A review of transport incidents involving radioactive material in India

The existing regulatory framework for the safe transport of radioactive material in the country is briefly discussed and transportation incidents are reviewed. Almost all incidents causing excessive exposures to the transport workers and members of the public have arisen during transportation of radiography sources and equipment from industrial radiography institutions in the country. This is primarily due to gross negligence and carelessness regarding compliance with the mandatory provisions on the part of the consignors. On the other hand, the record of transportation safety has been excellent in the nuclear fuel cycle and allied activities under the control of the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), mainly due to strict compliance with the regulatory provisions stipulated by the competent authority and effective use of administrative controls. The necessary steps taken by the competent authority to prevent recurrence of similar incidents in the case of non-DAE institutions are outlined. (author)