Transporting Radioactive Materials on Campus

The requirements for the transportation of radioactive materials within the confines of the university must comply with both the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) and Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations. Transporting may involve walking or driving radioactive materials across campus. Only Radiation Safety may transport activity in a vehicle. This is to insure that proper procedures are followed and the movement of radioactive materials within the university can be tracked. Any transfers of radioactive materials between principle investigators must be pre-authorized by the campus Radiation Safety Officer (RSO).

For more information, please click one of the following links:

Package Preparation

** radioactivity must be in a "Type A" package; labeled as such from manufacturer.
** radioactivity must be in an appropriate lead or tungsten pig.
** radioactive package must be labeled with appropriate White I or Yellow II DOT placards
** package must read <50mRem/hr at surface and <1mR/hr at 1 meter

If you are not sure the container you plan to use is adequate, contact Michelle Kehoe, RSO at 631-402-2175 or Radiation Protection Services at (631) 632-6410.

Requesting a Transfer

Transfers between permit holders or buildings should be requested at least 48 hours ahead using the Radioactive Material Transfer Request via Google forms:

Internal Rad Material Transfer Form

If you need a transfer with less than 48 hours notice, contact Radiation Safety at (631) 632-6410 to ensure the transfer will occur.

Transportation on Campus

Radiation Workers may transport radioactivity within a single building and permit.

Radiation Safety must perform all transfers between buildings and/or permits unless special permission has been granted.

Transporting Radioactive Materials by Foot

Radioactive materials may only be transported by foot within a single permit and building.

Prepare package using guidelines established under Package Preparation.

Notify Radiation Safety immediately if there are any spills or other incidents.

Transporting Radioactive Materials by Automobile

The NRC and DOT strictly regulate the transportation of radioactive materials.

Radiation Protection Services will prepare documentation and transport your material.

Radioactive Materials may never be transported in a private vehicle.

A permitted radiation worker must be present at the receiving location to take possession of the material at the arranged time.

Applicable Regulations

49 CFR 173.401 - 49 CFR 173.476 (Subpart I - Class 7 Radioactive Materials) NRC