SACRAMENTO — A recent discovery by California Highway Patrol (CHP) commercial vehicle inspectors reportedly prevented a shipment of radiation-contaminated bathroom tissue holders from reaching Northern California retail stores.
“Our commercial personnel have the training, equipment and capability of locating items that may threaten the safety of public safety,” CHP Commissioner Joe Farrow said. “This equipment and training is essential in accomplishing our mission of providing safety, service and security.”
Officials allegedly detected the items during a routine commercial vehicle inspection and ultimately determined the holders were constructed from contaminated metal containing Cobalt-60. The CHP said it notified the California Department of Health Services, which led to a nationwide recall.
The CHP said it has the largest commercial vehicle inspection program in the nation, conducting more than 600,000 searches annually. The agency operates 51 Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Facilities in 37 locations throughout the state, plus 73 smaller sites.
“Through an ongoing effort, the CHP strives to improve commercial motor vehicle safety on California”s highway transportation system through enforcement, training, education and new technologies,” Farrow added.
Although highway safety is the primary purpose of commercial vehicle searches, the CHP said its inspection program commonly results in the discovery of narcotics, illegal contraband and other potential hazards.
