CAPITAL HEALTH
Module 8.1 Transport of Dangerous Goods (Class 7 - Receiving)
Receiving Radioactive Packages
Introduction
The Packaging and Transport Regulations state:
“ Every consignor, carrier and consignee of radioactive material shall implement
a radiation protection program and shall, as part of that program implement
personnel qualification and training, control occupational and public exposure to
radiation and plan for unusual situations.”
Specific procedures are described in the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission
INFO Document “Identifying and Opening Radioactive Packages, INFO - 0426 rev 1”
Procedures for receiving radioactive material should be established to ensure the material is:
•
delivered, without delay, to the user or securely stored until delivery.
•
immediately inspected for evidence of leakage or damage.
•
only opened by personnel authorized to do so.
•
properly stored after receiving.
Receiving a Package
All radioactive material received should be designated for an authorized licence or permit holder.
The address label should provide sufficient information for the delivering company to accurately
locate the individual or department responsible for the package.
Receiving procedures are used as a method to monitor the integrity of the package and indirectly
keep the regulatory agencies aware of company compliance with the packaging and transport
regulations. Upwards of 5% of incoming packages are leaking or contaminated. The reporting
mechanism identifies companies with poor track records for packaging and transport.
Initial Inspections
The initial inspection should verify the address on the delivery label. Any package that does not
have an address for an authorized user at the hospital should not be accepted. Once a package is
accepted, even if it does not belong at the hospital, it becomes the responsibility of the hospital.
Daytime Delivery to Receiving Stores
All radioactive material delivered to Receiving Stores will remain unopened until the package is
delivered to the appropriate department.
Receiving Stores personnel will conduct an initial inspection of the package for damage and contact
the Radiation Safety Officer if damage is noted. Damaged packages will remain in the receiving
area until instructions are received from the Radiation Safety Officer. After hours notification will
follow the “Radiation Safety Emergency Contact List, RSP-001.”
M 8.1 Receiving Radioactive Packages
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CAPITAL HEALTH
Module 8.1 Transport of Dangerous Goods (Class 7 - Receiving)
If the package is not damaged it will be delivered by appropriately trained security, stores or porter
services personnel to the department listed on the packing slip.
All packing slips should accompany the package to its’ final destination.
Daytime Delivery to Departments
Many radioactive packages are delivered by authorized couriers and arrive during regular daytime
working hours. These companies are responsible for the package until an authorized user accepts
delivery.
Daytime deliveries by courier services will be delivered directly to the department ordering the
material. If the package is undeliverable, it remains the responsibility of the courier service.
After Hours Delivery
Currently, the QEII Health Sciences Centre is the only Capital Health facility that receives
radioactive material after hours.
Personnel receiving the package will conduct an initial inspection and contact the Radiation Safety
Officer if damage is noted using the “Radiation Safety Emergency Contact List, RSP-001.”
If the package is not damaged it will be delivered by security personnel to one of the following
secured rooms:
• Victoria General Site - Room 3019 Dickson Building
• Camp Hill Site - Room 3356 Halifax Infirmary
Individual departments will be responsible for picking up their respective packages promptly upon
notification.
Opening a Package
The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission guidelines “Identifying and Opening Radioactive
Packages, INFO - 0426 (rev 1)” should be posted at the location the package is opened.
The following information should be recorded on the receiving record. Some departments choose to
include this information as part of the isotope daily use record.
•
•
•
•
•
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Date package received
Name of supplier
Name of shipper
Shipping document number (ie. waybill)
Isotope name, activity, chemical form, lot number
Results of inspection
- accuracy of labels
- visual inspection
- record of damage
- record of radiation exposure readings
- wipe test results of primary container
M 8.1 Receiving Radioactive Packages
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CAPITAL HEALTH
Module 8.1 Transport of Dangerous Goods (Class 7 - Receiving)
For most isotopes, a wipe test may be performed and checked with a contamination monitor. If the
results are questionable then a check with more sensitive equipment may be required.
Reporting Dangerous Occurrences
Any person that receives a package should inspect the integrity of the package and report any of the
following conditions to the Radiation Safety Officer.
• Incorrect package label
• A damaged package
• A package with leaking
• Packages with evidence of being tampered with
• Any radiation levels above regulatory limits
- Dose rate at the package surface exceeds 2000 μSv/hr.
- Dose rate at 1m from the package exceeds 100 μSv/hr.
The Radiation Safety Officer must file a full report of the discovery with the supplier and the
Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission.
Record Keeping
Maintain all receiving records and shipping documents for a period of at least 2 years.
Forms
Radioisotope Receiving Record (Sample)
(follow ‘Identifying and Opening Radioactive Packages’ INFO-0426 rev 1)
Name of Supplier (Consignor)
Date Received (yy-mm-dd)
Total Activity
Name of Shipper (Carrier)
Received By
Waybill Number
Isotope
Total Volume (mL)
Supplier ID or Lot #
Department Assigned ID or Lot #
Results of Receiving Inspection
Item Checked
OK
Not OK
Department address correct
Shipping label appropriate
No evidence of damage
Wipe Test results < 4 Bq/cm2
Exposure Readings Appropriate for Label (ie. Category I, II III and Transport Index)
White-I 5 μSv/hr (surface)
Yellow-II 5-500 μSv/hr (surface)
< 10 μSv/hr (at 1m)
Yellow-III 500-2000 μSv/hr (surface)
10-100 μSv/hr (at 1m)
If any are not OK Report to
Radiation Safety Officer
Inventory Use or other information recorded here.
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CAPITAL HEALTH
M 8.1 Receiving Radioactive Packages
Module 8.1 Transport of Dangerous Goods (Class 7 - Receiving)
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CAPITAL HEALTH
Module 8.1 Transport of Dangerous Goods (Class 7 - Receiving)
Possible Emergency Situations
Damaged Packages: The package may have evidence of damage or tampering such as wetness in
one corner, tears in the package or broken tape seals.
Cleanup:
1. Wear double gloves during cleanup.
2. Wipe up all the liquid using alcohol wet pads.
3. Place items used in the clean-up (pads and outer gloves) in plastic bag.
4. Put on new pair of outer gloves.
5. Survey area to ensure count rate is less than contamination criteria.
6. If not, repeat steps 2, 3, 4, and 5 until count rate does not change.
7. If count rate does not change and is still above contamination criteria, cover area with
absorbent pad and label as radioactive. Notify Radiation Safety Office or Technologist on
call.
All material used in the cleanup should be placed in a plastic bag, labeled radioactive and stored
for radioactive decay before disposal.
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CAPITAL HEALTH
Module 8.1 Transport of Dangerous Goods (Class 7 - Receiving)
Receiving Radioactive Package Training Checklist
Name:_________________________________________________________
Department:____________________ Permit/Licence Number ___________
Item
Observed
Not
Observed
Rules for opening packages is posted or available
Lab coat is buttoned
Disposable gloves are worn
Radiation monitor worn
 not applicable
Verifies package address
Verifies package radiation label is correct  not applicable
Checks package for signs of damage
Verifies activity level of package
 not applicable
Opens outer package and checks for inner damage
Performs wipe-test on primary container
Verifies isotope and activity with shipping documents
Logs the radioactive source into inventory
Describes response for outer package damage
Describes response for outer box wetness or leaking
Describes response for wipe test exceeding limits
Describes response for incorrect transport label
___________________________________
Radiation Safety Officer
M 8.1 Receiving Radioactive Packages
_______________________
Date
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