Proposed New Grouping Scheme and System of Requirements for the Transport of LSA-Type and SCO-Type Materials

Radioactive material in the form oflow specific activity materials (LSA) and surface contaminated objects (SCO) can be carried by all modes of transport, but since these are generally bulky consignments they are predominantly carried by road or rail. The categories ofLSA presently include ores, ore concentrates, and radioactive wastes. Most of the radioactive wastes from the decommissioning of nuclear facilities will be included in these categories of materials and are likely to be transported in considerable quantities in the future. The latest edition of the IAEA regulations (IAEA 1990) on the transport of radioactive materials allows for three categories ofLSA materials (LSA I, II, and III) and two of SCO (SCO I and II). The lowest, least hazardous category of both forms can be carried with minimal or in some cases no packaging requirements. The higher categories require higher standards of packaging.