Cambridge
Academy
In London

Introduction

Safe management and transport of radioactive waste are critical for protecting people, the environment, and facilities. This course equips participants with practical knowledge of waste classification, pre-disposal handling, storage, packaging, and transport according to international and national standards. It emphasizes IAEA requirements, regional regulations, and best practices, enabling participants to design compliant procedures and conduct audits confidently.

Target Audience

• Radiation Protection Officers and safety managers
• Waste management staff in medical, industrial, and nuclear facilities
• Regulatory inspectors and compliance professionals
• Engineers, technicians, and operators handling radioactive materials
• Professionals preparing for advanced roles in nuclear safety and waste management

Course Objectives

• Understand radioactive waste types, sources, and classifications
• Apply waste segregation, conditioning, and storage practices
• Implement safe and compliant transport procedures for radioactive materials
• Interpret and apply IAEA SSR–6 transport regulations and local codes
• Develop emergency response plans for transport incidents
• Conduct compliance audits and prepare proper documentation for consignments

Course Content

Unit 1: Radioactive Waste Fundamentals

• Definitions and importance of waste management
• Types of radioactive waste (VLLW, LLW, ILW, HLW)
• Sources of waste: medical, industrial, nuclear, NORM
• Characteristics influencing waste classification and disposal route
• Environmental and safety implications of poor waste management
• Case example: medical waste mismanagement incident

Unit 2: Waste Management Practices

• Segregation and minimization of radioactive waste
• Conditioning and treatment methods (solidification, compaction, incineration)
• Decay storage principles and criteria
• Facility waste storage design and safe operating procedures
• Record-keeping and inventory control for traceability
• Example: best practices from nuclear medicine facilities

Unit 3: Transport of Radioactive Material

• Fundamentals of transport safety: containment, shielding, control
• Package types (Excepted, Type A, Type B, Type C) and selection criteria
• Labelling, marking, and transport documentation requirements
• Roles and responsibilities of consignors, carriers, and consignees
• Radiation dose control during transport operations
• Practical exercise: preparing documentation for a sample consignment

Unit 4: Regulations and Compliance

• IAEA SSR–6 transport safety regulations overview
• Key national requirements and alignment with global standards
• Licensing and authorization processes for waste transport
• Compliance inspections and audits of waste facilities
• Consequences of regulatory non-compliance
• Case study: transport violation and lessons learned

Unit 5: Emergency Preparedness and Capstone

• Transport incident response protocols and initial actions
• Decontamination methods for materials, equipment, and personnel
• Communication and reporting responsibilities in emergencies
• Capstone project: classify, package, and document a mock consignment
• Final assessment and feedback
• Building a safety-first culture in waste handling and transport