Loading radioactive materials requires adherence to which instruction?

• A. Instructions on Loading Radioactive Materials
• B. General cargo loading only
• C. Only the captain's preference
• D. No special instructions

Answer: (A)

Special handling is required for radioactive materials, because they pose radiation safety risks and have strict regulatory controls. The correct instruction to follow is the Instructions on Loading Radioactive Materials, which sets out the exact procedures for packaging, labeling, placarding, documentation, radiation protection, segregation, and acceptance checks. These rules come from the air transport dangerous goods regulations and international safety standards, ensuring safe loading, handling, and transport.

General cargo loading doesn’t address the unique requirements of radioactive materials, relying on broad procedures that won’t cover radiation protection, specific packaging and shielding, or dose-rate limits. A captain’s preference isn’t a regulatory basis, and there are clearly defined instructions for these materials, not a “no special instructions” rule.