Overview of radioactive material transport in Japan and Experience gained from IAEA Transport Safety Appraisal Service (TranSAS) for Japan

With vast amount of radioactive material packages annually transported, Japan has a high safety record. Such record has been achieved by enforcing safety regulations encompassing comprehensive control process and practice by relevant administrative bodies, as well as close co-ordination through the interagency monthly meeting. In fact such mechanism has enabled the close co-operation needed for the conduct of the TranSAS that took place from 5 to 16 December 2005. Seeing a value to have an independent comprehensive peer review by international experts for enhanced transparency and further improved safety, Government of Japan has requested IAEA to conduct for TranSAS. The appraisal saw its findings subsequently published by the IAEA on 5 September 2006. The TranSAS concluded in its report, highly evaluating safety practices in the transport of radioactive materials being implemented in Japan, Japan’s comprehensive legal framework provides a sound basis for the implementation of the transport regulations and that Japan’s transport regulations are generally implemented in accordance with IAEA requirements. For the benefit of those States that are considering or due to take TranSAS, Japan is pleased to list the effects through the appraisal. Direct effects include: (1) A review of transport safety measures in place is enabled from a global viewpoint through the appraisal by the independent team; (2) Report, prepared by an independent TranSAS team and presented abroad as well as at home, provides a useful tool to assist our continuous efforts for the enhanced transparency in transport safety regulatory programs and better public acceptance. Secondary effects have also been identified; (1) Preparation for TranSAS has provided Japan with opportunities to seek further improvements of regulatory framework; and (2) Co-ordination among competent ministries concerned was enhanced, providing overall knowledge on regulatory measures including those under the purview of other ministries. For areas identified by TranSAS as recommendations or suggestions, Japan intends to take prompt actions, wherever possible, with a view towards further enhanced safety of transport.