Type A packages are used to transport small amounts of radioactive material that are not life-endangering. They are constructed with an inner containment vessel surrounded by packing materials to resist heat, cold, pressure changes, impacts, water, and vibration from accidents. While providing some protection, Type A packages are not designed to withstand the forces of all accidents. The size of Type A packages ranges from 5-gallon pails to 55-gallon drums or larger custom containers, with smaller sizes able to hold up to 10-110 micrograms of material depending on the shielding capacity needed.
2. Type A Package
Package used to transport material of a higher
concentration than those shipped in industrial packages.
These are typically constructed of a harder material with an
inner containment vessel surrounded by packing materials.
Designed to resist moderate degrees of heat and cold,
reduced air pressure, impact, water spray, penetration,
stacking, and vibration, although they are not designed to
withstand the forces of all accidents.
Type A packages are only used to transport non life-
endangering amounts of radioactive material.
3. Type A Shipping Packages
When shipping radioactive materials*, you must consider
the following:
• Size
• Shielding Capacity
• Shipping Regulations
• Certification
• Rent or Purchase?
• Custom Solutions
*Info compiled primarily from Frontier Technology Corporation (FTC), and
specifically pertains to handling and shipping Californium-252
Photo Credit: WV DHSEM
4. Size
How much material are you shipping?
• The smallest container is usually a 5-gallon drum “pail”
• Ranges from 5 gallons to 55 gallons, then custom or
industrial sizes
5. Shielding Capacity
Protect from the radiation of transported neutron sources.
Safety is a priority.
• Smallest container (5-gallon) can typically house up to
10µg, then increase up to 110µg for 55-gallon “drum.”
• Larger quantities are permissible with custom size or
industrial sized containers.
• Effectiveness adjusted
6. Shipping Regulations
There are laws in place to ensure safety when transporting
and handling neutron sources.
• International Air Transportation Association
• Radioactive White I, II, III
• Fissile
• Empty
7. Certification
Companies certified to transport radioactive materials are
experts and can be trusted to expertly handle your
radioactive sources
• RAM Certification
• IAEA Certificate of Competent Authority
• Source Identification
• Source Description
• Radioactive Contents
• Quality Assurance
8. Rent or Purchase?
Will you need to purchase or rent your containers?
Some companies provide options of buying or renting
containers.
• Frequency of shipping
• Economical considerations
9. Custom Solutions
Depending on your projects and requirements, standard
packaging may not suit your needs. Below is a sample of
custom Type A shipping containers specifications.