HEALTH
* Radiation presents minimal risk to transport workers, emergency response personnel, and the public during transportation accidents. Packaging durability increases as potential radiation and criticality hazards of the content increase. * Undamaged packages are safe. Contents of damaged packages may cause higher external radiation exposure, or both external and internal radiation exposure if contents are released. * Type AF or IF packages, identified by package markings, do not contain life-threatening amounts of material. External radiation levels are low and packages are designed, evaluated, and tested to control releases and to prevent a fission chain reaction under severe transport conditions. * Type B(U)F, B(M)F and CF packages (identified by markings on packages or shipping papers) contain potentially life endangering amounts. Because of design, evaluation, and testing of packages, fission chain reactions are prevented and releases are not expected to be life endangering for all accidents except those of utmost severity. * The rarely occurring "Special Arrangement" shipments may be of Type AF, BF or CF packages. Package type will be marked on packages, and shipment details will be on shipping papers. * The transport index (TI) shown on labels or a shipping paper might not indicate the radiation level at one meter from a single, isolated, undamaged package; instead, it might relate to controls needed during transport because of the fissile properties of the materials. * Some radioactive materials cannot be detected by commonly available instruments. * Water from cargo fire control is not expected to cause pollution.
FIRE OR EXPLOSION
* These materials are seldom flammable. Packages are designed to withstand fires without damage to contents. * Radioactivity does not change flammability or other properties of materials. * Type AF, IF, B(U)F, B(M)F and CF packages are designed and evaluated to withstand total engulfment in flames at temperatures of 800 degrees C (1475 degrees F) for a period of 30 minutes.
PUBLIC SAFETY
* CALL Emergency Response Telephone Number on Shipping Paper first. If Shipping Paper not available or no answer, refer to appropriate telephone number listed on the inside back cover. * Priorities for rescue, life-saving, first aid, and control of fire and other hazards are higher than the priority for measuring radiation levels. * Radiation Authority must be notified of accident conditions. Radiation Authority is usually responsible for decisions about radiological consequences and closure of emergencies. * Isolate spill or leak area immediately for at least 25 to 50 meters (80 to 160 feet) in all directions. * Stay upwind. * Keep unauthorized personnel away. * Detain or isolate uninjured persons or equipment suspected to be contaminated; delay decontamination and cleanup until instructions are received from Radiation Authority.
PROTECTIVE CLOTHING
* Positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) and structural firefighters' protective clothing will provide adequate protection against internal radiation exposure, but not external radiation exposure.
EVACUATION
Large Spill: Consider initial downwind evacuation for at least 100 meters (330 feet).
Fire: When a large quantity of this material is involved in a major fire, consider an initial evacuation distance of 300 meters (1000 feet) in all directions.
FIRE
* Presence of radioactive material will not influence the fire control processes and should not influence selection of techniques. * Move containers from fire area if you can do it without risk. * Do not move damaged packages; move undamaged packages out of fire zone.
Small Fires: Dry chemical, CO2, water spray or regular foam.
Large Fires: Water spray, fog (flooding amounts).
SPILL OR LEAK
* Do not touch damaged packages or spilled material. * Damp surfaces on undamaged or slightly damaged packages are seldom an indication of packaging failure. Most packaging for liquid content have inner containers and/or inner absorbent materials.
Liquid Spills: Package contents are seldom liquid. If any radioactive contamination resulting from a liquid release is present, it probably will be low-level.
FIRST AID
* Medical problems take priority over radiological concerns. * Use first aid treatment according to the nature of the injury. * Do not delay care and transport of a seriously injured person. * Apply artificial respiration if victim is not breathing. * Administer oxygen if breathing is difficult. * In case of contact with substance, immediately flush skin or eyes with running water for at least 20 minutes. * Injured persons contaminated by contact with released material are not a serious hazard to health care personnel, equipment or facilities. * Ensure that medical personnel are aware of the material(s) involved, take precautions to protect themselves and prevent spread of contamination.