Key Issues
Transporting Radioactive Materials
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International Protocols Ensure Safety Worldwide
International transportation regulations are similar to those formulated by DOT and the NRC. The IAEA sets overall transportation directives for countries around the world. The International Maritime Organization and the International Air Transport Association also contribute to ensuring the safe transport of radioactive packages.
The IAEA, a United Nations organization, published its first regulations on the transport of radioactive materials in 1961 and has revised them periodically based on experience and technological advances.
The regulations establish safety standards for all modes of transportation—air, land and water. By 1998, more than 60 U.N. member states, including all major shipping and nuclear energy-generating nations, were using IAEA regulations.
The directives cover the design, manufacture, maintenance and repair of packaging; preparation and loading of radioactive materials; in-transit storage; and unloading and receipt of the contents at the final destination.
The objective of the IAEA regulations is to protect the general public and transport workers, as well as property and the environment, from direct or indirect effects of radiation during transport. The rules cover normal transportation and accidents.
For more information on transporting used nuclear fuel, see NEI’s fact sheet: “Experience, Testing Confirm Transportation of Used Nuclear Fuel Is Safe, Reliable .”
Pages 1 2 3 4 5
International Protocols Ensure Safety Worldwide
International transportation regulations are similar to those formulated by DOT and the NRC. The IAEA sets overall transportation directives for countries around the world. The International Maritime Organization and the International Air Transport Association also contribute to ensuring the safe transport of radioactive packages.
The IAEA, a United Nations organization, published its first regulations on the transport of radioactive materials in 1961 and has revised them periodically based on experience and technological advances.
The regulations establish safety standards for all modes of transportation—air, land and water. By 1998, more than 60 U.N. member states, including all major shipping and nuclear energy-generating nations, were using IAEA regulations.
The directives cover the design, manufacture, maintenance and repair of packaging; preparation and loading of radioactive materials; in-transit storage; and unloading and receipt of the contents at the final destination.
The objective of the IAEA regulations is to protect the general public and transport workers, as well as property and the environment, from direct or indirect effects of radiation during transport. The rules cover normal transportation and accidents.
For more information on transporting used nuclear fuel, see NEI’s fact sheet: “Experience, Testing Confirm Transportation of Used Nuclear Fuel Is Safe, Reliable .”
Pages 1 2 3 4 5
