HPA-CRCE-003 - Radiological Consequences Resulting from Accidents and Incidents Involving the Transport of Radioactive Materials in the UK – 2009 Review

Synopsis

This report includes descriptions of 32 accidents and incidents involving the transport of radioactive materials from, to, or within the United Kingdom, which occurred in 2009. The number of events in 2009 was less than reported in 2008 (39 events), but more than previous years: 26 events in 2007, 29 events in 2006 and 16 events in 2005. Of the 32 events included in this review eight involved irradiated nuclear fuel flasks (there were seven such events in 2008). In 2009 there was 1 event involving the discovery of radioactive material in shipments containing material which was thought to be non-radioactive. None of the events reported resulted in any significant radiation doses to workers or members of the public.

The details of these events have been entered into the RAdioactive Material Transport Event Database (RAMTED), which now contains information on 949 events that are known to have occurred since 1958.

Last reviewed: 6 August 2010