Capturing Over 50 Years of Industry Experience in Good Practices

While the safety record for the transport of radioactive materials is exemplary, and has been so for over 50 years, it is very important that this is not taken for granted. For that purpose, industry practices are exchanged and, from those, good practices developed. The World Nuclear Transport Institute (WNTI) was created to represent the interests of all parties connected to packaging and transport of radioactive materials. From the start, the institute has recognised the value of sharing the experience gained, by its members and others. This has resulted in the creation of working groups in many fields of transport, producing Information Papers, and more significantly Good Practice Guides. Most of these documents are intended to become de facto standards, as they are industry generated based on operational feedback. Making available our good practices is not a loss of our members’ valuable know-how. It is an investment in safety, security and sustainability of our activity, not to mention that of the industry that we serve. There is, admittedly, another motive. While most regulations for safety and security are established by international consensus, there are in some instances variations, local additions and conflicting interpretations. Industry-prepared standards and good practices are a way to reach a unified understanding and implementation of regulations. The dissemination of industry good practice ensures that responsible players take the necessary measures to reduce the risk of any incidents. All players in the transport community will benefit from this effort. They are welcome to participate in establishing and spreading these good practices, and to suggest new topics.