Smart management of medical isotopes transport
Transport of radioactive materials: the risk of radioactive contamination is in the limelight everywhere. How to comply with toughest radioactive substances shipping regulations?
Regulations for the transport of radioactive materials become stricter all the time. Companies and institutions need to constantly monitor ever-changing shipment rules and regulations for radioactive substances. Failure to comply can have many negative consequences, to name just a few:
- Safety issues
- Delayed shipments
- Dissatisfied business partners
- Fines
- Reputation damage
Serious transportation issues for radioactive materials
The shipping of medical isotopes is a good illustration of these challenges. Iodine, for example, used to treat and diagnose cancer, has a short half-life and must be shipped quickly. However, reports received by the IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency) show these life-saving radioactive isotopes are often held up as a result of carriers’ denial to ship products. This shows how serious transportation issues can occur with urgently needed goods when they contain radioactive isotopes.
Successfully shipping radioactive substances without risks and delays
Authorities and carriers may be extremely sensitive towards shipments of radioactive materials. Thorough preparation is, therefore, inevitable if businesses want to successfully and cost-efficiently ship even the smallest quantities of radioactive substances.
One common shipment problem arises when companies are unaware of the correct materials classification and the required packaging and labeling. Even the transport of radioactive materials with low radioactivity need to be declared as a class 7 substance and carried as UN2910 or UN2911 with approved packaging.
However, even such a low-risk shipment may be blocked as certain ports have banned class 7 substances altogether.
Transport of radioactive materials? Better be sure and take no risk
Philips Engineering Solutions key area of expertise Environment, Health and Safety has extensive experience in consulting businesses on how to comply with these regulations regarding radioactive substances, avoiding unwanted risks. This ranges from classification to instructions on labeling and documentation on a regular basis.
As a sustainability leader, we at Philips value the precautionary principle. Eco-friendliness is an integral part of our vision. Hence, we support organizations with up-to-date, tailor-made service solutions for radioactive material transport.