The control of radioactive contamination when transporting radioactive materials in Vietnam

The control of radioactive contamination when transporting radioactive materials in Vietnam (Image from the Internet)

The control of radioactive contamination when transporting radioactive materials is specified in Article 21 of Circular 23/2012/TT-BKHCN guiding on radioactive material transport safety issued by the Minister of science and technology, as follows:

1. The removable contamination on the surface of package does not exceed the following limits:

a) 4 (Bq/cm²) for the beta and gamma emitter and low toxicity alpha emitter;

b) 0.4 (Bq/cm²) for all other alpha emitters.

The limited values is calculated for average on area of 300 (cm²) or all area of surface if less than 300 (cm²).

2. The removable contamination on the surface outside or inside of packagings, containers, tanks and means of transport not exceed limits specified in clause 1 of this Article.

3. In case packages are corrupted or leaked radioactivity or have doubts of being corrupted or leaked radioactivity, the contaminated area should be isolated and delineated. To conduct assessment of radioactive contamination for packages, means of transport, areas where loading and unloading packages.  If it is necessary, to conduct assessment of radioactive contamination for all other items which are transported on the same means of transport.

Packages being corrupted or leaked radioactivity exceeding the permitted limits specified in Article 21, Article 22 of this Circular must be moved to proper places for repair, decontamination until the origin status is restored, then they may continue transport.

4. Means, equipments used for transport must be tested to define degree of radioactive contamination. The testing frequency is depend on degree of use but not fewer than 1 times per year.

Means, equipment used for transport and contaminated radioactivity exceeding limits specified in clause 1 of this Article or radiation dose rate in surface more than 5 (mSv/h) must be decontaminated and only re-use when it is ensured to not exceed limits specified in clause 1 of this Article and radiation dose rate in surface not exceeding 5 (mSv/h).

5. In exclusive use, provisions in clause 1 and clause 4 of this article are not required to apply in control of contamination in surface, inside of containers, tanks and means of transport of radioactive material not be packed.

Above is advice on the control of radioactive contamination when transporting radioactive materials. For more detailed information, you can refer to Circular 23/2012/TT-BKHCN. We hope that our advice will help you.

Best Regards!