The Interface of Safety and Security in Transport: A Regional Perspective

Security of nuclear and other radioactive material in transport continues to be a challenge for States that are working to strengthen their nuclear security regime. One reason for this is that State regulatory agencies and other organizations lack the resources and trained personnel to dedicate to this field. For over 50 years, safety has been a major focus in the use, storage and transport of radioactive material. Only recently, since the late 1990s, has dedicated focus been given to the field of security. One way to assist States to advance nuclear security is to reach out to safety workers (regulators, inspectors, and safety compliance personnel) and showcase the need to better integrate safety and security practices.A recent International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) regional workshop in Bangkok, Thailand (June 2015) yielded profound results when subject matter experts lectured on both the safety and the security of radioactive material in transport. These experts presented and discussed experiences and best practices for: (1) developing and implementing safety requirements and security recommendations for radioactive material in transport; (2) national and international cooperation; and (3) preventing shipment delays/denials of radioactive material. The workshop participants, who were predominantly from safety organizations, shared that they received the following from this event: A clear understanding of the objectives of the IAEA safety requirements and security recommendations for radioactive material in transport.A general understanding of and appreciation for the similarities and differences between safety requirements and security recommendations for radioactive material in transport.A greater appreciation of the interface between transport safety and security and potential impacts of this interface on the efforts to strengthen the compliance assurance regime for the safe transport of radioactive material.A general understanding of assessing the transport security scenarios and developing transport security plans.Many participants also reported their appreciation of the workshop exercises that specifically focused on practical aspects of safety and security of transport of radioactive material.These workshop outcomes highlight the important role professionals can offer when they receive additional safety training and education for radioactive material in transport. Moreover, these professionals can help to increase capacity in countries with developing nuclear security regimes.This paper explores workshop outcomes and transportation regulations and guidelines for radioactive material.