THE TESTING OF RAM PACKAGES - AN INDUSTRIAL VIEW

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Regulations for the Safe Transport of Radioactive Materials, TS-R-1, set the standards for the packages used in the transport of radioactive materials under both normal and accident conditions. The underlying philosophy is that safety is vested principally in the proper use of correctly designed and fabricated packages . There is a large body of evidence which demonstrates that the current IAEA tests for high duty Type B packages are severe tests which cover all the impact, fire and submergence accident situations in transport which can be realistically envisaged This conclusion is also supported by over 50 years of safe and efficient operating experience. Packages designed for the transportation of radioactive materials have in the past have also been subjected to a variety of tests which are different from those specified in the IAEA transport regulations. These tests have often taken the form of spectacular demonstrations such as high speed road or rail crashes, large drops greater than the regulatory requirement, for example from a helicopter, high temperature long duration fires and also explosions. However, such tests or tests more severe than the current IAEA tests could not be justified on quantitative cost/ benefit safety grounds and would present an unnecessary economic burden on the radioactive material transport industry. Such tests should not be required as part of the regulatory process. It is vital that public/political confidence in the current regulatory regime should not be undermined. We must continue our efforts to reassure the public that radioactive material transport is a necessary, safe and secure operation. We must dispel exaggerated claims and irrational fears. Wider public dissemination of the relevance of the current IAEA regulations in ensuring safety under severe accident conditions and the results of other tests and public demonstrations to simulate real accidents could both be beneficial in this regard.