Transport of radioactive material in India

Abstract

The Competent Authority for the enforcement of regulations on safe transport of radioactive material in India is the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB). Transport of radioactive material in India is governed by the AERB code which is based on the IAEA regulations on the safe transport of radioactive material (Safety Series No 6 1986). The code is being revised to take into account the revision made in the IAEA transport regulations, i.e. TS-R-1 (ST-1, revised). For a majority of the shipments, the consignor is the supplier of radioactive material to various users in medicine, industry and research. Radiation safety in the transport of these packages is ensured through a well defined regulatory framework and radiation protection procedures. The consignor is required to ensure that the packages used meet the prescribed standards. Transport documents, in addition to the consignor's declaration, include instructions to the carrier and transport emergency card (TREMCARD). TREMCARD describes the potential hazards involved in the shipment, primary emergency response action plans and emergency contact numbers. A well-defined emergency response system is in place in India to handle emergencies which may occur during transport of radioactive material. The paper highlights the volume of transport of radioactive material, package approval procedure and various aspects including the emergency response system adopted in India to ensure the safe transport of radioactive material.