Answer: The answer is yes. Under § 171.15, if a package of radioactive material is broken, even if the inner packaging is still intact, immediate notification to the NRC is required. See also Regarding Incident Reporting (June 25, 2019) .
10. Question: Does the person who files an incident report have to keep a copy of the incident report?
Answer: The answer is yes. A copy, in writing or electronically, of the incident report 99 acres database must be available within 24 hours of a request for the report from an authorized representative or special agent of the Department of Transportation (DOT) and must be retained for two years. See § 171.16(b)(3) for specific requirements for incident report retention.
11. Question:
Answer: The report must be accessible through your company's principal place of business or, if maintained elsewhere, must be made available at your principal place of business within 24 hours of a request for the report if it is maintained elsewhere than the reporting person's principal place of business. . See § 171.16(b)(3) for specific requirements for maintaining an incident report.
12. Question: Where can a filer obtain a copy of DOT Form F 5800.1?
Answer: Electronic copies are available here and the Guide to Preparing Hazmat Incident Reports is available.
13. Question: How much hazardous material could be unintentionally released during hookup and loading and unloading hose breakage before a person would be required to submit a Hazardous Materials Incident Report on DOT Form F 5800.1?
Answer: There are exceptions to reporting a release, provided that the incident is not otherwise subject to immediate telephone notification pursuant to § 171.15. For example, as provided in § 171.16(d)(1), the incident reporting requirements do not apply to the release of a minimum quantity of hazardous material from: (1) a vent, for materials for which ventilation is authorized; (2) the normal operation of a seal, pump, compressor, or valve; or (3) the connection or disconnection of loading or unloading lines, provided that no property damage will result.
14. Question: Is a carrier required to file an incident report pursuant to § 171.16 regarding a release from a motor vehicle fuel tank or from a motor vehicle's hydraulic, cooling, or lubrication systems?
Answer: No. The HMR regulates the transportation of hazardous materials in commerce. Fluids in motor fuel tanks, hydraulic, cooling, and lubricating systems are not “transported in commerce.” See § 171.1 for the applicability of the HMR; see also 49 USC 5101 et seq. Therefore, the reporting requirements in §§ 171.15 and 171.16 do not apply. Please note that such releases may be subject to local, state, or federal reporting requirements. We encourage you to contact the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) at 1-800-424-9346.
15. Question: Is an incident report required if a box, drum or similar packaging is found to be leaking after the shipment has been delivered to the consignee?
Answer: Incidents discovered after transportation — i.e., any movement of hazardous materials by any means, and any incidental loading, unloading, or storage — has been completed, are not subject to the incident reporting requirements under the HMR. See § 171.1(c) for provisions relating to transportation operations.
