Abstract: A shipping container for transporting hazardous materials, for example toxic chemicals or low level radioactive waste materials, such as contaminated clothing worn by workers at nuclear power plants, is provided. The shipping container is a double-walled containment vessel which includes an inner container securably nesting within an outer container. Both the inner container and outer containers have thin metal walls which absorb energy from impacts by deforming. The shipping container has a port for sampling the atmosphere between the inner and outer containers in order to test for leakage of hazardous materials from the inner container. A heat shield at least partially surrounds the outer container. Wooden impact absorbers are also provided around both ends of the shipping container. The shipping container is light weight because of the relatively thin metallic walls and provides a leak-tight enclosure in which hazardous materials may be safely stored during transit to permanent disposal site.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for handling, transporting, and disposing of low level radioactive waste materials which utilizes reusable, separate, and removable lifting means and tie-down means. Mechanical design of the lifting means and hold-down means prevent the inadvertent use of either for the improper purpose.