Ask X3What does 49 CFR 177.843 (Contamination of vehicles) require?
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Short answer
49 CFR 177.843 requires that each motor vehicle used for transporting Class 7 (radioactive) materials under exclusive use conditions be surveyed with radiation detection instruments after each use, and that the vehicle not be returned to service until the radiation dose rate at every accessible surface is 0.005 mSv/h (0.5 mrem/h) or less.
The rule says
"A vehicle may not be returned to Class 7 (radioactive) materials exclusive use transport service, and then only for a subsequent exclusive use shipment utilizing the provisions of any of the paragraphs 173.427(b)(4), 173.427(c), or 173.443(b), until the radiation dose rate at every accessible surface is 0.005 mSv/h (0.5 mrem/h) or less and the non-fixed contamination is not greater than the level prescribed in 173.443(a) of this subchapter." (49 CFR 177.843(a))
In plain English
After a vehicle is used to transport radioactive materials, it must be thoroughly surveyed to ensure that the radiation levels are safe. If the levels are too high, the vehicle cannot be used again until they are brought down to a safe level.
What to do
- Survey the vehicle with radiation detection instruments after each use
- Check the radiation dose rate at every accessible surface
- Ensure the non-fixed contamination is not greater than the level prescribed in 173.443(a)
- Do not return the vehicle to service until the radiation levels are safe