Speaker
Description
The safe and secure transport of nuclear and other radioactive material is a critical element in sustaining the peaceful uses of nuclear technology in medicine, industry, agriculture, and energy. As global reliance on radioactive material grows, ensuring the robustness of operational controls and administrative frameworks for transport becomes increasingly important. These controls must address safety, security, and emergency preparedness across all modes of transport—road, rail, air, sea, and inland waterways.
This paper explores best practices and challenges in implementing operational and administrative controls for the transport of radioactive material, emphasizing the integration of emergency planning and security measures. The operational controls discussed include pre-shipment inspections, secure packaging verification, in-transit communication systems, and tracking mechanisms to ensure continuous oversight. Administrative controls focus on licensing, documentation, chain of custody arrangements, and the involvement of competent authorities to maintain regulatory compliance.
A critical focus of this paper is the alignment of emergency response plans with transport operations, including the coordination between consignors, carriers, consignees, regulatory bodies, and national emergency services. It highlights the importance of preparedness exercises, communication protocols, and the integration of emergency response with national and local frameworks. Additionally, the paper examines the development and implementation of transport security plans, based on threat and risk assessments, to mitigate risks from potential malicious acts during shipment.
Drawing on international guidance such as IAEA SSR-6 and relevant Nuclear Security Series publications, the paper identifies key areas where international cooperation, capacity building, and stakeholder engagement can strengthen transport safety and security. It also explores technological innovations, such as digital tracking and automated alert systems, as enablers for improving operational efficiency and security assurance.
By presenting real-world practices, challenges, and potential solutions, this paper aims to contribute to ongoing efforts to harmonize global approaches to the safe and secure transport of radioactive material. It underscores the necessity of fostering a robust interface between safety and security in transport operations, especially in the face of evolving technological and logistical environments.
