TRAINING COURSES FOR THE TRANSPORT OF RADIOACTIVE MATERIALS IN FRANCE

European regulations require that all drivers of vehicles transporting radioactive materials attend an approved training course and pass a test. The arrete of 5 December 1996 that specifies this training conforms with the requirements of the European agreement on the international transport of dangerous materials by road (ADR). The new rules for the teaching program, the qualification of instructors and the conditions of the final test are more restrictive than the previous ones. The main difficulty with this course is that people without scientific training have to assimilate theoretical notions and complicated know-how. The course should give candidates a basic understanding of the radiological risk associated with radioactive materials, and some basic notions needed to prevent accidents and to implement safety measures to protect themselves and the environment.