The German Regulatory System to Control Radioactive Sources

An effective regulatory infrastructure and control of radioactive sources and other radioactive material as well as a safe and secure long term management of disused sources are key elements for preventing people, goods and the environment from unjustified exposure. To ensure a sustainable control of high radioactive sources, the European Commission published Council Directive 2003/122/Euratom of 22 December on the control of high-activity sealed radioactive sources and orphan sources, which had to be transferred into national legislation by all EU Member States. Germany implemented this Directive, legally binding it in legislation in 2005. A major requirement of the Directive is a system to ensure traceability of high activity sealed sources from 'cradle to grave' as well as the provision to take back disused sources by the supplier or manufacturer. Strengthening the security regime for other radioactive material is a topical task in Germany. Therefore, a comprehensive guideline to provide appropriate security is currently being developed in Germany. This guideline represents an efficient instrument for the security of other radioactive material during use, storage and transport in Germany. Securing other radioactive material is to a certain extent impaired by the fact that in many cases people handling these sources are well aware of their radiation safety hazard but far less aware of the security risks involved. Therefore, it is an important task to enhance awareness for the security of other radioactive material, especially at less secure sites. (author)