

inspection checklist is shown in Appendix 3.

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The consignor shall check drums for non-fixed

contamination prior to loading. The non-fixed radioactivity

shall be less than 0.4 Bq/cm2 for loading into ISO containers

that are not in dedicated service. This is to avoid cross

contamination and the need for additional cleaning by the

consignee prior to the release of the container (the container

is released as uncontaminated by definition when it is

returned to the owner and it is not in dedicated service).

This may be done by using either alpha or beta

measurement.

In taking wipe samples particular attention should be given

to the bottom of the drum at the seam.

In determining load configurations, packers shall consider

the relationship between maximum road Gross Container

Weights (GCW) and the converter capabilities relating to

their maximum handling capacity for loaded drums.

Drums may be secured into the ISO container in either a

single or double tier configuration. Uranium concentrates

typically have a high bulk density hence the second tier is

normally not fully loaded by volume with drums due to

container and/or road weight limitations.

6.1 Preparation for Loading

6.1.1 The consignor shall ensure that there are written

procedures for packing the ISO container and the

procedures shall be followed by the facility

carrying out the packing.

6.1.2 Any ISO container that is not in dedicated service

shall be checked on receipt to ensure that it is

uncontaminated prior to loading (less than 0.4

Bq/cm2 fixed plus non-fixed). As a minimum,

the internal surfaces of the container should be

checked according to section 7 of this document.

6.2 Loading and Securing in the ISO Container

6.2.1 Drums shall be loaded with dunnage and/or

lashing to effectively restrain them from shifting

under routine conditions of transport.

6.2.2 The drums shall be evenly distributed in the ISO

container, especially for a partial second tier.

6.2.3 The second tier shall be separated from the

first (lower) tier using wafering to improve skid

resistance and to minimize the opportunity for

movement during transit.

6.2.4 Chorded polyester (or equivalent) rated strapping

is typically used to secure drums.

6.2.5 Wherever timber dunnage is used, the securing

shall be done only with lumber that is

phytosanitary compliant.

6.2.6 Timber dunnage may be used in combination

with chorded strapping. It is preferable to limit

the use of timber dunnage to the extent practical.

6.2.7 Additional anchor and/or lashing points may

be added but shall be done in compliance with

reference 8.3 and 8.7 and with consideration for

the commercial arrangements (and restrictions)

for the use of the container. Any modification

and repair of CSC containers shall be carried

out by an authorised party.

6.2.8 The drums shall be handled to prevent loss

of containment (e.g. prevent puncture, etc.)

during loading and related handling. If a drum

is punctured on loading, it shall be removed

and any resulting contamination cleaned up.

6.2.9 If a drum is deformed (including puncture) such

that it poses a risk to the integrity of the drum, it

shall be removed and any contamination cleaned

up. For example, a significant crease in a drum

may result in loss of containment during transport.

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6. Loading and Securing (Packing) Drums into ISO Containers

6.2.10 Drums shall be restrained to meet the

longitudinal, lateral and vertical requirements of

the applicable transport regulations. In particular,

consideration shall be given to prevent drums

from locking and hanging on each other during

transport because this can cause damage

(including displacement of the lid and drum

deformation).

6.2.11 The void space shall be blocked with dunnage

between the cargo and the container doors in

order to allow the container doors to be opened

safely following transport; alternatively other

methods of equivalent securing may be utilised.

6.2.12 The tires of mobile equipment that travel over the

container floor for loading drums shall be free of

contamination in order to prevent the container

floor from becoming contaminated. In addition,

a good practice is to lay down material such as

conveyor belting for the mobile equipment to

travel on.

6.2.13 Cargo restraint shall be compliant with the

requirements of reference 8.5 listings for g force

restraint minimums with particular attention to

the logistic being used, especially when the

logistic includes rail shunting.

6.2.14 Samples of uranium concentrate may be

transported in the same container as the

drummed uranium concentrate cargo.

They shall be packaged according to the

appropriate regulations and secured

in the container.

6.3 Post Loading (Pre-shipment) Inspection

6.3.1 The ISO container shall be pre-shipment

inspected to ensure compliance with the

requirements for placarding, labeling, cleanliness

and damage to the outside of the container.

See Appendix 4 for a sample pre-shipment

inspection checklist.

6.3.2 The ISO container doors shall be fully and

securely closed with all locking bolts engaged.

6.3.3 When closed, ISO container doors shall be sealed

shut with at least one numbered seal. In some

jurisdictions certified seals and or consecutive

numbered seals may be required to be fitted

to each door with numbering details recorded

within the transport documentation.

6.4. Converter (Consignee) Receipt Inspection

6.4.1 As a minimum, the consignee shall check every

ISO container with a visual examination for load

shift and/or loss of containment.

6.4.2 If a load shift or loss of containment is identified,

it is recommended that photographs be taken

and provided to the consignor in addition to

any other reporting that is done.

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Typically ISO containers are returned empty and free released

as uncontaminated back to the owner after unloading by

the consignee (for general container pool use).

Alternately, ISO containers may be transported empty but

not free released provided they remain in dedicated use and

they are transported as required under the regulations for

the transport of radioactive materials.

For free release as uncontaminated, the container shall be

checked and certified by the consignee to have fixed plus

non-fixed contamination that is less than 0.4 Bq/cm2.

Uranium concentrates are comprised primarily of two (2)

alpha emitters, 238U and 234U and two (2) beta emitters,234Pam and 234Th. Once secular equilibrium is established,

the total alpha activity will equal the total beta activity;

therefore, radioactivity measurements may be conducted

by either direct alpha measurement or by direct beta

measurements (these measurements are not additive).

Site specific considerations will determine which method

is used by a particular site.

7.1 Container Free Release Procedure

Prior to release of a container from the consignee for

general use (free release), the following activities shall be

conducted and survey results recorded:

7.1.1 If any packages are found to be leaking on

receipt by the consignee, reporting shall be

done as required by commercial and regulatory

reporting requirements.

7.1.2 A thorough inspection of the container shall

be conducted including a check for visible

contamination and a measurement (scan) of the

whole floor surface. In addition, direct fixed

point measurements shall also be done at other

representative surfaces for total radioactivity.

These measurements shall be done to determine

compliance with the IMDG Code for exempted

values (release as uncontaminated). Non-

compliance will result in decontamination

activities and a repeat inspection survey.

7.1.3 The direct fixed point measurements of total

radioactivity shall be conducted in at least six (6)

prescribed locations and the maximum observed

total radioactivity value is documented in Bq/cm2

(as averaged over 300 cm2). The prescribed

minimum locations are the floor at the front,

floor at the center, floor at the back, inside wall

of the container facing right, inside wall of the

container facing left and an external wall of the

container near the doors. A diagram showing

these locations is attached in Appendix 1.

7.1.4 Wipe samples for non-fixed contamination

shall also be collected at the six (6) prescribed

locations and analysed by either alpha or

beta counting.

7.1.5 Using the radiation surveyor’s documentation,

the responsible person shall indicate compliance

on the release certification documentation.

A sample release certificate form is attached

in Appendix 2.

7.1.6 Any value showing fixed plus non-fixed

contamination greater than 0.4 Bq/cm2

(as averaged over 300 cm2) shall result

in decontamination activities and a repeat

inspection survey.

7.2 Requirements for Measurement of

Total Radioactivity

Facility procedures for surface scans and direct fixed point

measurements for determination of total radioactivity shall

comply with the following requirements:

7.2.1 Survey instruments shall be calibration checked

at least annually using a traceable calibration

source.

7.2.2 A performance check of the survey instrument

shall be performed prior to the clearance survey,

on the day of the survey, to confirm proper

instrument operation.

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7. Release of ISO Containers

7.2.3 An instrument background reading shall

be determined prior to instrument use.

7.2.4 Surveyors shall be trained in the use of the survey

meter. Training and qualifications for surveyors

shall be documented.

7.2.5 Background instrument count rate shall be

subtracted from the total count rate when

determining total activity.

7.2.6 Calculations of activity shall take the detection

efficiency of the instrument into account.

7.2.7 If floor scan results and the individual fixed point

measurements are less than 50% of the release

level, this provides a good assurance for release.

Values above this should be cause to investigate

by increasing the number of fixed point checks.

7.3 Requirements for Measurement of Removable

Radioactivity

Facility procedures for determination of removable

(non-fixed) radioactivity shall comply with the following

requirements:

7.3.1 Survey instruments shall be calibration checked

at least annually using a traceable calibration

source.

7.3.2 Wipes shall be assumed to have a pick-up

efficiency of 10% [reference 8.2, paragraph

508.2].

7.3.3 Wipe papers shall be provided by a commercial

supplier.

7.3.4 A performance check of the survey instrument

shall be performed prior to the clearance survey,

on the day of the survey, to confirm proper

instrument operation.

7.3.5 An instrument background reading shall be

determined prior to instrument use.

7.3.6 Surveyors shall be trained in the use of the survey

meter. Training and qualifications for surveyors

shall be documented.

7.3.7 Wipes shall be taken by applying gentle pressure

over the surface being wiped.

7.3.8 The surface area wiped shall be reported on

a per cm2 basis and as averaged over an

area of 300 cm2.

7.3.9 Each wipe sample shall be counted for

a minimum of one minute.

7.3.10 The activity of each wipe sample shall be

calculated taking into account the efficiency

of the scaler as well as the wipe efficiency.

7.3.11 If wipe sample results are less than 25% of the

release levels, this provides good assurance for

release. Values above this should be cause to

investigate by taking additional wipe samples.

home contents 7. release of ISO containers

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8.1 IAEA Transport Regulations TS-R-1, 2005 edition,

International Atomic Energy Agency, Vienna,

August 2005, www.iaea.org/books

8.2 IAEA Advisory Material TS-G-1.1, 2002 edition,

International Atomic Energy Agency, Vienna,

June 2002, www.iaea.org/books

8.3 International Convention for Safe Containers,

1972, CSC 1996 edition, International Maritime

Organization, publication number IA282E,

www.imo.org

8.4 IMDG Code, Volumes 1 and 2, 2006 edition,

incorporating amendment 33-06, International

Maritime Organization, publication number

IF200E, www.imo.org

8.5 IMO/ILO/UN ECE Guidelines for Packing of

Cargo Transport Units, IMDG Code Supplement,

amendment 33-06, publication number IF210E,

www.imo.org

8.6 International Standard for Phytosanitary

Measures, Guidelines for Regulating Wood

Packaging Material in International Trade,

ISPM 15, Secretariat of the International Plant

Protection Convention Food and Agriculture

Organization of the United Nations, Rome, 2002,

www.ippc.int

8.7 ISO 1496-1, International Standard for Series 1

freight containers - Specification and testing -

Part 1: General cargo containers for general

purposes, 1990 and amendments 1-5,

www.iso.org

8.8 Institute of International Container Lessors,

Guide for Container Equipment Inspection, 2005,

www.iicl.org

8.9 Container Handbook, Volume I, II, III; Cargo loss

prevention information from German marine

insurers, GDV Die Deutschen Versicherer,

www.containerhandbook.de

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8. Bibliography

1. Floor at front of container.

2. Centre of floor inside container.

3. Floor at back of container.

4. Inside right hand wall of container near doors.

5. Inside left hand wall of container near doors.

6. Outside of doors at lower edge.

home contents appendix 1

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Appendix 1 – Six Minimum Prescribed Locations in an ISO Container

3

2

1

6

5 4

Insert company logo here

CONTAINER CERTIFICATE OF INSPECTION

Container: __________________________________________________ Date: _________________________________

The freight container identified above has been monitored at the insert facility location here and found to be free of radioactive

contamination as defined in the latest applicable edition of the IMDG Code.

CONTAMINATION means the presence of a radioactive substance on a surface in quantities in excess of 0.4 Bq/cm2, fixed

plus non-fixed, for beta and gamma emitters and low-toxicity alpha emitters. Natural uranium is a low-toxicity alpha emitter.

Natural uranium concentrates are comprised primarily of two (2) alpha emitters, 238U and 234U and two (2) beta emitters, 234Pam and 234Th. Once secular equilibrium is established, the total alpha activity will equal the total beta activity therefore

radioactivity measurements may be conducted by either alpha measurement or by beta measurements. Contamination

is measured as averaged over 300 cm2, reference the applicable edition of the IAEA TS-R-1 Regulations for the

Safe Transport of Radioactive Material.

Signature:

Insert name and title

Insert email address

Insert telephone number

home contents appendix 2

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Appendix 2 – Sample Container Release Certificate Form (variable text shown in italics)

EXTERIOR INSPECTION

A3.1 Examination of the CSC plate:

– correct fixation (cannot be removed easily);

– approval number;

– date of manufacture;

– identification number (shall be that of the container);

– maximum gross weight;

– allowed stacking weight for 1.8 G;

– racking testing load value;

– either last dates of examination (valid for 5 years for less 5 year old containers,

valid for 30 months for more 5 years old containers) or confirmed ACEP approval

scheme of the owner.

A3.2 Examination of the main framework (corner posts, corner fittings, bottom and top

side rails, bottom and top end rails, door sill and header) – no major defects:

– dents or bends in structural members (including under floor cross members)

greater than 19 mm in depth, regardless of length;

– cracks or breaks in structural members (including under floor cross members);

– more than one splice or an improper splice (e.g. a lapped splice) in top or

bottom end rails or door headers or more than two splices in any one top

or bottom side rail or any splice in a door sill or corner post;

– door hinges and hardware that are seized, twisted, broken,

missing or otherwise inoperative;

– non-closing gaskets and seals;

– any distortion of the overall configuration sufficient to undermine proper

alignment of handling equipment, mounting and securing on a chassis or vehicle.

A3.3 Examination of the doors: they shall work properly and be capable of being securely

locked and sealed in the closed position, and properly secured in the open position;

gaskets shall be in good condition and be tight when doors are closed.

A3.4 Examination of the marking and labelling: irrelevant markings, labels, placards, orange

panels, signs and marine pollutant marks shall be removed or masked.

Signature and date

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Appendix 3 – Pre-use Inspection Checklist for ISO Containers

INTERIOR INSPECTION

A3.5 The interior surfaces shall be clean, dry and free of residue and persistent odours

from previous cargo. Walls, roof and floor shall be exempt of rust.

A3.6 The floor shall be in good condition to facilitate its decontamination at consignee’s

place and to avoid any escape of uranium concentrate in case of failure of on or more

packages during the voyage: no cracks, breaks, holes, protruding nails or screws.

A3.7 Examination of anchor points and lashing points: not seized, twisted, broken,

missing or inoperative (irrelevant if not used for stowage of the cargo).

A3.8 Check the waterproof of the container: Potential point of leakage can be detected

by observing if any light enters the closed container.

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Signature and date

home contents appendix 3

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Container closed

corner posts

dooandhard

side rails

corner fittings door silland header

doors c

container open (REV)

corner posts

door hingesand hardware

side rails

corner fittings door silland header

door open

door closeddoor sill and header

corner fittings

side rails

door hingesand hardware

corner posts

corner posts

door open

door hinges and hardware

door sill and header

corner fittings

side rails

Container open

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Lashing point

Anchor point

The purpose of this checklist is to guide in the safe and contamination free handling and transport of containers packed

with drums of uranium concentrates (cargo). The containers may be loaded on to either road or rail conveyances

(e.g. road trailers or directly on to rail wagons), depending on the logistics being deployed.

A4.1 After packing of a container, it shall be visually inspected for secure loading,

then closed and sealed with numbered seal(s) – seal number(s):

__________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________.

A4.2 Measure and record maximum dose rates and units of measurement (e.g. mSv)

for container surface contact and one (1) meter away from the container.

The one (1) meter value is used to calculate the transport index for the container.

Alternately values for each drum may be used to calculate per the regulations.

A4.3 Check external container marking and labeling (possibly repeat sections of Appendix 3).

A4.4 If the container has been inside a facility area or removed from a road chassis or

flatbed or a rail wagon where there is a risk of contamination – before the full

container leaves this area, a designated person is to ensure that container is cleaned

on sides, top and bottom with high pressure cleaner or appropriate equipment.

Dirt and sand shall be removed from the container bottom seams.

A4.5 If the container was removed from a road or rail conveyance (trailer or wagon), inspect

the empty road or rail conveyance for cleanliness before loading the container.

A4.6 Check the outside surfaces of the container for non-fixed contamination

(wipe sampling) and record the measured values.

A4.7 Record the container and conveyance number.

A4.8 Place placards on road or rail conveyance (if applicable).

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Appendix 4 – Pre-Shipment Inspection Checklist, ISO Container with cargo

Signature and date

home contents contr ibutors

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Catherine Green Cameco Corporation

Chair

Individuals from the following participated

in the development of the paper:

AREVA NC

AREVA Resources Canada

BHP Billiton Ltd

Cameco Corporation

ConverDyn

Electricité de France (EDF)

Honeywell

International Nuclear Services

NUFCOR International Ltd

Paladin Resources

Pebble Bed Modular Reactor (Pty) Ltd (PBMR)

Rio Tinto plc

Rössing Uranium Ltd

RSB Logistic Projektspedition GmbH

TAM International

TN International

Uranium Asset Management Ltd, Westinghouse, UK

World Nuclear Transport Institute (WNTI)

Contributors and credits

Remo House310-312 Regent Street

London W1B 3AXUnited Kingdom

Tel: +44 (0)20 7580 1144Fax: +44 (0)20 7580 5365

Web: www.wnti.co.ukEmail: wnti@wnti.co.uk

S1_EN_MAR13_V1

WORLD NUCLEAR TRANSPORT INST I TUTE

WNTI