1. United Kingdom arrangements for national registers of radioactive sources
Ian Streatfield
IAEA International Workshop on National Registers of Radiation Sources, 20 to 23 March 2017

2. Contents Introduction The UK Competent Authorities
The UK HASS Inventory and HASS Database
Council Regulation 1493/93
Export Control
Recent IAEA IRRS Mission
National Nuclear Forensic Lab
Conclusions
IAEA International Workshop on National Registers of Radiation Sources, 20 to 23 March 2017

3. Introduction
The overall purpose of the UK’s regulatory arrangements for radioactive sources, is to provide high standards of safety and security, and minimise the generation of radioactive waste.
In a proportionate way
IAEA International Workshop on National Registers of Radiation Sources, 20 to 23 March 2017

4. HASS regulators in the UK
HASS sources on nuclear sites in Great Britain
IAEA International Workshop on National Registers of Radiation Sources, 20 to 23 March 2017

5. HASS Inventory
Compliant with Article 5 of COUNCIL DIRECTIVE /122/EURATOM of 22 December 2003
The holders of HASS must keep formal records of all HASS in their possession and register the HASS with the appropriate enforcing authority. Additionally, HASS users are required to notify the relevant enforcing authority whenever they come into possession of new HASS; transfer HASS to another user; transfer HASS back to a manufacturer; or transfer HASS to a Recognised Installation for long-term storage.
National database maintained by SEPA, on behalf of the UK Competent Authorities.
IAEA International Workshop on National Registers of Radiation Sources, 20 to 23 March 2017

6. HASS Database - uses
Waste: Sources become waste and the HASS Inventory allows the UK to understand the likely needs for disposal and recycling facilities for HASS waste.
Security and regulation: Regulators use the information in the inventory to plan and assist in inspections.
Using information for Future Regulation: The UK used information from the HASS inventory to identify sources that would be affected when the UK implements the new BSSD.
Waste: In theory we know (through the inventory) what types of HASS and quantities are in use. An example of this recently was looking at a UK need for licencing additional transport containers to allow movement of HASS and other sealed sources to the recognised installation for long term storage pending disposal.
Security & regulation: It is possible to obtain a list of all HASS at a site before inspecting individual sites. For regulatory planning purposes it is also possible to identify which sites hold the highest number of HASS to prioritise regulatory activity.
Future Reg: It allowed us to see how many sites (~70) and HASS(~400) would be affected by changes to HASS thresholds and this helps in understanding the regulatory impacts of new legislation.
IAEA International Workshop on National Registers of Radiation Sources, 20 to 23 March 2017

7. HASS Database - issues
Administrative / funding challenges of five Competent Authorities.
Controlling access to sensitive information, whilst allowing reporting and interrogation by all the Competent Authorities.
Changes required as a result of implementation of EU BSS Directive 2013.
IAEA International Workshop on National Registers of Radiation Sources, 20 to 23 March 2017

8. Council Regulation (Euratom) No 1493/93 of 8 June 1993 on shipments of radioactive substances between Member States.
The Regulation applies to shipments, between Member States, of sealed sources and other relevant sources, whenever the quantities and concentrations exceed levels set down in EU’s Basic Safety Standard Directive (BSSD).
The Regulation is binding in its entirety and directly applicable in all Member States. The regulation only applies to shipments between Member States, not to shipments into or out of the Community.
UK Competent Authorities are the Office for Nuclear Regulation (for sites under the Nuclear Installations Act) or the relevant environment agency (i.e. Environment Agency, SEPA, NRW and NIEA).
IAEA International Workshop on National Registers of Radiation Sources, 20 to 23 March 2017

9. Council Regulation (Euratom) No 1493/93 of 8 June 1993 on shipments of radioactive substances between Member States.
Two main requirements:
A holder of sealed sources who intends to carry out a shipment of such sources, or to arrange for such a shipment to be carried out, shall obtain a prior written declaration by the consignee of the radioactive substances to the effect that the consignee has complied, in the Member State of destination, with all applicable provisions implementing the BSSD and with relevant national requirements for safe storage, use or disposal of that class of source. (Article 4)
 A holder of sealed sources and other relevant sources who has carried out a shipment of such sources, or arranged for such a shipment to be carried out, shall, within 21 days of the end of each calendar quarter, provide the competent authorities in the Member State of destination with specified information in respect of deliveries during the quarter. (Article 6)
IAEA International Workshop on National Registers of Radiation Sources, 20 to 23 March 2017

10. Export Control
The Export of Radioactive Sources (Control) Order controls the export of certain high-activity radioactive sources as defined under the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Code of Conduct on the Safety and Security of Radioactive Sources.
It was introduced as part of the Export Control Organisation’s (ECO’s) international commitment to minimise the risk of radioactive sources falling into the hands of terrorists or criminal groups who may seek sources for terrorist funds.
IAEA International Workshop on National Registers of Radiation Sources, 20 to 23 March 2017

11. IAEA IRRS Missions to Review the UK Regulatory System.
Three phases in 2006, 2009 & 2013.
One recommendation in 2013 relevant to sealed sources (and two suggestions)
RFF6: The interaction between ONR and other regulatory bodies (RBs) should be agreed to and better documented for implementation of effective cooperation in regulating radioactive sources (legislation, authorization, regulatory functions relevant to emergency exposure situations, registration of RS, inspection and enforcement).
IRRS Team agreed the recommendation and suggestions closed in 2014.
RFF6: Many responsibilities relating to the regulation of radioactive sources are cross-cutting between regulatory authorities today. Thus, the interaction between ONR and other regulatory authorities should be more effectively documented.
Taken forward as part of larger project to develop a wide ranging MoU between ONR and the Environment Agencies (EA).
IAEA International Workshop on National Registers of Radiation Sources, 20 to 23 March 2017

12. IAEA IRRS Missions to Review UK Regulatory System.
In the final report from the 2014 mission the IAEA team commended:
the extent of progress made since demonstrating the continuous effort to improve;
the UK and ONR's commitment to high standards of nuclear safety and the benefits of the IRRS process.
Return IRRS mission scheduled for 2019.
IAEA International Workshop on National Registers of Radiation Sources, 20 to 23 March 2017

13. National Nuclear Forensics Library
Arrangements to help identify whether nuclear or radioactive material found outside regulatory control is of UK origin.
Utilises subject matter experts with access to relevant records and facilities.
HASS Database is one input to the library
An IAEA TECDOC has been drafted
IAEA International Workshop on National Registers of Radiation Sources, 20 to 23 March 2017

14. Conclusions
The HASS database is an integral part of the UK’s robust arrangements to ensure high standards are applied to the safety and security of radioactive sources.
The arrangements comply with the IAEA Code of Conduct on the Safety and Security of Radioactive Sources, IAEA Safety Standards Series No. GSR Part 3, and the Euratom HASS Directive.
IAEA International Workshop on National Registers of Radiation Sources, 20 to 23 March 2017

15. Questions?
IAEA International Workshop on National Registers of Radiation Sources, 20 to 23 March 2017