Radioactive material: safe transport

OBJECTIVE: this communication concerns the fourth report of the standing working group on the safe transport of radioactive material in the European Union. CONTENT: This European Commission communication is mainly intended to update and supplement the information presented one and a half years ago in the previous report on this subject by highlighting the recent changes to the IAEA transport regulations, the latest activities conducted or supported by the Commission and recent events which have influenced the public perception of safety in transport operations. In conclusion, the Commission invites the Community to implement the recommendations of the standing working group by adopting a multiannual action plan for the transport of radioactive material. The following topics should be addressed in such an action plan: - monitoring and analysis of the present situation and future prospects with regard to nuclear transport practices in the Member States, giving particular attention to the analysis of incidents and accidents and to the features of the packages; - implementation of the IAEA's transport regulations (ST-1) by the international organizations responsible for the various modes of transport, followed by the Member States; - revision and improvement of international regulations in liaison with the IAEA and the various transport associations; - better information for the public, better training for the personnel involved in transport operations and better emergency response planning and training for emergency teams; - cooperation with Central and Eastern European countries and the NIS in all these areas. Once the situation in the member States has been studied, the action plan will allow practical suggestions to be made as to how the necessary harmonization measures can be implemented in the EU. Chapter III of the Euratom Treaty could serve as the legal basis for such a programme, which would be implemented by the Commission, with the help of the standing working group on the safe transport of radioactive materials.�