96-11297. Hazardous Materials Transportation Regulations; Compatibility with Regulations of the International Atomic Energy Agency  

  • [Federal Register Volume 61, Number 90 (Wednesday, May 8, 1996)]
    [Rules and Regulations]
    [Pages 20747-20753]
    From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
    [FR Doc No: 96-11297]
    
    
    
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    DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
    
    Research and Special Programs Administration
    
    49 CFR Parts 172, 173, 174, and 176
    
    [Docket No. HM-169A; Amdt. Nos. 172-143, 173-244, 174-80, 176-37]
    RIN 2137-AB60
    
    
    Hazardous Materials Transportation Regulations; Compatibility 
    with Regulations of the International Atomic Energy Agency
    
    AGENCY: Research and Special Programs Administration (RSPA), DOT.
    
    ACTION: Final rule; editorial revisions and response to a petition for 
    reconsideration.
    
    -----------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    SUMMARY: On September 28, 1995, RSPA published a final rule which 
    amended the Hazardous Materials Regulations pertaining to the 
    transportation of radioactive materials to harmonize them with those of 
    the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and, thus, most major 
    nuclear nations of the world. Several substantive changes were made to 
    provide a more uniform degree of safety for various types of shipments. 
    These changes included requiring offerors and carriers to maintain 
    written radiation protection programs, revising the definition of and 
    packaging for low specific activity radioactive materials, and 
    requiring use of the International System of Units for the measurement 
    of activity in a package of radioactive material. This final rule makes 
    editorial and technical corrections to that final rule and responds to 
    a petition for reconsideration.
    
    
    [[Page 20748]]
    
    
    DATES: The effective date of these amendments is June 3, 1996. 
    Immediate compliance with the amendments is authorized.
        The effective date for the final rule published under Docket HM-
    169A on September 28, 1995 (60 FR 50292) remains April 1, 1996.
    
    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: A. Wendell Carriker, Office of 
    Hazardous Materials Technology, (202) 366-4545, or John A. Gale, Office 
    of Hazardous Materials Standards, (202) 366-8553, U.S. Department of 
    Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW, Washington, DC 20590.
    
    SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
    
    I. Background
    
        On September 28, 1995, RSPA published a final rule under Docket HM-
    169A (60 FR 50292) which amended the Hazardous Materials Regulations 
    (HMR; 49 CFR Parts 171-180) pertaining to the transportation of 
    radioactive materials to harmonize them with those of the International 
    Atomic Energy Agency's (IAEA's) Safety Series No. 6, ``Regulations for 
    the Safe Transport of Radioactive Material Revised 1985 and 
    Supplemented 1988 and 1990'' (IAEA SS6-85) and, thus, most major 
    nuclear nations of the world. RSPA has received correspondence 
    identifying errors and a petition for reconsideration in response to 
    the final rule. This document incorporates editorial and technical 
    revisions to the final rule based on the merits of the correspondence 
    and other revisions that RSPA has determined are necessary to correct 
    or clarify the final rule.
    
    II. Section-by-Section Review
    
        Section 172.101. In the Hazardous Materials Table, RSPA is 
    correcting the shipping name for low specific activity material by 
    adding the suffix ``n.o.s.''. For the shipping name for surface 
    contaminated objects, RSPA is correcting the packaging references.
        Section 172.203. In the final rule, RSPA inadvertently removed the 
    provision of Sec. 172.203(d)(1) which requires the addition of the 
    words ``radioactive material'' to a shipping description that does not 
    contain those words. By revising paragraph (d)(1) RSPA is reinstating 
    that requirement.
        Section 172.310. Section 172.310 is revised by adding the word 
    ``Each'' to the beginning of paragraph (b).
        Section 172.403. Section 172.403 is revised to correct 
    typographical errors in the label table and to clarify that the 
    allowance to identify radionuclides in terms of curies only applies in 
    domestic transportation.
        Section 172.803. In Sec. 172.803, RSPA is clarifying that a person, 
    determining if he or she is subject to the radiation protection program 
    based on the total transport index (TI) handled, can exclude the TI 
    from fissile packages that is calculated for criticality control 
    purposes. RSPA received a petition for reconsideration on Sec. 172.803, 
    which stated that RSPA should not limit the category of people who are 
    permitted to make the evaluation described in Sec. 172.803(d)(1)(ii) to 
    only certified health physicists or persons who are recommended by the 
    appropriate Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) or state official. RSPA 
    requires that the evaluator be ``a person experienced with radiation 
    protection programs and transportation regulations and programs.'' 
    Under Sec. 172.803(d)(1)(ii), a person's competency to make the 
    determination described in Sec. 172.803(d)(1)(i) may be evidenced by 
    his or her status as a certified health physicist or by a letter of 
    recommendation from a State Radiation Official. There is no requirement 
    for evidence of the evaluator's competency. Therefore, the petition for 
    reconsideration is denied. In addition, in Sec. 172.803(d)(1)(ii), RSPA 
    is removing the reference to the NRC because the NRC recently advised 
    RSPA that it will not provide letters of recommendation.
        Appendix B to Part 172. Appendix B to Part 172 was added in the 
    final rule to specify the size of the trefoil symbol for package 
    markings, labels and placards. However, several persons advised RSPA 
    that the new trefoil size makes it very difficult to produce the 
    RADIOACTIVE placard and label in the design specified in the HMR. These 
    persons requested that labels and placards that were printed to the old 
    trefoil specifications continue to be allowed for an unlimited amount 
    of time. Upon further review of the amendment that adopted the new 
    trefoil size for placards and labels, RSPA believes that the new size 
    requirements impose unnecessary costs. Therefore, RSPA is revising 
    Appendix B to Part 172 to require that the inner circle of the trefoil 
    symbol on a radioactive label have a radius of at least 4 millimeters 
    and that the outer circle of the trefoil symbol on a radioactive 
    placard have a radius of at least 56.25 millimeters. In addition, RSPA 
    is allowing the continued use of those labels and placards that were 
    printed prior to April 1, 1996, in accordance with the regulations in 
    effect on March 30, 1996.
        Section 173.411. For consistency with other sections of the HMR, 
    RSPA is removing the phrase ``greater than 20% increase'' from 
    Sec. 173.411(b)(2)(ii) and replacing it with the phrase ``significant 
    increase''. This change will make the requirements for Type 2 and 3 
    Industrial Packages consistent with the requirements for a Type A 
    package.
        Section 173.417. In Sec. 173.417, Table 3 is reprinted in the 
    correct format, and paragraph (b)(2) is revised to reflect the 
    appropriate restrictions for the Specification 6M packaging, based upon 
    assigned criticality transport indices (TI). Clarifications are being 
    made to show that paragraph (b)(2)(i) applies to materials with 
    criticality TI's equal to zero and that paragraph (b)(2)(ii) and 
    footnote 7 apply to materials with criticality TI's greater than zero.
        Section 173.422. Section 173.422 is revised to correctly note that 
    persons who ship limited quantities of Class 7 materials must comply 
    with the training requirements of Part 172, and that limited quantities 
    of a Class 7 material that is a hazardous substance or a hazardous 
    waste must comply with the shipping paper requirements of the HMR. In 
    addition, RSPA is providing an exception from the certification 
    requirements of Sec. 173.422(a) for limited quantities of Class 7 
    materials that are subject to the shipping paper requirements of the 
    HMR.
        Section 173.425. Editorial errors in the table of activity limits 
    for limited quantities in Table 7 are corrected and footnote 2, 
    regarding luminous paint, is added back to the table.
        Section 172.426. Section 173.426 is revised to correct section 
    references.
        Section 173.427. In Sec. 173.427, paragraph (a)(3) is revised by 
    adding a reference to ``Sec. 173.467'' to make it clear that fissile 
    packages must comply with the provisions of Sec. 173.467. In addition, 
    in paragraph (c)(1), RSPA is removing the phrase ``in a closed 
    transport vehicle'' from the requirements for shipping bulk packages of 
    low specific activity material and surface contaminated objects. In 
    addition, RSPA is adding references to the NRC-approved packagings to 
    make it clear that these are authorized packagings for the shipment of 
    low specific activity material and surface contaminated objects.
        Section 173.428. Section 173.428 is revised to correct section 
    references and a misspelled word.
        Section 173.435. Several editorial corrections are made to the 
    Table of A1 and A2 values in Sec. 173.435. In addition, the 
    entry ``MFP'', which stands for mixed fission products, is added back 
    to the table.
        Section 173.443. Section 173.443 is revised by correcting editorial 
    errors in Table 11.
    
    [[Page 20749]]
    
        Section 173.465. Section 173.465 is revised to correct a misspelled 
    word and to correct unit conversions.
        Section 174.700. Section 174.700 is revised to correct a section 
    reference and by correcting the limit in paragraph (b) so that it 
    applies to each rail car and not to the entire train.
        Section 176.700. Section 176.700 is revised to correct the 
    reference to the required marking requirements for low specific 
    activity radioactive material.
    
    III. Regulatory Analyses and Notices
    
    A. Executive Order 12866 and DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures
    
        This final rule is not considered a significant regulatory action 
    under section 3(f) of Executive Order 12866 and was not reviewed by the 
    Office of Management and Budget. The rule is not considered significant 
    under the regulatory policies and procedures of the Department of 
    Transportation (44 FR 11034). The original regulatory evaluation was 
    reexamined but was not modified because changes made under this rule do 
    not change the analysis in that evaluation.
    
    B. Executive Order 12612
    
        This final rule has been analyzed in accordance with the principles 
    and criteria contained in Executive Order 12612 (``Federalism''). The 
    Federal hazardous materials transportation law (49 U.S.C. 5101-5127) 
    contains an express preemption provision that preempts State, local, 
    and Indian tribe requirements on certain covered subjects. Covered 
    subjects are:
        (i) the designation, description, and classification of hazardous 
    materials;
        (ii) the packing, repacking, handling, labeling, marking, and 
    placarding of hazardous materials;
        (iii) the preparation, execution, and use of shipping documents 
    pertaining to hazardous materials and requirements respecting the 
    number, content, and placement of such documents;
        (iv) the written notification, recording, and reporting of the 
    unintentional release in transportation of hazardous materials; or
        (v) the design, manufacturing, fabrication, marking, maintenance, 
    reconditioning, repairing, or testing of a package or container which 
    is represented, marked, certified, or sold as qualified for use in the 
    transportation of hazardous materials.
        This final rule concerns the packaging and classification of 
    radioactive materials. This final rule preempts State, local, or Indian 
    tribe requirements in accordance with the standards set forth above. 
    The Federal statute provides that if DOT issues a regulation concerning 
    any of the covered subjects after November 16, 1990, DOT must determine 
    and publish in the Federal Register the effective date of Federal 
    preemption (49 USC 5125(b)(2)). That effective date may not be earlier 
    than the 90th day following the date of issuance of the final rule and 
    not later than two years after the date of issuance. RSPA has 
    determined that the effective date of Federal preemption for these 
    requirements is August 2, 1996. Thus RSPA lacks discretion in this 
    area, and preparation of a federalism assessment is not warranted.
    
    C. Executive Order 12778
    
        Any interested person may petition RSPA's Administrator for 
    reconsideration of this final rule within 30 days of publication of 
    this rule in the Federal Register, in accordance with the procedures 
    set forth at 49 CFR 106.35. Neither the filing of a petition for 
    reconsideration nor any other administrative proceeding is required 
    before the filing of a suit in court for review of this rule.
    
    D. Regulatory Flexibility Act
    
        I certify that this final rule will not have a significant economic 
    impact on a substantial number of small entities. This rule applies to 
    shippers and carriers of radioactive materials, some of whom are small 
    entities.
    
    E. Paperwork Reduction Act
    
        There are no new information collection requirements in this final 
    rule.
    
    F. Regulation Identifier Number (RIN)
    
        A regulation identifier number (RIN) is assigned to each regulatory 
    action listed in the Unified Agenda of Federal Regulations. The 
    Regulatory Information Service Center publishes the Unified Agenda in 
    April and October of each year. The RIN number contained in the heading 
    of this document can be used to cross-reference this action with the 
    Unified Agenda.
    
    List of Subjects
    
    49 CFR Part 172
    
        Hazardous materials transportation, Hazardous waste, Labeling, 
    Packaging and containers, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.
    
    49 CFR Part 173
    
        Hazardous materials transportation, Packaging and containers, 
    Radioactive materials, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, 
    Uranium.
    
    49 CFR Part 174
    
        Hazardous materials transportation, Radioactive materials, Railroad 
    safety.
    
    49 CFR Part 176
    
        Hazardous materials transportation, Maritime carriers, Radioactive 
    materials, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.
    
        In consideration of the foregoing, 49 CFR Parts 172, 173, 174 and 
    176 are amended as follows:
    
    PART 172--HAZARDOUS MATERIALS TABLE, SPECIAL PROVISIONS, HAZARDOUS 
    MATERIALS COMMUNICATIONS, EMERGENCY RESPONSE INFORMATION, AND 
    TRAINING REQUIREMENTS
    
        1. The authority citation for Part 172 continues to read as 
    follows:
    
        Authority: 49 U.S.C. 5101-5127; 49 CFR 1.53.
    
    
    Sec. 172.101  [Amended]
    
        2. In Sec. 172.101, in the Hazardous Materials Table, the following 
    amendments are made:
        a. For the entry``Radioactive material, low specific activity or 
    Radioactive material, LSA, n.o.s.'', in column (2), the words ``, 
    n.o.s.'' are added after ``activity''.
        b. For the entry ``Radioactive material, surface contaminated 
    object or Radioactive material, SCO'', in column (7), the references 
    ``421, 424, 426'' are removed, in Column (8A), the reference ``427'' is 
    revised to read ``421, 424, 426'', in Column (8C), the reference 
    ``427'' is added.
        3. In Sec. 172.203, paragraphs (d)(1) and (d)(2) are revised to 
    read as follows:
    
    
    Sec. 172.203  Additional description requirements.
    
    * * * * *
        (d) * * *
        (1) The words ``RADIOACTIVE MATERIAL'' unless these words are 
    contained in the proper shipping name.
        (2) The name of each radionuclide in the Class 7 (radioactive) 
    material that is listed in Sec. 173.435 of this subchapter. For 
    mixtures of radionuclides, the radionuclides that must be shown must be 
    determined in accordance with Sec. 173.433(f) of this subchapter. 
    Abbreviations, e.g., ``99 Mo'', are authorized.
    * * * * *
    
    
    Sec. 172.310  [Amended]
    
        3a. In Sec. 172.310, in paragraph (b), the wording ``Packaging 
    must'' is removed and ``Each packaging must'' is added in its place.
    
    [[Page 20750]]
    
    Sec. 172.403  [Amended]
    
        4. In Sec. 172.403, the following amendments are made:
        a. In paragraph (a), the reference ``Secs. 173.421 through 
    173.425'' is revised to read ``Secs. 173.421 through 173.428''.
        b. In the table in paragraph (c), under the column heading 
    ``Maximum radiation level at any point on the external surface'', for 
    the second entry the wording ``0.5 mSv/h (50 mrem)'' is revised to read 
    ``0.5 mSv/h (50 mrem/h)'' and, for the third entry the wording ``0.05 
    mSv/h (50 mrem)'' is revised to read ``0.5 mSv/h (50 mrem/h)''.
        c. In paragraph (g)(2), in the second sentence, the word 
    ``Alternatively,'' is removed and ``Alternatively, for domestic 
    transport,'' is added in its place.
    
    
    Sec. 172.803   [Amended]
    
        5. In Sec. 172.803, the following amendments are made:
        a. In the introductory text of paragraph (b) the word ``control'' 
    is removed and ``controlled'' is added in its place.
        b. In paragraph (d)(1)(i), the words ``200 TI'' are removed and 
    ``200 TI, not including TI calculated for criticality control 
    purposes,'' is added in its place.
        c. In paragraph (d)(1)(ii), in the last sentence, the words ``any 
    Regional Administrator of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission or from'' 
    are removed.
        d. In paragraph (e), the paragraph designation (1) is added 
    following the paragraph heading.
        6. In Appendix B to Part 172, the introductory text preceding the 
    symbol and the text following the symbol are revised to read as 
    follows:
    
    Appendix B to Part 172--Trefoil Symbol
    
        1. Except as provided in paragraph 2 of this appendix, the 
    trefoil symbol required for RADIOACTIVE labels and placards and 
    required to be marked on certain packages of Class 7 materials must 
    conform to the design and size requirements of this appendix.
        2. RADIOACTIVE labels and placards that were printed prior to 
    April 1, 1996, in conformance with the requirements of this 
    subchapter in effect on March 30, 1996, may continue to be used.
    * * * * *
    1=Radius of Circle--
        Minimum dimensions
        4 mm (0.16 inch) for markings and labels
        12.5 mm (0.5 inch) for placards
    2=1\1/2\ Radii
    3=5 radii for markings and labels
        4\1/2\ radii for placards.
    
    PART 173--SHIPPERS--GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR SHIPMENTS AND 
    PACKAGINGS
    
        7. The authority citation for Part 173 continues to read as 
    follows:
    
        Authority: 49 U.S.C. 5101-5127; 49 CFR 1.53.
    
    
    Sec. 173.403   [Amended]
    
        8. In Sec. 173.403, under the definition Low Specific Activity 
    (LSA) material, in paragraph (2)(ii) the words ``essentially uniformly 
    distributed'' are revised to read ``distributed throughout'', and, in 
    paragraph (3)(i) the words ``essentially uniformly distributed 
    throughout'' are revised to read ``distributed throughout''.
    
    
    Sec. 173.410   [Amended]
    
        9. In Sec. 173.410, paragraph (f) is amended by removing the phrase 
    ``(see Sec. 178.608 of this subchapter)'' and by revising the phrase 
    ``(see Secs. 173.24 and 173.24a)'' to read ``(see Secs. 173.24, 
    173.24a, and 173.24b)''.
    
    
    Sec. 173.411   [Amended]
    
        10. In Sec. 173.411, in paragraph (b)(2)(ii), the words ``greater 
    than 20% increase'' are revised to read ``significant increase''.
        11. In Sec. 173.417, in paragraph (a)(7), Table 3 is revised, and 
    paragraph (b)(2) is revised to read as follows:
    
    
    Sec. 173.417   Authorized fissile materials packages.
    
        (a) * * *
        (7) * * *
    
           Table 3.--Allowable Content of Uranium Hexafluoride (UF6) ``Heels'' In a Specification 7A Cylinder       
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Maximum cylinder diameter      Cylinder volume         Maximum         Maximum ``Heel'' weight per cylinder     
    ---------------------------------------------------  uranium-235 -----------------------------------------------
                                                         enrichment             UF6                 Uranium-235     
     Centimeters     Inches      Liters     Cubic feet     (weight   -----------------------------------------------
                                                          percent)         kg          lb          kg          lb   
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    12.7.........          5         8.8        0.311        100.0         0.045         0.1       0.031        0.07
    20.3.........          8        39.0        1.359         12.5         0.227         0.5       0.019        0.04
    30.5.........         12        68.0        2.410          5.0         0.454         1.0       0.015        0.03
    76.0.........         30       725.0       25.64           5.0        11.3          25.0       0.383        0.84
    122.0........         48     3,084.0     1108.9            4.5        22.7          50.0       0.690        1.52
    122.0........         48     4,041.0     2142.7            4.5        22.7          50.0       0.690        1.52
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    \1\ 10 ton.                                                                                                     
    \2\ 14 ton.                                                                                                     
    
    * * * * *
        (b) * * *
        (2) DOT Specification 6M (Sec. 178.354 of this subchapter), metal 
    packaging. These packages must contain only solid Class 7 (radioactive) 
    materials that will not decompose at temperatures up to 121  deg.C (250 
     deg.F). Radioactive decay heat output may not exceed 10 watts. Class 7 
    (radioactive) materials in other than special form must be packaged in 
    one or more tightly sealed metal cans or polyethylene bottles within a 
    DOT Specification 2R (Sec. 178.360 of this subchapter) containment 
    vessel.
        (i) For fissile material with a criticality TI equal to 0.0, 
    packages are limited to the following amounts of fissile Class 7 
    (radioactive) materials: 1.6 kilograms of uranium-235; 0.9 kilograms of 
    plutonium (except that due to the 10-watt thermal decay heat 
    limitation, the limit for plutonium-238 is 0.02 kilograms); and 0.5 
    kilograms of uranium-233. The maximum ratio of hydrogen to fissile 
    material may not exceed three, including all of the sources of hydrogen 
    within the DOT Specification 2R containment vessel.
        (ii) Maximum quantities of fissile material and other restrictions 
    for materials with a criticality TI of greater than 0.0 are given in 
    Table 5. The minimum transport index to be assigned per package and, 
    for fissile material, controlled shipments, the allowable number of 
    similar packages per conveyance and per transport vehicle are shown in 
    Table 5. Where a maximum ratio of hydrogen to fissile material is 
    specified in Table 5, only the hydrogen interspersed with the fissile 
    material must be considered. For a uranium-233 shipment, the maximum 
    inside diameter of the inner containment vessel may not exceed 12.1 
    centimeters (4.75 inches). Where necessary, a tight-fitting steel 
    insert must be used to reduce a larger diameter
    
    [[Page 20751]]
    
    inner containment vessel specified in Sec. 178.354 of this subchapter 
    to the 12.1 centimeter (4.75 inch) limit. Table 5 is as follows:
    
                             Table 5.--Authorized Contents for Specification 6M Packages\1\                         
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
           Uranium-233\5\              Uranium-235\4\,\7\           Plutonium\2\,\3\,\4\                 Maximum no.
    -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------               pkgs.   
    Metal or       Compounds      Metal or       Compounds      Metal or       Compounds                 transported
      alloy  --------------------   alloy  --------------------   alloy  --------------------  Minimum       as a   
    ---------                    ----------                    ----------                     transport    fissile  
                                                                                                index      material 
    H/X=0\8\    H/X=0    H/X<=3 h/x="0" h/x="0"><=3 h/x="0" h/x="0"><=3 control="" shipment="" ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------="" 0.5.....="" 0.5="" 0.5="" 1.6="" 1.6="" 1.6="" \9\0.9="" \9\0.9="" \9\0.9="" 0="" n/a="" 3.6.....="" 4.4="" 2.9="" 7.2="" 7.6="" 5.3="" 3.1="" 4.1="" 3.4="" 0.1="" 1,250="" \6\4.2..="" 5.2="" 3.5="" 8.7="" 9.6="" 6.4="" 3.4="" 4.5="" 4.1="" 0.2="" 625="" \6\5.2..="" 6.8="" 4.5="" 11.2="" 13.9="" 8.3="" 4.2="" 4.5="" 0.5="" 250="" ......="" 13.5="" 16.0="" 10.1="" 4.5="" 1.0="" 125="" ......="" 26.0="" 16.1="" 5.0="" 25="" ......="" 32.0="" 19.5="" 10.0="" 12="" ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------="" \1\="" quantity="" in="" kilograms.="" \2\="" minimum="" percentage="" of="" plutonium-240="" is="" 5="" weight="" percent.="" \3\="" 4.5="" kilogram="" limitation="" of="" plutonium="" due="" to="" watt="" decay="" heat="" limitation.="" \4\="" for="" a="" mixture="" of="" uranium-235="" and="" plutonium="" an="" equal="" amount="" of="" uranium-235="" may="" be="" substituted="" for="" any="" portion="" of="" the="" plutonium="" authorized.="" \5\="" maximum="" inside="" diameter="" of="" specification="" 2r="" containment="" vessel="" not="" to="" exceed="" 12.1="" centimeters="" (4.75="" inches)="" (see="" paragraph="" (b)(2)(ii)="" of="" this="" section).="" \6\="" granulated="" or="" powdered="" metal="" with="" any="" particle="" less="" than="" 6.4="" millimeters="" (0.25="" inch)="" in="" the="" smallest="" dimension="" is="" not="" authorized.="" 7="" except="" for="" material="" with="" a="" criticality="" ti="" of="" 0.0,="" the="" maximum="" permitted="" uranium-235="" enrichment="" is="" 93.5="" percent.="" \8\="" h/x="" is="" the="" ratio="" of="" hydrogen="" to="" fissile="" atoms="" in="" the="" inner="" containment.="" \9\="" for="" pu-238,="" the="" limit="" is="" 0.02="" kg="" because="" of="" the="" 10="" watt="" thermal="" decay="" heat="" limitation.="" *="" *="" *="" *="" *="" 12.="" in="" sec.="" 173.422,="" paragraph="" (b)(3)="" is="" added="" to="" read="" as="" follows:="" sec.="" 173.422="" additional="" requirements="" for="" excepted="" packages="" containing="" class="" 7="" (radioactive)="" materials.="" *="" *="" *="" *="" *="" (b)="" *="" *="" *="" (3)="" the="" training="" requirements="" of="" subpart="" h="" of="" part="" 172="" of="" this="" subchapter="" and,="" for="" materials="" that="" meet="" the="" definition="" of="" a="" hazardous="" substance="" or="" a="" hazardous="" waste,="" the="" shipping="" paper="" requirements="" of="" subpart="" c="" of="" part="" 172="" of="" this="" subchapter.="" sec.="" 173.422="" [amended]="" 13.="" in="" addition,="" in="" sec.="" 173.422,="" the="" following="" amendments="" are="" made:="" a.="" in="" paragraph="" (a),="" in="" the="" first="" sentence,="" the="" words="" ``excepted="" packages''="" are="" revised="" to="" read="" ``except="" for="" materials="" subject="" to="" the="" shipping="" paper="" requirements="" of="" subpart="" c="" of="" part="" 172="" of="" this="" subchapter,="" excepted="" packages''.="" b.="" in="" paragraph="" (a)(4),="" the="" words="" ``empty="" packaging''="" are="" revised="" to="" read="" ``empty="" package''.="" c.="" in="" paragraph="" (b)(1),="" the="" word="" ``and''="" following="" the="" semicolon="" is="" removed,="" and="" in="" paragraph="" (b)(2)="" the="" period="" is="" removed="" and="" ``;="" and''="" is="" added="" in="" its="" place.="" 14.="" in="" sec.="" 173.425,="" table="" 7="" is="" revised="" to="" read="" as="" follows:="" sec.="" 173.425="" table="" of="" activity="" limits--excepted="" quantities="" and="" articles.="" *="" *="" *="" *="" *="" table="" 7.--activity="" limits="" for="" limited="" quantities,="" instruments,="" and="" articles="" ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------="" instruments="" and="" articles="" --------------------------------------------------="" nature="" of="" contents="" limits="" for="" each="" materials="" package="" limits="" \1\="" instrument="" or="" article="" package="" limits="" \1\="" \1\="" ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------="" solids:="" special="" form...............="">-2A1                   A1                       10-3A1                       
        Normal form................  10-2A2                   A2                       10-3A2                       
    Liquids:                                                                                                        
        Tritiated water:                                                                                            
            <0.0037 tbq/liter="" (0.1="" 37="" tbq="" (1,000="" ci)="" ci/l).="" 0.0037="" tbq="" to="" 0.037="" tbq/="" 3.7="" tbq="" (100="" ci)="" l="" (0.1="" ci="" to="" 1.0="" ci/l).="">0.037 TBq/L (1.0 Ci/L)                                                    0.037 TBq (1.0 Ci)           
        Other Liquids..............  10-3A2                   10-1A2                   10-4A2                       
    Gases:                                                                                                          
        Tritium \2\................  2 x 10-2A2               2 x 10-1A2               2 x 10-2A2                   
        Special form...............  10-3A1                   10-2A1                   10-3A1                       
        Other form.................  10-3A2                   10-2A2                   10-3A2                       
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    \1\ For mixtures of radionuclides see Sec.  173.433(d).                                                         
    \2\ These values also apply to tritium in activated luminous paint and tritium adsorbed on solid carriers.      
    
    
    [[Page 20752]]
    
    
    
    
    Sec. 173.426  [Amended]
    
        15. In Sec. 173.426, paragraph (c), the reference ``Sec. 173.421 
    (b), (c), and (d)'' is revised to read ``Sec. 173.421(a) (2), (3) and 
    (4)''.
        16. In Sec. 173.427, paragraphs (b)(4) and (b)(5) are added to read 
    as follows:
    
    
    Sec. 173.427  Transport requirements for low specific activity (LSA) 
    Class 7 (radioactive) materials and surface contaminated objects (SCO).
    
    * * * * *
        (b) * * *
        (4) For domestic transportation only, in a packaging that complies 
    with the provisions of 10 CFR 71.52, and is transported in exclusive 
    use; or
        (5) Any Type B, B(U) or B(M) packaging authorized pursuant to 
    Sec. 173.416.
    * * * * *
    
    
    Sec. 173.427  [Amended]
    
        17. In addition, in Sec. 173.427, the following amendments are 
    made:
        a. In paragraph (a)(3), the reference ``Sec. 173.451'' is revised 
    to read ``Secs. 173.451 and 173.467''.
        b. In paragraph (b)(2) the word ``or'' at the end of the paragraph 
    is removed and in paragraph (b)(3)(ii) the period at the end of the 
    paragraph is removed and a semicolon is added in its place.
        c. In paragraph (c)(1), the phrase ``, transported in a closed 
    transport vehicle'' is removed.
        d. In paragraph (f), in Table 8, for the third entry, in column 1, 
    the words ``LSA-IIII'' is revised to read ``LSA-III''.
    
    
    Sec. 173.428  [Amended]
    
        18. In Sec. 173.428, in the introductory text, the word 
    ``expected'' is revised to read ``excepted'' and, in paragraph (a), the 
    reference ``Sec. 173.421 (b), (c), and (e)'' is revised to read 
    ``Sec. 173.421(a) (2), (3), and (5)''.
        19. In Sec. 173.435, in the Table of A\1\ and A\2\ values 
    for radionuclides, the following entries are revised to read as 
    follows:
    
    
    Sec. 173.435  Table of A\1\ and A\2\ values for 
    radionuclides.
    
    * * * * *
    
    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                                                    Specific activity       
         Symbol of radionuclide         Element and         A1 (TBq)         A1 (Ci)         A2 (TBq)          A2 (Ci)     ---------------------------------
                                       atomic number                                                                            (TBq/g)          (Ci/g)     
    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                                                                            
                       *                  *                  *                  *                  *                  *                  *                  
    Ag-110m........................  .................          0.4             10.8      0.4             10.8              1.8 x 102       4.7 x 103       
                                                                                                                                                            
                       *                  *                  *                  *                  *                  *                  *                  
    Am-242m........................  .................          2               54.1      2 x 10-4        5.4.1 x 10-3      3.6 x 10-1      1.0 x 101       
                                                                                                                                                            
                       *                  *                  *                  *                  *                  *                  *                  
    Ar-39..........................  .................         20              541        20              541               1.3             3.4 x 101       
                                                                                                                                                            
                       *                  *                  *                  *                  *                  *                  *                  
    Br-82..........................  .................          0.4             10.8      0.4             10.8              4.0 x 104       1.1 x 106       
                                                                                                                                                            
                       *                  *                  *                  *                  *                  *                  *                  
    C-11...........................  Carbon(6)........          1               27        0.5             13.5              3.1 x 107       8.4 x 108       
                                                                                                                                                            
                       *                  *                  *                  *                  *                  *                  *                  
    Cm-244.........................  .................          4              108        4 x 10-4        1.08 x 10-2       3.0             8.1 x 105       
                                                                                                                                                            
                       *                  *                  *                  *                  *                  *                  *                  
    Es-253.........................  Einsteinium(99)a.        200             5400        2.1 x 10-2      5.4 x 100-1       ..............  ................
                                                                                                                                                            
                       *                  *                  *                  *                  *                  *                  *                  
    Eu-150.........................  .................          0.7             18.9      0.7             18.9              6.1 x 104       1.6 x 106       
    Eu-155.........................  .................         20              541        2               54.1              1.8 x 101       4.9 x 102       
                                                                                                                                                            
                       *                  *                  *                  *                  *                  *                  *                  
    F-18...........................  Fluorine(9)......          1               27.0      0.5             13.5              3.5 x 106       9.5 x 107       
                                                                                                                                                            
                       *                  *                  *                  *                  *                  *                  *                  
    Fe-59..........................  .................          0.8             21.6      0.8             21.6              1.8 x 103       5.0 x 104       
                                                                                                                                                            
                       *                  *                  *                  *                  *                  *                  *                  
    Fm-257.........................  .................         10              270        8 x 10-3        21.6 x 10-1       ..............  ................
                                                                                                                                                            
                       *                  *                  *                  *                  *                  *                  *                  
    Gd-148.........................  .................          3               81.1      3 x 10-4        8.11 x 10-3       1.2             3.2 x 101       
                                                                                                                                                            
                       *                  *                  *                  *                  *                  *                  *                  
    Pd-107.........................  .................  Unlimited        Unlimited        Unlimited       Unlimited         1.9 x 10-5      5.1 x 10-4      
                                                                                                                                                            
                       *                  *                  *                  *                  *                  *                  *                  
    Pt-197m........................  .................         10              270        0.9             24.3              3.7 x 105       1.0 x 107       
                                                                                                                                                            
                       *                  *                  *                  *                  *                  *                  *                  
    Rn-222.........................  Radon(86)........          0.2              5.41     4x10-3          0.108             5.7x103         1.5 x 105       
                                                                                                                                                            
                       *                  *                  *                  *                  *                  *                  *                  
    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    
    [[Page 20753]]
    
    
    
    
    Sec. 173.443  [Amended]
    
        20. In Sec. 173.443, in paragraph (a)(2), Table 11 is amended for 
    the first entry, in column 2 by removing ``0.41'' and adding ``0.4'' 
    and, in column 3 by removing the number ``0-5'' and adding 
    ``10-5''.
    
    
    Sec. 173.465  [Amended]
    
        21. In Sec. 173.465, paragraph (a), the word ``compression''is 
    removed and ``stacking'' is added in its place and, in paragraph 
    (e)(1), the wording ``(1.3 inches)''is removed and ``(1.25 inches)'' is 
    added in its place.
    
    PART 174--CARRIAGE BY RAIL
    
        22. The authority citation for part 174 continues to read as 
    follows:
    
        Authority: 49 U.S.C. 5101-5127; 49 CFR 1.53.
    
    
    Sec. 174.700
    
      [Amended]
    
        23. In Sec. 174.700, in paragraph (b), the word ``rail'' is removed 
    and ``rail car'' is added in its place.
    
    PART 176--CARRIAGE BY VESSEL
    
        24. The authority citation for part 176 continues to read as 
    follows:
    
        Authority: 49 U.S.C. 5101-5127; 49 CFR 1.53.
    
    
    Sec. 176.704  [Amended]
    
        25. In Sec. 176.704, in paragraph (c), the wording ``LSA-I'' is 
    removed and ``LSA'' is added in its place.
    
        Issued in Washington, DC on April 23, 1996, under authority 
    delegated in 49 CFR part 1.
    Rose A. McMurray,
    Acting Deputy Administrator.
    [FR Doc. 96-11297 Filed 5-7-96; 8:45 am]
    BILLING CODE 4910-60-P
    
    

Document Information

Effective Date:
6/3/1996
Published:
05/08/1996
Department:
Research and Special Programs Administration
Entry Type:
Rule
Action:
Final rule; editorial revisions and response to a petition for reconsideration.
Document Number:
96-11297
Dates:
The effective date of these amendments is June 3, 1996. Immediate compliance with the amendments is authorized.
Pages:
20747-20753 (7 pages)
Docket Numbers:
Docket No. HM-169A, Amdt. Nos. 172-143, 173-244, 174-80, 176-37
RINs:
2137-AB60
PDF File:
96-11297.pdf
CFR: (20)
49 CFR 172.101
49 CFR 172.203
49 CFR 172.310
49 CFR 172.403
49 CFR 172.803
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