Results and evaluation of the safety significance of events in the transportation of radioactive material. Final report to AP 5

This report presents the results of a data collection and an evaluation of the safety significance of events in the transportation of radioactive material by all modes on public routes in Germany. Systems for reporting and evaluation of the safety significance of events encountered in the transport of radioactive material are a central element in monitoring and judging the adequacy and effectiveness of the transport regulations and their underlying safety philosophy. This allows for revision by experience feedback (lessons learned). The nationwide survey performed covering the time period from 1995 to 2019 identified and analysed a total of 1028 transport events varying in type and severity. The vast majority of recorded transport events relate to minor deviations from the provisions of the transport regulations (e.g. improper markings and error in transport documents) or inappropriate practices and operational procedures resulting in material damage of packages and equipment such as handling incidents. Severe traffic accidents and fires represented only a small fraction (2.5 %) of the recorded transport events. Five transport events were identified in the reporting period to have given rise to environmental radioactive releases. Five transport events have resulted in minor radiation exposures to the transport personnel; in one of these cases an exposure in excess of the statutory annual dose limit for the public seems possible. Based on the EVTRAM scale, with seven significance levels, the broad majority of transport events has been classified as "non-incidents" (Level 0) and "events without affecting the safety functions of the package" (Level 1). On the INES scale most transport events would be classified as events with "no safety significance" (Below Scale/Level 0). The survey results show no serious deficiencies in the transport of radioactive material, supporting the conclusion that a high level of safety and protection is ensured by the existing regulatory requirements. However, there is still potential for improvement notably through avoiding common administrative deviations that could be rectified by training and qualification of the involved transport personnel. Moreover, there are indications of intentionally wrong declarations in particular for consumer goods containing small quantities of radioactive material.