Introduction
The use of radioactive material in the different sections of the economy in Uganda involve transportation. The transportation of radioactive material is more prominent during import and export, and for mobile devices that require movement from one site to another.
During transportation of radioactive material, there is a potential risk of radiation exposure to members of the public and vehicle crew members in case of an incident or accident if not safely and securely transported since the radioactive material spontaneously emit ionizing radiation. The Atomic Energy Council therefore, establishes requirements for safety and security of radioactive material during transport.
Regulation of Transport of Radioactive Material by Atomic Energy Council
Transportation of radioactive material is regulated by Atomic Energy Council in accordance with Section 32 of the Atomic Energy Act No. 24 of 2008 and Part XII of the Atomic Energy Regulations, 2012.
All persons who intend to transport radioactive material are required to seek for authorization from Atomic Energy Council as per Section 32(1) of the Atomic Energy Act No. 24 of 2008 and Regulation 19 of the Atomic Energy Regulations, 2012. Such authorization is in form of transport permit and issued by the Council. The transporter may also seek for other applicable authorizations from other authorities within the country.
AEC conducts inspections on the transport units as shown in figure 1 below, on site and off site to verify compliance with applicable transport requirements.
Safety and Security Measures during Transport of Radioactive Material
During transport of radioactive material, the authorized person or entity must ensure that safety measures are in place to reduce radiation exposure to the members of the public and vehicle crew members, and to avoid accidents or incidents that may lead to damage or rapture of the radioactive material. Such safety measures may include;
- Taking radiation survey measurements before transport of radioactive material;
- Not allowing persons to be in close proximity with radioactive material during transport;
- Labelling packages with appropriate warning symbols;
- Providing appropriate training in radiation protection, and safety to persons involved in the transport of radioactive material;
- Equipping the transport unit with fire-fighting equipment;
- Carrying proper documentations as required by the Council, among others.
Furthermore, the authorized person or entity is required to establish measures to ensure protection of the radioactive material from un authorized access. Among other security measures include:
- Securely locking the back of the transport unit as shown in figure 2;
- Not leaving the transport unit un-attended to in-case of stop-overs;
- Ensuring continuous communication amongst the involved parties;
- Conducting background checks for trustworthiness and reliability of persons involved in transport commensurate with their responsibilities;
- Developing, implementing and periodically reviewing the transport security plan for high activity radioactive material;
- Applying additional physical security in form of escorts or guards for high activity radioactive material as shown in figure 3 below, among others
Responding to Radiological Emergencies during Transport of Radioactive Material
In case of an incident during transport of the radioactive material, the authorized person should immediately contact the relevant authorities and notify Atomic Energy Council immediately through the emergency toll free line: 0800100488
Report a Radiation Incident
If you suspect that an incident or an accident may have involved a radioactive material, please report to the nearest police station and to the Atomic Energy Council on the contacts provided below. Stay as far away from the scene of the incident as possible.
Atomic Energy Council, Plot 40, Bukoto Street, P.O Box 7044, Kampala. Tel: +256-417 101700 Toll free: 0800100488 Website: www. atomiccouncil.go.ug Email: admin@atomiccouncil.go.ug
