News
On the week of November 19th, 2018 the ISTC in conjunction with the National Nuclear Regulator /Center for Nuclear Safety and Security (NNR/CNSS) conducted first training on “Nuclear Safety, Security and Safeguards in the Transport of Uranium Ore Concentrates (UOC) and Other Radioactive Materials” for African Countries in Pretoria, RSA. The training is a result of the implementation of the EU-funded “Project MC5.01/15B - Support to Southern African States in Nuclear Safety and Safeguards” in partnership with the CNSS.
The experts from government agencies, regulatory bodies representing Project participating countries such as Malawi, Zambia, Tanzania, South Africa as well as representatives from other SADC countries Botswana, DRC and the Kingdom of Eswatini (formerly Swaziland ) attended the training.
Mr. Paul Hinrichsen, Principal Specialist, ERP and Prof. Johan Slabber, University of Pretoria presented number of lectures on various topics about technical Aspects of the safe transport of UOC and radioactive sources, IAEA safeguards requirements for inter-state transport of Uranium Ore Concentrate. The training included full day site visits to the Nuclear Fuels Corporation NUFCOR and NECSA South African Nuclear Energy Corporation SOC Limited which enabled the participants to get an overview of the process of production, packaging and transportation of ADU and UOC. The aim of the visit was to provide insight into the administrative procedures of ADU and UOC storage including the emergency preparedness program and security of material while being transported. The licensing requirements for B(U) containers and the local regulatory requirements with regard to the import and export of radioactive material were discussedduring the discussion session.
The trainees participated in the Case Study Session on Nuclear Material Safeguards and Security Aspects during Transportation of UOC and Radioactive Sources to apply theory to practice and present in groups solutions to given tasks. Finally, the completion of the Comprehensive Evaluation on the topic of: Nuclear Safety, Security and Safeguards in the Transport of UOC and other radioactive materials were completed by participants to evaluate the understanding of the material given during the week. Following feedback and Post-Course Assessment the one week training finished with positive reaction from country participants. The training gave an opportunity to look closely at gaps of the regulations in each participating country as well as to identify their needs for further implementation of the project MC 5.01/15 B.
