Sustaining reliable shipments of IMO Class 7 Radioactive Materials

45% of the world’s single use medical supplies are sterilised using gamma radiation from Co-60 sources. Both the Co-60 source manufacturer and the end-user are equally dependent upon the reliable transportation of class 7 radioactive material to approximately 200 sterilisation facilities in 80 countries around the world. Perceived risk associated with the handling of radioactive materials combined with disparity in local legislation is a growing barrier to acceptance of class 7 cargo for shipment. With increasing frequency a deadlock is reached between regulators and ports/carriers with the result that even fewer carriers are willing or able to carry this vital humanitarian commodity. This paper sets-out to dispel the perceived risks and encourage the IAEA to improve accessibility to training, educational materials and harmonisation of regional legislation governing the passage of low volume Class7 radioactive materials for healthcare and humanitarian applications.