Some views on 2 year review/revision cycle of IAEA regulations for safe transport of radioactive material

Abstract

In the past the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) transport regulations have normally been reviewed or revised within a 10 year cycle to support changes in transport operations arising from administrative and technical developments and new knowledge in fields concerning the transport of radioactive material. Beginning in 2003, consistent with the time schedules of the United Nations (UN) Sub-Committee of Experts on the Transport of Dangerous Goods and of the relevant international modal organisations, a regular 2 year review of the IAEA transport regulations was established, with a view to issuing a revised or amended edition as necessary. This paper describes the process of the review/revision itself, the transfer to the regulations of the UN and the modal organisations as well as implementation within the legislation of the member states. The advantages and disadvantages of the more frequent process are analysed: on the one hand harmonisation with the UN and the modal organisations, on the other hand a possible lack of sufficient stability in the regulations themselves. The need for the 'Schedules of requirements for the transport of specified types of radioactive material consignment', which are an integral part of the IAEA transport regulations TS-R-1 but which from 1 January 2005 are no longer a part of the international modal regulations, is discussed.