Procedures for Receiving and Opening Packages

(A) Each licensee or registrant who expects to receive a package containing quantities of radioactive material in excess of a Type A quantity, as defined in 105 CMR 120.772 and 105 CMR 120.798: Appendix A, shall make arrangements to receive: (1) the package when the carrier offers it for delivery; or (2) the notification of the arrival of the package at the carrier's terminal and to take possession of the package expeditiously. (B) Each licensee or registrant shall: (1) monitor the external surfaces of a labeled package for radioactive contamination unless the package contains only radioactive material in the form of gas or in special form as defined in 105 CMR 120.005; (2) monitor the external surfaces of a labeled package for radiation levels unless the package contains quantities of radioactive material that are less than or equal to the Type A quantity, as defined in 105 CMR 120.772 and 105 CMR 120.798: Appendix A; and (3) monitor all packages known to contain radioactive material for radioactive contamination and radiation levels if there is evidence of degradation of package integrity, such as packages that are crushed, wet, or damaged. (C) The licensee or registrant shall perform the monitoring required by 105 CMR 120.242 as soon as practicable after receipt of the package, but not later than three hours after the package is received at the licensee's facility if it is received during the licensee's normal working hours, or if there is evidence of degradation of package integrity, such as a package that is crushed, wet, or damaged. If a package is received after working hours, and has no evidence of degradation of package integrity, the package shall be monitored no later than three hours from the beginning of the next working day. (D) The licensee or registrant shall immediately notify the final delivery carrier and, by telephone and telegram, mailgram, or facsimile, the Agency when: (1) removable radioactive surface contamination exceeds the limits of 105 CMR 120.786(I); or (2) External radiation levels exceed the limit of 105 CMR 120.783. (E) Each licensee or registrant shall: (1) establish, maintain, and retain written procedures for safely opening packages in which radioactive material is received; and (2) ensure that the procedures are followed and that due consideration is given to special instructions for the type of package being opened. S))))))))))))))))))))))Q Labeling of packages containing radioactive materials is required by the U.S. Department of Transportation if the amount and type of radioactive material exceeds the limits for an excepted quantity or article as defined and limited by U.S. Department of Transportation regulations 49 CFR 173.403(m) and (w) and 173.424. Labeled with a Radioactive White I, Yellow II, or Yellow III label as specified in U.S. Department of Transportation regulations 49 CFR 172.403 and 172.436 through 172.440. (F) Licensees or registrants transferring special form sources in vehicles owned or operated by the licensee to and from a work site are exempt from the contamination monitoring requirements of 105 CMR 120.246(B), but are not exempt from the monitoring requirement in 105 CMR 120.246(B) for measuring radiation levels that ensures that the source is still properly lodged in its shield.