ASSESSMENT OF THE SAFETY OF RADIOACTIVE MATERIAL TRANSPORT PACKAGES. THE FRENCH APPROACH TO PROBLEMS RELATING TO THE RISK OF BRITTLE FRACTURE OF MATERIALS

The recommendations made by the IAEA in 1985 (IAEA Regulations, 1985) require that applicants seeking approval of type B packages must demonstrate that the integrity of the containment of the radioactive materials contained in the transport containers is maintained for the worst conditions liable to be encountered during transport, i.e., accident conditions at an ambient temperature of -40°C. The same applies to the radiological protection. The demonstration concerns the so-called confinement closure walls as well as functional components such seals, covers, stoppers, fasteners, etc ... and also the casing containing the radiological protection materials. The purpose of this paper is to present the approach followed by the French Competent Authority in the field of the prevention of brittle fracture risks of the materials used for transport containers, and to communicate the experience gained over the last years from actual applications on various types of containers.