Some aspects on harmonization between IAEA 'Regulations for the safe transport of radioactive material' and UN 'Recommendations on the transport of dangerous goods'

Abstract

Since 2001, the IAEA 'Regulations for the safe transport of radioactive material' are directly implemented into the UN 'Recommendations on the transport of dangerous goods', Model Regulations (the so called 'Orange Book') as class 7: radioactive material. At the same time, consistent with the time schedule of the United Nations Sub-Committee of Experts on the Transport of Dangerous Goods and the relevant international modal organisations, a regular review process of the IAEA Transport Regulations intended to issue a revised or amended edition, as necessary, every two years, was established. The last published version, the fourteenth revised edition of the 'Orange Book', includes the IAEA Transport Regulations, 2005 edition. However, the IAEA had decided not to publish a 2007 edition of the Transport Regulations, and as a consequence, did not recommend to the UN to implement the changes which had been adopted in the IAEA review cycle 2004–2005. In the last two years, further efforts have been made for better harmonisation between both documents. The harmonisation and assimilation with the UN Model Regulations concerning the transport of all nine classes of dangerous goods brings the class 7 'radioactive material' in line with the other classes for a worldwide implementation into the national and international modal regulations. The paper will discuss the benefits as well as some problems of this harmonisation process. The option to publish the 2009 edition of the IAEA Transport Regulations with the changes from the review revision cycle 2004–2005 and the harmonisation changes with the UN is considered to be important to keep the leading role of the IAEA in the further development of all aspects concerning the safe transport of radioactive material based on their competence in radiation protection.     

Safe transport of radioactive material in Brazil

Abstract

The objectives of this article are to briefly present an updated review of the regulatory framework and activities related to the transport of radioactive material in Brazil, to provide an analysis of the appraisal service performed by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in 2002 and to identify questions that require action plans from the Brazilian Nuclear Energy Commission (CNEN), including those actions which will involve neighbouring countries regulatory authorities.     

Comparison of collective dose in India and USA owing to transport of radioactive material by road

Abstract

This paper estimates probable collective doses owing to transport of radioactive material by road mode in India and the USA for an identical hypothetical case under respective transport conditions for the two countries, using the INTERTRAN2 computer code. The differences observed in the transport conditions in the two countries are reflected in the DNORM input parameters for the incident free transport conditions of transport and the accident rates. Owing to differences in the parameter values, it is found that the estimated probable collective dose values owing to transport of radioactive material by road mode for India are much higher than those for USA. Sensitive parameters are identified which contribute maximum to the estimated probable collective dose.     

Threat analysis for transport of radioactive material using morphological analysis

Abstract

The Swedish Defence Research Agency (FOI) was commissioned by the Swedish Nuclear Power Inspectorate to carry out a pilot study which would serve as the basis for a revised set of regulations regarding physical protection and administrative routines for the transport of radioactive material. The pilot study was to develop a prototype model by which a comprehensive threat analysis could be carried out. The study employed computer aided morphological analysis, which is a flexible, non-quantified modelling method developed at FOI during the 1990s. The paper will present the methodological foundations of morphological analysis and present the prototype models involving general threat scenarios, transport situations, antagonists and strategic measures.