‘Safe package’ concept

Radioactive materials are used in many different areas (e.g. in medicine or research) in Germany and around the world. Alternatively, they accumulate as waste and have to be disposed of (e.g. during the dismantling of nuclear power plants). This often requires transport, so that the radioactive materials reach their destination via different routes (e.g. by truck or by air). In order to ensure the safety and protection of people and the environment at all times, even during handling (e.g. when transferring from a truck to a ship) or in the event of an accident, the concept of the "safe package" has been established in globally binding regulations.

The fundamental premise is that the package itself is the primary means of ensuring safety, with minimal operational and administrative effort regardless of the mode of transport.

This implies that the radioactive contents and the packaging collectively constitute the package. The packaging is subject to specific safety requirements, contingent upon the type and quantity (hazard potential) of the radioactive material to be transported.

Graded categories and requirements

The packages are classified into distinct categories according to their specific requirements. The category with the lowest packaging requirements is that of ‘excepted packages’, given that their contents are of a limited nature. The category with the highest requirements includes package types B and C. An example of a type B package is the CASTOR cask, which is considered ‘ accident-proof packaging’. It is imperative that these casks are capable of withstanding the effects of the most severe accidents while maintaining their safety function with regard to

• limiting the external dose rate (shielding against radiation)
• containment of the radioactive contents (leak tightness)
• dissipate the heat generated by the contents, and
• prevent the occurrence of a nuclear chain reaction ( criticality safety).

Such Type B packages are subject to approval by the Federal Office for the Safety of Nuclear Waste Management (BASE). Proof of compliance with the legally required Type B cask properties must be provided before approval can be granted. Various methods, such as original tests, model tests and theoretical proofs, are used for this purpose.

The technical safety of the transport of radioactive material is thus primarily ensured by the properties of the package.