PAM 700-48 — Handling Procedures For Equipment Contaminated By Radioactive Commodities
PAM 700-48 governs the handling of U.S. and foreign equipment that may be contaminated with radioactive material.
- Publication number: PAM 700-48
- Title: HANDLING PROCEDURES FOR EQUIPMENT CONTAMINATED BY RADIOACTIVE COMMODITIES
- Date: 03/05/2021
- Proponent: G-4
- Status: ACTIVE
View PAM 700-48 on armypubs.army.mil
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PAM 700-48 addresses risk management, combat and noncombat situations, radiologically contaminated vehicles, depleted uranium munitions, and radioactive commodities. It requires radiation safety monitoring, personnel training, and procedures for covering, tagging, transporting, and surveying contaminated equipment.
Applies to: This pamphlet provides specific guidance on the handling of U.S. and foreign equipment that may have been contaminated with radioactive material (RAM) as a result of exposure to damaged depleted uranium (DU) munitions or armor or to damaged radioactive commodities.
Topics covered
- Radiologically contaminated equipment
- Depleted uranium munitions
- Radiation safety monitoring
- Contaminated vehicle handling
- Radioactive commodities
- Risk management
- Radiological surveys
Questions and answers
Who must appoint a radiation safety officer for radiologically contaminated equipment?
Commanders must appoint an RSO at the appropriate unit level. (paragraph 1-6)
How should material suspected of radiological contamination be handled during recovery?
Treat all material and work equipment suspected of being radiologically contaminated as RCE until such a time as it is identified as clean. (paragraph 2-78)
What protective covering is required before moving radiologically contaminated equipment?
Prior to movement, RCE must be, at a minimum, covered and wrapped with canvas or plastic tarp to prevent spread of contaminants, limit personnel exposure, and ensure operational security of classified components during transport. (paragraph 2-78)
Who may handle unfired depleted uranium ammunition in unknown or damaged condition?
Only personnel trained and qualified in explosive operations handling will move or handle these munitions. (paragraph 2-78)
How should tanks with damaged depleted uranium armor be handled?
Handle tanks with DU armor that is damaged as radiologically contaminated until a radiation survey indicates that there is no contamination. (paragraph 4-2)