Ask X3What does 49 CFR 173.469 (Tests for special form Class 7 (radioactive) materials) require?
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According to 49 CFR 173.469, special form Class 7 (radioactive) materials must meet specific test requirements. Each solid material or capsule specimen tested must be representative of the actual item to be transported, with the proposed radioactive content duplicated as closely as practicable (taking into account any differences, such as non-radioactive contents).
The requirements include the following conditions and test methods:
* General Conditions:
* A different specimen may be used for each test.
* Specimens must not break or shatter during the impact, percussion, or bending tests.
* Specimens must not melt or disperse during the heat test.
* After each test, the leaktightness or indispersibility of the specimen must be verified using a sensitive leaching assessment, an alternative volumetric leakage test, or ISO 9978-1992(E) methods for sealed capsules.
* Test Methods:
* Impact Test: The specimen must fall onto a specified target from a height of 9 meters (30 feet) or greater.
* Percussion Test: The specimen is placed on a lead sheet (supported by a smooth solid surface) and struck with the flat face of a steel billet to produce an impact equivalent to a 1.4 kg (3-pound) free drop from 1 meter (3.3 feet). Specific dimensions, lead hardness, and fresh lead surfaces are required for each impact.
* Bending Test: Applies only to long, slender sources (length $\ge$ 10 cm / 4 inches and length-to-width ratio $\ge$ 10). The specimen is rigidly clamped horizontally with half its length protruding, and the free end is struck by a steel billet to produce an impact equivalent to a 1.4 kg (3-pound) free drop from 1 meter (3.3 feet).
* Heat Test: The specimen must be heated in air to at least 800 °C (1475 °F), held for 10 minutes, and then allowed to cool.
* Alternative Rules for Sealed Capsules:
* Sealed capsules under certain weight limits may use alternative ISO 2919 impact and temperature tests instead of the standard impact, percussion, or heat tests.
* Special form materials successfully tested before October 1, 2014, under prior versions of paragraph (d), may continue to be transported without additional testing.