In the week of 2 to 6 October 2023, the Regional Workshop on Requirements for the Safe Transport of Radioactive Material took place at the Headquarters of the Institute for Nuclear Science and Technology (INST) in Hanoi, Vietnam. The Workshop was organized by the INST in collaboration with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) within the framework of the Asian Nuclear Safety Network (ANSN).
The purpose of the event was to provide participants with a common understanding and discussions on applicable international safety requirements for the transport of radioactive material. The event focused on the application of Transport Regulations i.e., IAEA SSR-6 (Rev-1) using a graded approach, shared mechanisms to ensure practical compliance with the requirements and highlighted the roles of national, regional, and international cooperation in enhancing the efficiency of these requirements.
At the opening session of the Workshop, Mr Nguyen An Trung, Acting Director of Department of International Cooperation, Vietnam Atomic Energy Institute, ANSN Steering Committee Member of Vietnam and Ms Bui Thi Thuy Anh, Director of International Cooperation Division, Vietnam Agency for Radiation and Nuclear Safety, ANSN Steering Committee Member of Vietnam, delivered their speech and welcomed the IAEA staff, two experts, and up to 20 participants from 8 Member States to gather at the Workshop.
Group photo
The Workshop included 16 expert presentations, 4 group discussions, and presentations by the participants on their national situation concerning the regulations for the safe transport of radioactive material. During the five days of the Workshop, the program covered six main topics as per below.
- International Regulatory Framework for Safe Transport of Radioactive Material;
- IAEA Regulations for the Safe Transport of Radioactive Material SSR-6 (Rev.1);
- Process for the development of IAEA transport safety standards;
- Regulatory Functions for ensuring compliance with the SSR-6 (Rev. 1) including authorization for packages and shipments;
- Assessment of the status of compliance assurance activities of competent authorities of the participating countries; and
- Discussion on possible ways to enhance cooperation among ANSN countries and their roles in the region for safe transport of radioactive material.
The country presentations and group work focused on ways to harmonize national regulations with international safety standards and practices to ensure regulatory compliance with the SSR-6 (Rev.1) applying a graded approach such as type of radioactive material transported, type of packages designed and used, approvals issued for packages and shipments, practices to control carriers, and coordination among relevant competent authorities.
All activities provided much useful information and practical experience for developing and updating the requirements for safety and security in the transport of radioactive material. The event was also regarded as a good opportunity for regulatory bodies and management agencies in Vietnam to review and improve the legal system, as well as for technical workers to gain control experiences in the transport of radioactive material. This may make a considerable contribution towards the establishment of an appropriate safety system at any facilities where activities or practices utilizing nuclear material are conducted.
At the closing session of the Workshop, on behalf of the Host, INST Director Mr Pham Duc Khue expressed his congratulations on the success of the Workshop and also expressed his gratitude to the IAEA for great support to Vietnam as well as other Member States for the development of atomic energy applications for peaceful purposes, with a focus on safety, security, and safeguards.
Workshop photos:
Expert presentation
Group discussion
Country presentation (Malaysia)
Country presentation (Indonesia)
Country presentation (Philippines)
INST