FASTER, LESS EXPENSIVE PACKAGE CERTIFICATIONS

The U.S. Department of Energy Packaging Certification Staff (PCS) has been reviewing ways to shorten the radioactive material packaging certification process and reduce the overall costs of obtaining certification. The PCS can help to identify existing certified packaging designs that may meet a shipper's needs. If it is necessary to design a new packaging, then the fastest, easiest way toward certification is through the use of common designs and materials already familiar to the PCS (though this is not always possible or desirable). The shipper should be realistic about the amount of time, money, and documentation necessary to obtain a certification, and should involve the PCS early in the planning of the packaging. The PCS will not do design work or recommend a design, but can warn of potential pit- falls. The Safety Analysis Report for Packaging (SARP) is the basis for certification; therefore, the adequacy of the SARP should be the focal point of all efforts toward certification. Technical services provided by the PCS can help in the preparation of the SARP and can accelerate the certification process.