The Need for a Public Information Program to Promote Understanding of the Validity of the Safety of IAEA Transport Regulations for Shipment of Radioactive Material

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) first published Safety Series No. 6 (1961 Edition) in May 1961 for application to the national and international transport of radioactive materials. Numerous highly-experienced experts in the world attended the technical meetings and panel discussions since that time. Subsequent reviews were carried out in consultation with Member States and the organizations concerned, resulting in comprehensive revisions being published as Safety Series No. 6 (1964 Edition) in 1965. A revised version was published in 1967 in time to help assure safety in the transport of the spent fuels from nuclear power plants and radiation sources etc. that were becoming more frequent and presenting actual problems at that time. Furthermore, technical and panel revision meetings were held relating to important issues such as test procedures, criticality safety in the transport of spent fuels etc. because of increasing international transport as well as domestic transport of RAM. These meetings were actively joined by representatives from Member States. Safety Series No. 6 (hereinafter: the IAEA Regulations) were published in 1973 and1985 and adapted to each domestic regulations of Member States respectively in 1978 and 1990. Many experts concerned, including those from Member States, have actively taken part in the revision process of the IAEA Regulations. The results from those meetings will be reflected in the next edition of the IAEA regulations. These were reviewed and discussed by the Competent Authorities of Member States.