Speaker
Description
The Republic of Albania, a non-nuclear state situated in the Balkan region, utilizes radiation sources across various sectors, including medicine, industry, agriculture, research, and education. The Institute of Applied Nuclear Physics (IANP) is the country’s primary user of radioactive sources. It operates under license issued by the Radiation Protection Commission. This license covers activities such as the use, transport, storage, import-export, and treatment of DSRS and radioactive waste.
High-activity sources are also used at the Radiotherapy Department of the University Hospital “Mother Teresa,” where Category I Co-60 sources have been in operation. In July 2023, the teletherapy device head containing a Category I Co-60 source was dismantled with the support of two International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) experts from South Africa. Following the dismantling, the device head was safely and securely transported from the Radiotherapy Department to the IANP’s Radioactive Waste Treatment and Storage Facility.
To obtain the necessary transport permit from the Albanian Radiation Protection Commission, both an Emergency Response Plan and a Physical Security Plan were developed. These plans were designed to ensure the protection of radioactive materials against theft, sabotage, or other malicious acts during transport, aiming to prevent any potential radiological consequences.
The Physical Security Plan specifically addressed the secure transportation of the dismantled Co-60 source. The operation was conducted in coordination with law enforcement authorities. Measures were taken in accordance with Decision No. 877, dated 30.10.2015, concerning the physical security of radioactive materials in Albania.
Radiation dose measurements of the teletherapy device head were conducted at the surface and at one meter distance to confirm safety levels. Results indicated radiation levels well within the permissible limits for transportation. The transfer was successfully completed during the night to minimize traffic disruption, with the device head safely and securely delivered to the designated treatment and storage facility.
The overarching goal of the Physical Security Plan for Transport was to support international efforts to enhance the security of radioactive materials, fulfill Albania’s national and international commitments, mitigate associated risks, and ensure an effective response to potential threats. This initiative contributes to preventing the misuse of radioactive materials in acts of terrorism, crime, or sabotage, while also ensuring regulatory compliance.
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