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Interpretation Response #04-0105 ([Cerac, Inc] [Ms. Candace Graf])

Below is the interpretation response detail and a list of regulations sections applicable to this response.

Interpretation Response Details

Response Publish Date:

Company Name: Cerac, Inc

Individual Name: Ms. Candace Graf

Location State: WI Country: US

View the Interpretation Document

Response text:

May 27, 2004

 

Ms. Candace Graf                            Reference No.: 04-0105
Logistics Specialist
Cerac, Inc.
407 N 131h Street
Milwaukee, WI 53233

Dear Ms. Graf:
This is in response to your letter dated April 26, 2004, regarding the applicability of the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR; 49 CFR Parts 171-180) to the transportation of thorium nitrate.  Specifically, you ask whether a Type A package is required for the transportation of thorium nitrate under new requirements, recently published in a final rule under Docket HM-23 0 [69 FR 36311, to harmonize requirements of the HMR with international standards for radioactive materials.

Your understanding is correct.  Under the new procedures, a shipper must choose the most appropriate proper shipping name and UN identification number from those authorized (e.g., those corresponding to non-fissile radioactive material classified as limited quantity, low specific activity (LSA), a Type A quantity, or a Type B quantity), and choose the corresponding authorized packaging.  If the thorium nitrate is classified as LSA-I, UN2912, a Type A packaging would be authorized but not required.

Currently, for domestic shipments a shipper may continue to use the proper shipping name and UN identification number “Thorium nitrate, solid, UN2976” and follow the requirements of § 173.419. Alternatively, the new requirements described in the HM-230 final rule may be used.  After the effective date of the final rule (October 1, 2004), the new requirements must be used.

Thorium nitrate is an oxidizing radioactive material, and as a consequence all requirements for both the primary and subsidiary hazard must be satisfied.

I trust this satisfies your request.

Sincerely,

 

Hattie L. Mitchell
Chief, Regulatory Review and Reinvention
Office of Hazardous Materials Standards

173.427, 173.421

Regulation Sections