There’s no shortage of codes and designations regarding containers, but let’s just focus on one. What types of materials are transported with Type A packagings?
The most common materials shipped in Type A containers are dangerous – radioactive materials such as nuclear medicines, radioactive waste, and radioactive sources for industrial uses. Radioactive material only accounts for about 1% of hazardous or dangerous goods shipped in a year, but radioactive substances are used in a surprising number of industries. It isn’t just big “important” science stuff or defense work – medicine, agriculture, research and manufacturing, mineral exploration and many other industries regularly utilize radioactive materials.
As you can imagine, these are materials you do not want to take any risks in storage and transport. It is crucial to understand and utilize the appropriate, compliant methods and tools for transporting radioactive materials. Tools such as handy dandy Type A radioactive packaging.
At Skolnik, we manufacture 7A Type A steel drums in carbon or stainless steel. Our 7A Type A drums have been tested according to regulations and are intended for use as shipping and storage containers for permissible radioactive materials.
It is the position of the DOT and the Department of Energy (DOE) that only the ultimate shipper of the completed package (containing its contents) can make the final determination and declare the package to meet Type A – 7A compliance. To demonstrate the performance of these containers prior to actual filling, Skolnik offers Type A – 7A testing with surrogate contents. This testing is available for a fee and results in documented performance testing criteria, which can then be used to validate the packaging selection.