Security of Radioactive Material in Transport

Implementing Guide

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• Publisher: International Atomic Energy Agency
• Year: 2020
• ISBN:
  9789201063229
• Topic: Technology & Engineering
• Subtopic: Mechanical Engineering
• Index: Technology & Engineering

This updated version of IAEA Nuclear Security Series No. 9, Security of Radioactive Material in Transport, is intended to facilitate the establishment of an internationally consistent approach to security of radioactive material in transport. It builds on the relevant recommendations of various existing IAEA Nuclear Security Series publications and is applicable to the security of packages containing radioactive material that could cause unacceptable radiological consequences if used in a malicious act during international or domestic transport. It is also relevant to the security of some nuclear materials of category III and below during transport, due to the radioactive nature of the material. Guidance on protection against unauthorized removal and sabotage is also covered.

1. INTRODUCTION

Background

1.1. The IAEA Nuclear Security Series provides guidance for States to assist them in implementing a national nuclear security regime and in reviewing, and when necessary strengthening, this regime. The series also provides guidance for States to fulfil their obligations and commitments with respect to binding and non-binding international instruments. The Nuclear Security Fundamentals set out the objective of a nuclear security regime and its essential elements in IAEA Nuclear Security Series No. 20, Objective and Essential Elements of a State’s Nuclear Security Regime [1]. The IAEA Nuclear Security Recommendations indicate what a nuclear security regime should address in IAEA Nuclear Security Series Nos 13, Nuclear Security Recommendations on Physical Protection of Nuclear Material and Nuclear Facilities (INFCIRC/225/Revision 5) [2]; 14, Nuclear Security Recommendations on Radioactive Material and Associated Facilities [3]; and 15, Nuclear Security Recommendations on Nuclear and Other Radioactive Material out of Regulatory Control [4].

1.2. This Implementing Guide supports Ref. [3].

1.3. This publication supersedes IAEA Nuclear Security Series No. 9, Security in the Transport of Radioactive Material, which was issued in 2008.1 This revision was undertaken to better align this Implementing Guide with Ref. [3], which was published in 2011, to cross-reference other relevant Implementing Guides published since 2008, and to add further detail on certain topics based on the experience of the IAEA and its Member States in using the previous version.

1.4. This Implementing Guide also takes into account the robust international framework of guidance on the international transportation of dangerous goods, including radioactive material. The United Nations (UN) Model Regulations [5] provide a basis for States to develop security requirements for the transport of all dangerous goods. In some cases, the UN Model Regulations [5] are implemented directly by States. They are also used by international modal organizations (those organizations that focus on a particular mode of transport). The security provisions for the transport of dangerous goods are found in Chapters 1.4 and 7.2 of the UN Model Regulations [5]. Other UN specialized agencies and programmes have taken similar steps to support improved security in the transport of all dangerous goods. The International Maritime Organization, International Civil Aviation Organization, United Nations Economic Commission for Europe, Intergovernmental Organization for International Carriage by Rail and European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Inland Waterways have all amended their respective international instruments [6–10] to reflect the security provisions of the UN Model Regulations [5].

1.5. The Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material and its Amendment [11–13] provide an international framework for ensuring the physical protection of nuclear material used for peaceful purposes, including while in international transport. The Convention and its Amendment also apply, with certain exceptions, to nuclear material while in domestic use, storage and transport.

1.6. The IAEA has established requirements for the safety of radioactive material during transport in the IAEA Safety Standards Series. The relevant publications include IAEA Safety Standards Series Nos SSR-6 (Rev. 1), Regulations for the Safe Transport of Radioactive Material [14]; SF-1, Fundamental Safety Principles [15]; and GSR Part 3, Radiation Protection and Safety of Radiation Sources: International Basic Safety Standards [16].

Objective

1.7. The objective of this publication is to provide guidance to States and their competent authorities on how to establish and maintain the elements of the nuclear security regime relating to the transport of radioactive material. This publication may also assist shippers, carriers and others with transport security responsibilities in designing their security systems.

1.8. This publication is intended to facilitate the establishment of an internationally consistent approach to security of radioactive material in transport in States. This publication builds on the relevant recommendations in Ref. [3] and provides additional guidance on how to implement these recommendations in practice.

Scope

1.9. This publication applies to the security of packages containing radioactive material that could cause unacceptable r...

Table of contents

• 1. INTRODUCTION
• REFERENCES
• Annex I CONTENT AND ORGANIZATION OF THE TRANSPORT SECURITY PLAN
• Annex II TRANSPORT SECURITY VERIFICATION
• Annex III CROSS-REFERENCE OF MODE INDEPENDENT SECURITY MEASURES