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The development of a comprehensive and sustainable approach to radiological security requires the proper management of radioactive sources and their protection by adequate security arrangements throughout their entire lifecycle.
One way to reduce the radiological security risk is to encourage the adoption of technologies that do not contain radioactive material, but which achieve the same beneficial results – often called “alternative technologies.” If properly implemented, the transition towards alternative technologies can have a significant impact on improving radiological security, since these technologies are far less attractive for malicious use. Radiological security benefits will only be realized if proper security arrangements are implemented during the transition process, in particular during the transport and end-of-life management of the disused sources.
Each year, thousands of radioactive sources become disused worldwide. Many are exchanged for new ones to continue operation (e.g., industrial radiography and medical teletherapy). Some other disused sources are covered by agreements to return to their original supplier. However, many users cease operations or have no more use for their sources and are not fully aware of options for the adequate or affordable long-term storage or disposal of disused sources.
For instance, many users are unaware of the costs associated with the management of radioactive sources when they become disused, for example, during the transition to alternative technologies. They are unaware that the transportation and disposal costs might be comparable to the purchasing price of the source itself. When confronted with these costly options, some users may opt to not declare their sources as disused and instead store them for extended period of time under substandard circumstances. Poor management of disused high activity radioactive sources has led to significant incidents, which have caused severe damages, including human casualties.
In addition, availability of authorised transport packages, lack of documentation and necessary certificates for sources and devices, insufficient storage capabilities, complex import/export processes, legislative and regulatory constraints from the countries of origin, and the absence of disposal pathways are examples of remaining challenges to an effective management of disused radioactive sources. Finally, in some instances, countries adopting alternative technologies count on international organisations or programmes to help manage disused sources.
Therefore, WINS and the co-chairs of the Ad Hoc Working Group on Alternatives to High-Activity Radioactive Sources (France, Germany and USA) have agreed to co-host a 3-day workshop for European countries aimed at reviewing case studies of effective end-of-life management for radioactive sources; bringing together government representatives, users, industry, and funding organizations regarding disused source management options and considerations; identifying security issues related to the management of disused sources; and addressing the barriers to entry in the adoption of machine-based ionizing radiation technologies.
The workshop will support the implementation of INFCIRC/910 on Strengthening the Security of High Activity Sealed Radioactive Sources. It will also complement the efforts of the Ad Hoc Working Group aimed at facilitating the adoption of alternative technologies.
The workshop will be conducted on 28 and 29 March 2023 in Aix en Provence, France. On 30 March 2023, participants will be invited to visit selected disused sources management facilities located on the CEA nuclear site of Cadarache.
This workshop is organised with the kind support of the DOE NNSA Office of Radiologcial Security (ORS).
This workshop will review the latest information on the various options to manage disused radioactive sources and how it impacts radiological security globally. It will also address the necessary requirements of an effective end-of-life management pathway as a prerequisite to successful risk reduction through the replacement of radioactive sources with non-radioisotopic alternative technologies. Lastly, it will strengthen communication channels between users, industry, and funding organizations regarding disused source management options and considerations.
The workshop will focus on sealed high activity radioactive sources (Cat. 1, 2 and 3) and will provide participants with the opportunity:
National strategies may vary from country to country, and the industrial and commercial approaches may differ for each supplier. Therefore, the workshop will be designed around the primary process for designing and implementing an effective end of life management strategy. These steps may include onsite storage of sources or transport for reuse or recycle, return to a supplier/manufacturer, repatriation of legacy sources, consolidation at a storage facility, disposal as waste. For each step, participants will identify the key stakeholders and the challenges they may encounter and will explore pathways to overcome those challenges.
Expert speakers from participating countries will be invited to share their experiences and lessons learned from implementing disused sources management strategies and practices. Industry will be invited to speak about management options offered, and their respective planning process. International donors to disused source management and alternative technology projects also will be invited to speak about available funding mechanisms for participants to explore. Participants will be encouraged to identify immediate steps that can be taken to strengthen radiological security and the management of disused sources in their organisations and countries.
As an outcome from this workshop, WINS will revise its International Best Practices Guide 5.5. on Security Management of Disused Radioactive Sources.
The workshop will be open to a group of around 40 participants from Europe. It will target representatives from:
The workshop will be by invitation only and will be limited to 40participants.
Participants will be expected to meet their own costs for travel and accommodation. Travel assistance is available but limited and based on need.
Female practitioners will be strongly encouraged to apply. At least 40% has been set up as target for female speakers and female participants.
The workshop will be conducted at the Aquabella hotel in Aix en Provence. A block of hotel rooms (169 EUR, breakfast and all taxes included) has been reserved for this event. Please contact pierre.legoux@wins.org for more information.
![]() | Pierre Legoux Head of Programme Implementation +43 1710651912 pierre.legoux@wins.org |
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![]() | Tomas Bieda Project Manager +43 1 710 6519 tomas.bieda@wins.org |
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![]() | Mehri Avlyakulova Executive Assistant +43 6763958136 mehri.avlyakulova@wins.org |
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