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Guidelines for Incident Command
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- Establish Incident Command System (OSHA).
- Approach site with caution.
Position personnel, vehicles, and command post at a safe distance upwind and uphill of the site, if possible.
- Ensure safety of responders.
- Identify all hazards (danger of fire, explosion, toxic fumes, electrical hazards, structural collapse, etc.).
- Identify cargo.
- Obtain information concerning the cargo from placards, labels, shipping documents, and other immediately available sources.
- Consult Emergency Response Guidebook (2008 Emergency Response Guidebook: A Guidebook for First Responders During the Initial Phase of a Dangerous Goods/Hazardous Materials Incident, Department of Transportation, 2008, see especially pages 268-279 for radiation issues)
- Keep upwind of smoke, fumes, etc.
- Follow usual protocols for respiratory protection, use of protective clothing, and turnout gear.
- Monitor changing conditions that could create hazardous situations.
For nuclear weapons, rescue injured only. Establish a 2,500-foot exclusion zone around the weapon.
- Locate victims and facilitate extrication, emergency care, and transportation of the injured, following EMS guidelines. Medical problems take priority over radiological concerns. Do not delay rescue or transport of a seriously injured, contaminated patient.
- Communications
- Notify hospital of possible contamination/exposure of victim.
- Notify state radiological assistance (emergency response center) of accident conditions.
- Establish a control zone.
- Reroute traffic.
- Mark controlled area by use of ropes or tapes.
- Limit entry to rescue personnel only.
- Order evacuation or sheltering as needed.
- Prevent/fight fires as if toxic chemicals are involved.
- Ensure radiation protection and contamination control.
- Do not allow eating, drinking, smoking, or other activities within contaminated areas that might lead to intake of radioactive material.
- Avoid direct contact with radioactive materials where possible. Utilize protective clothing and anything available for remote handling (shovels, branches, ropes, etc.).
- Limit time near radioactive materials to the minimum necessary. Rotate staff as necessary.
- Determine radiation levels within controlled area and monitor rescue personnel with individual dosimeters, if available.
- Evacuate personnel from the immediate downwind area. Detain personnel who were in the accident area until they can be checked by radiological monitors. Follow instruction of radiation authority.
- Remove protective gear/clothing at the control line.
- Wrap, label, and isolate all clothing, tools, etc., used in the controlled area and retain them until they can be cleared by radiation authority.
- Determine if measures are needed to contain all accident debris in the control zone until cleanup is achieved. Prevent unnecessary handling of incident debris.
- Documentation
- Record the names and addresses of all persons involved (including those who insist on leaving the area), rescuers, those removed for medical attention, and ambulance personnel.
- Make detailed records of the incident.
- Remain calm.
- Do not be overly concerned with the presence of radioactive material or allow it to disrupt usual emergency response activities. Remember, it is improbable that emergency personnel will receive any radiation injury during these operations.
- Delay cleanup pending instruction from radiation authority. Coordinate cleanup activities at the site with public officials.
Response actions may be performed before any radiation measurements. Some radioactive materials cannot be detected by commonly available instruments.
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Hazard Identification
Labels | Placards | Limits |
Transport Index | Contamination Identification
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1. Labels
What do the labels for packages of radioactive materials indicate?
- All shipments of radioactive material, with the exception of those containing limited quantities or those of low specific activity (LSA), bear two identifying warning labels affixed to opposite sides of the outer package.
- Three different labels are used on the external surface of packages containing radioactive material.
- White-I
- Yellow-II
- Yellow-III
The U.N. hazard class "7" is on labels of radioactive material.
Package labels specify the radioactive content and the quantity in curies. Yellow-II and Yellow-III also specify the transport index (see below).
Label | Radiation Level Associated With Intact Package | Symbol |
Radioactive White-I | Almost no radiation
--0.5 mrem/hr (5 μSv/hr) maximum on surface |  |
Radioactive Yellow-II | Low radiation levels
--50 mrem/hr (0.5 mSv/hr) maximum on surface; 1 mrem/hr (10 μSv/hr) maximum at 1 meter |  |
Radioactive Yellow-III | Higher radiation levels
--200 mrem/hr (2 mSv/hr) maximum on surface;* 10 mrem/hr (0.1 mSv/hr) maximum at 1 meter
Also required for fissile class III or large-quantity shipments, regardless of radiation level
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* "Exclusive use" shipments may be up to 0.01 Sv/hr (1 rem/hr), provided an enclosed vehicle is used. An unenclosed shipment (e.g., on a flatbed truck) may not exceed 2 �Sv/hr (200 mrem/hr) on the surface.
2. Placards
What do the placards for shipment of radioactive material indicate?
Typical radioactive material warning placard
Standard size is 10 x 10 inches. 
The placard shown must be used anytime a vehicle carries one or more packages of a Radioactive Yellow III label or if the vehicle is operating under exclusive use provisions required for certain LSA shipments or packages with higher than normal radiation levels.
Any four-digit ID number shown on an adjacent orange panel is used for specific identification of the cargo. The rectagular panel shown here bears the international identification number (International Series) for radioactive material, LSA, n.o.s. (material containing uniformly distributed radioactive material in low concentrations). This is the same four-digit ID number that must appear with the proper shipping name on the package as well as on the shipping documents. Refer to this number in the Emergency Response Guidebook (2008 Emergency Response Guidebook: A Guidebook for First Responders During the Initial Phase of a Dangerous Goods/Hazardous Materials Incident, Department of Transportation, 2008, see especially pages 268-279 for radiation issues) for response information.
The number "7" at the bottom of the placard is the U.N. hazard class description for radioactive materials.
Most shipments of radioactive material are accompanied by documents, such as shipping papers or bills of lading, which are of great value in assessing potential hazards in transportation accidents. These papers will have a 24-hour contact number for information about the material and potential health hazards.
Limits for non-exclusive use vehicle
- 2 mSv/hr (200 mrem/hr) at surface of package
- Individual packages cannot exceed 0.1 mSv/hr (10 mrem/hr) at 1 meter
3. Limits
Limits for exclusive use vehicle
- 20 μSv/hr (2 mrem/hr) in cab
- 2 mSv/hr (200 mrem/hr) on surface of vehicle
- 0.1 mSv/hr (10 mrem/hr) maximum at 2 meters
4. Transport Index
What is the transport index (TI)?
The number given indicates the maximum radiation level (in mrem/hr) at a distance of one meter from the external surface of a package or container. (Readings in mSv/hr are multiplied by 100 to get mrem/hr.) For example, a TI of 3 (as shown above) would indicate that, at one meter from the labeled package, the radiation intensity that can be measured is no more than 3 mrem/hr (.03 mSv/hr).
If the radiation level at one meter from a package is found to be higher than the specified value, a radiation authority should be consulted. The package contents might have shifted, shielding might have been breached, or an error might have occurred in packaging or labeling.
5. Contamination Identification
| A Comparison of Transportation Accidents Based on Type of Contaminant |
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| Toxic/Hazardous Chemicals
| Radioactive Material |
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| Is the material immediately threatening to the lives of rescuers and victims? | Possibly | Very unlikely |
| Is respiratory protection (SCBA) recommended for emergency response? | Yes | * Yes, if fire, fumes, smoke, or chemicals are involved or if environmental conditions could cause material to be airborne. |
| Is special protective clothing recommended for emergency response? | Yes | * Protective clothing, turnout gear, or other clothing that covers bare skin can keep contaminants off skin. |
| Does contamination with material produce visible early skin injury (i.e., redness, blistering, or rash that is not due to heat or flames)? | Possibly, if corrosive or toxic. | No. If these symptoms occur, look for other causes. |
| Does exposure cause immediate symptoms such as coughing, choking, burning eyes, vomiting, pain, etc., or unconsciousness? | Possibly | No. If these symptoms occur, look for other causes. |
| Are instruments for detection and measurement of hazard readily available? | No | Yes |
| Can human exposure be measured at the accident scene? | No | Yes |
*Follow standard protocols. Consult Emergency Response Guidebook (2008 Emergency Response Guidebook: A Guidebook for First Responders During the Initial Phase of a Dangerous Goods/Hazardous Materials Incident, Department of Transportation, 2008, see especially pages 268-279 for radiation issues).
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Is Contamination Possible?
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General Guidelines for Responding to a Fire
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Consult the Emergency Response Guidebook (2008 Emergency Response Guidebook: A Guidebook for First Responders During the Initial Phase of a Dangerous Goods/Hazardous Materials Incident, Department of Transportation, 2008, see especially pages 268-279 for radiation issues)
- Some materials may react with water or water vapor in air to form a hazardous vapor.
- Small Fires: use dry chemical, CO2, Halon, water spray, or regular foam.
Large Fires: use water spray, fog, or regular foam.
- Move undamaged containers from fire area if you can do it without risk. Do not touch damaged containers.
- Cool any containers that are exposed to flames with water from the side until well after fire is out.
- Fight fire as if toxic chemicals are involved. To the extent possible, keep upwind and avoid smoke, fumes, gases, and dusts.
- For massive fire in cargo area, use unmanned hose holder or monitor nozzles; if this is impossible, withdraw from area and let fire burn.
- Stay away from ends of tanks. Withdraw immediately in case of rising sound from a venting safety device or if there is discoloration of tanks due to fire. Fight fires from maximum distance.
- Delay cleanup until radiation authority provides guidance.
- As much as possible, form barrier to contain fire, water that may be contaminated with radioactive, and/or other chemicals.
Use established fire-fighting procedures and protocols. Radioactivity does not change flammability or other properties of materials.
* Adapted from Emergency Response Guidebook (2008 Emergency Response Guidebook: A Guidebook for First Responders During the Initial Phase of a Dangerous Goods/Hazardous Materials Incident, Department of Transportation, 2008, see especially pages 268-279 for radiation issues).
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General Guidelines for Responding to a Spill or Leak
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Consult the Emergency Response Guidebook (2008 Emergency Response Guidebook: A Guidebook for First Responders During the Initial Phase of a Dangerous Goods/Hazardous Materials Incident, Department of Transportation, 2008, see especially pages 268-279 for radiation issues)
- Shut off ignition sources; no flares, smoking, or flames in hazard area.
- Keep combustibles (wood, paper, oil, etc.) away from spilled material.
- Do not touch spilled material. Do not touch damaged containers or move anything, except to rescue people.
- Detour pedestrian and vehicular traffic.
- Detain anyone who has been in the area of the spill or area of suspected contamination (except for victims requiring emergency medical care).
- Delay cleanup until the authorities arrive.
- Minimize dispersal of material (by wind, rain, etc.) by covering with a tarp, plastic sheet, etc. Tie down or use weights as necessary.
- If a right-of-way must be cleared before radiological emergency assistance arrives, move vehicles and debris the shortest distance required to open a pathway. Then, before permitting traffic to pass on the cleared path, spillage should be washed or wetted and swept to the edge with a minimum dispersal of wash water and spilled material.
- If radiation protection experts are not able to get to the scene within a reasonable period of time because of weather or other constraints and prompt action is required, do the following:
- Small Spills: Cover with sand or other noncombustible absorbent material and place into containers for later disposal.
- Large Spills: Build a dike far ahead of the spill to contain spilled material for later disposal.
Note: Some radioactive materials may be corrosive.
* Adapted from Emergency Response Guidebook (2008 Emergency Response Guidebook: A Guidebook for First Responders During the Initial Phase of a Dangerous Goods/Hazardous Materials Incident, Department of Transportation, 2008, see especially pages 268-279 for radiation issues).
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References |
- Managing Radiation Emergencies: Identification of the Hazard (REAC/TS)
- Emergency Response Guidebook (2008 Emergency Response Guidebook: A Guidebook for First Responders During the Initial Phase of a Dangerous Goods/Hazardous Materials Incident, Department of Transportation, 2008, see especially pages 268-279 for radiation issues)
- How to Handle Radioactive Material Packages, a Guide for Cargo Handlers (PDF - 886 KB) (Department of Transportation, Septemter 2006)
- DOE Environmental Management (EM) Transportation Emergency Preparedness Program (Department of Energy)
- Transportation Emergency Preparedness Program Emergency Responder Radioactive Material Quick Reference Sheet (PDF - 437 KB) (DOE Transportation Emergency Preparedness Program, Health Physics Society)
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