Thousands of packages containing radioactive materials and sources are transported each year by several modes of transport in the Netherlands. A substantial part concerns the delivery of radiopharmaceuticals to hospitals. In addition, dozens of companies that are specialised in non-destructive testing transport radioactive sources by road on a daily basis to various industrial locations or by sea to drilling platforms on the continental shelf for quality control of welds.
Safe transport movements
Finally, fissile substances or ores are transported regularly for the nuclear industry. After more than fifty years of experience we may conclude that all these movements occur safely, i.e. without any accident resulting in release of significant amounts of radioactive material or exposure of persons to high doses of radiation. This is mainly due to the safety approach that is used when transporting radioactive substances.
Safety approach
The objective of the safety approach is to protect persons, property and the environment from the effects of radiation in the transport of radioactive material. This protection is achieved by requiring:
- Containment of the radioactive contents
- Control of external radiation levels
- Prevention of criticality
- Prevention of damage caused by heat
These requirements are satisfied firstly by applying a graded approach to contents limits for packages and conveyances and to performance standards applied to package designs, depending upon the hazard of the radioactive contents. Secondly, they are satisfied by imposing conditions on the design and operation of packages and on the maintenance of packagings, including consideration of the nature of the radioactive contents. Finally, they are satisfied by requiring administrative controls, including, where appropriate, approval by competent authorities.
International agreements
The transport of radioactive material is regulated by international (modal) regulations for the transport of dangerous goods. For the transport of radioactive material, these regulations are based on the Regulations for the safe transport of radioactive material of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Apart from these ‘technical’ requirements, each country has administrative requirements (notification, licensing and certification) under which countries are prepared to accept movements of radioactive materials from other countries through their territories.
Licence or notification requirement
Whether you must apply for a licence or notify the ANVS depends on what you are transporting. Read more on our page about licences and notifications for transport of fissile materials, ores and radioactive materials.