TRANSPORT OF RADIOACTIVE MATERIALS: INSPECTION, CHALLENGES AND THE WAY FORWARD

Abstract

This seminar discussed the transportation of radioactive materials (RAMs) which involves the use of land, water and air in compliance with safety, security, stakeholders needs, emergency response measures, among others. Under-developing and developing countries such as Nigeria usually have weakest link in the control of RAMs transportation. For standard safety measure, both national and international states have major roles and requirements to play, by checkmating any form of RAMs being imported or exported in order to mitigate the risk of Radiation. Through the use of IAEA safety standards, inspections (planned inspections and reactive inspections) of RAMs are significance and should be backed by legal laws and Authority. Poor conduct of inspection as being the major challenges, conducting systematic training and retraining of staff on conduct of inspection. Transportation of radioactive materials is an essential activity that cuts across all practices in the nuclear industry and it should be well manage for safety purpose.