A-72-091
NTSB Safety Recommendation — Aviation
Recommendation text
TO THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION: CONSIDER A REVISION TO THE REGULATIONS WHICH PERMIT EITHER A DROP TEST OR INCLUSION OF AN ABSORBENT MATERIAL REQUIREMENT FOR TYPE B OR LARGER SHIPMENTS, TO INCLUDE BOTH REQUIREMENTS IN THE CASE OF LIQUID RADIOACTIVE MATERIALS, OR TO INCLUDE A REQUIREMENT FOR REDUNDANCY OF CONTAINMENT SUCH AS THE ENCLOSURE OF THE INNER CONTAINER IN A SEALED PLASTIC BAG. STANDARDS FOR CONTAINMENT OF LIQUID AND POWDER FORM RADIOACTIVE MATERIALS SHOULD BE REVIEWED WITH CONSIDERATION GIVEN PROBLEMS ASSOCIATED WITH MANUFACTURING IMPERFECTIONS, MAINTENANCE PROBLEMS, AND HUMAN ERROR ASPECTS, FOR BOTH NEW AND REUSED TYPE B AND LARGER SHIPPING CONTAINERS.
In plain language (FlightFinder summary)
The U.S. Department of Transportation is asked to consider changing regulations for shipping liquid radioactive materials in Type B or larger containers: currently, companies may choose between a drop test or using absorbent material, but the recommendation calls for requiring both. Additionally, it suggests adding a rule for redundant containment, such as sealing the inner container in a plastic bag. The department should also review standards for liquid and powder radioactive materials, taking into account manufacturing flaws, maintenance issues, and human error for both new and reused containers.
This plain-language summary is written by FlightFinder to explain the recommendation above. It is not the official wording — the verbatim NTSB text is quoted above.
Details
| Status | Closed - Acceptable Action |
|---|---|
| Mode | Aviation |
| Closed | May 10, 1974 |
| NTSB number | 81313 |
| Addressees | DOT |
External links
NTSB safety recommendations are advisory; addressees are not legally required to adopt them. Source: NTSB CAROL (public domain).