DA Form 3252-R PDF: Radioisotope Inventory & Leak Test – This legacy U.S. Army form supports radiation safety and accountability programs for radioactive materials. It remains available through official Army publishing channels for reference, historical records, or units maintaining legacy processes.
Download DA Form 3252-R PDF
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What Is DA Form 3252-R?
DA Form 3252-R, titled Punchcard Transmission Worksheet – Radioisotope Inventory and Leak Test Report (LRA), is a specialized U.S. Army form used to transmit data via punchcards about radioisotope inventories and leak tests.
Published in March 1980 (edition of 1 JUN 67 marked obsolete), it references AR 385-11 (Ionizing Radiation Protection) with proponent agency DARCOM (now part of Army Materiel Command). The form facilitated centralized reporting of radioactive source tracking and safety verification in an era of punchcard-based data systems.
It ensured compliance with inventory, leak testing, and reporting requirements for sealed sources and other radioactive commodities under Army and NRC oversight.
Purpose of the Radioisotope Inventory and Leak Test Report
The primary purpose of DA Form 3252-R was to document and transmit critical data for:
- Radioisotope Inventory: Tracking location, activity levels, serial numbers, shipment details, and custody transfers of radioactive materials.
- Leak Test Reports: Recording results of periodic leak/wipe tests on sealed sources to detect any removable contamination, ensuring sources remain intact and safe.
This supported the Army’s broader radiation safety program, helping prevent unauthorized loss, ensure regulatory compliance (e.g., NRC limits on removable activity, often 0.005 microcuries or 11,100 dpm), and maintain audit-ready records.
Accurate reporting was (and remains) essential for ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) principles, personnel protection, and environmental safety.
Key Fields and How to Complete DA Form 3252-R
The form is designed for precise, character-by-character entry suitable for punchcard processing (numeric zero as “Ø”). Key sections include:
- NSN, Serial No., Date Shipped
- UIC (Unit Identification Code)
- Source Activity (multiple fields for detailed numeric entry)
- Analysis Method, Army Location Code (ARLOC)
- Date of Activity, Date Received
- Shipment No., Shipped To/Received From
- PRI Code, Data Test, Test Result, Type Report, Date This Report, Trans Code
Instructions Tip: Print one character per space. Use it to consolidate and forward inventory/leak test data to higher commands or designated recipients. Installations without punchcard capability relied on this worksheet form.
For current guidance on similar data, consult unit Radiation Safety Officer (RSO) or updated technical manuals.
Role in Army Radiation Safety Program
DA Form 3252-R integrated into the Army’s historical system for managing NRC-licensed or authorized radioactive materials (RAM). Units performed inventories and leak tests per schedules in licenses, ARs, or TMs, then transmitted data centrally.
Modern equivalents fall under:
- AR 385-10 — The Army Safety Program
- DA PAM 385-24 — The Army Radiation Safety Program (updated as of 2015, with ongoing applicability)
- DOD Radiation Testing and Tracking System for serialization and accountability.
Unit RSOs today handle physical inventories (annually or per license), leak tests, storage security (dual locks), and incident reporting. Legacy forms like 3252-R may still appear in archives or specific commodity management.
Who Needs DA Form 3252-R?
- Army Radiation Safety Officers (RSOs) and unit-level personnel managing radioactive commodities (e.g., calibrators, density/moisture testers, other sealed sources).
- Logistics and maintenance units handling radioisotope shipments or tracking.
- Commands maintaining historical compliance records or transitioning systems.
Note: Always verify current requirements with your garrison or command RSO, as digital systems have largely replaced punchcard workflows.
How to Download and Use the Form?
- Access the official PDF: https://armypubs.army.mil/pub/eforms/DR_a/pdf/A3252_R.pdf.
- Use fillable versions from trusted Army-linked sites if available for digital records.
- Complete per AR 385-11 instructions (historical) or local SOPs.
- Retain copies as required for audits and radiation safety program files.
Pro Tip for SEO/Search: Search “DA Form 3252-R PDF” or “Army radioisotope leak test report” for quick access to official sources.
Best Practices for Radioisotope Management Today
While DA Form 3252-R is legacy, core principles endure:
- Conduct regular physical inventories and leak tests.
- Secure sources properly.
- Report incidents promptly (e.g., damaged sources, exceeded limits).
- Train personnel on radiation safety.
- Use current tools like the DOD tracking system for accountability.
Consult TB 43-0116 (Identification of Radioactive Items in the Army) and your local Radiation Safety Program for up-to-date procedures.
Stay Compliant and Safe: Proper documentation and tracking protect Soldiers, civilians, and the environment from unnecessary radiation exposure. For assistance with DA Form 3252-R or current radiation safety forms, contact your unit or installation RSO.
This article is for informational purposes. Always refer to official Army publications and your chain of command for authoritative guidance.