Research and analysis

Radioactive materials: transport in the UK, 2008 review

This report (HPA-RPD-056) describes accidents and incidents involving transport of radioactive materials to, from, or within the UK in 2008.

Documents

HPA-RPD-056: radiological consequences resulting from accidents and incidents involving the transport of radioactive materials in the UK - 2008 review

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Details

During 2008, there were 38 accidents and incidents involving the transport of radioactive materials from, to, or within the UK. This was more than reported in previous years:

  • 25 events in 2007
  • 27 events in 2006
  • 16 events in 2005

Over recent years, there has been an increase in the number of events (4 in 2008) involving the discovery of radioactive material in shipments containing material which was thought to be nonradioactive.

Also, in 2008 there was an increase in the number of irradiated nuclear fuel flask events (7 in 2008). None of the events in 2008 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).

Published 1 July 2009