Radiation – preventing exposure from sealed sources (until 2018)
SUMMARY OF:
Directive 2003/122/Euratom — safety standards to protect against radiation
SUMMARY
WHAT DOES THE DIRECTIVE DO?
It introduces tighter rules on dealing with ‘sealed radioactive sources’. It also harmonises the EU-wide approach.
‘Sealed radioactive sources’ are small amounts radioactive material that are:
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permanently sealed in a capsule, or
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bonded to a non-radioactive material
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to prevent leaks/contamination.
They have many uses (e.g. medicine, research and industry).
The Directive applies to high-activity sealed radioactive sources (HASS).
KEY POINTS
Abandoned, lost or misplaced sources (or sources moved without authorisation) are called ‘orphan sources’.
Orphan sources can be a health risk. The Directive aims to reduce this risk.
It asks EU countries to:
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clarify who is responsible for recovering orphan sources
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set up systems to detect orphan sources (e.g. in metal scrapyards)
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run campaigns to recover orphan sources
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train workers to handle sources safely.
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Rules for source holders
Holders must keep records of all sources they are responsible for. Records must include:
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location
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transfer details (of location and/or responsibility)
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identification markings.
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They must also:
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check source condition regularly
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run tests (e.g. leak tests) to international standards
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prevent loss, theft and unauthorised use (and tell authorities if this happens)
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provide radiation protection training for workers
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inform authorities if people are exposed to radiation.
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EU countries must:
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designate a competent authority to implement the Directive
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set up a prior authorisation scheme for equipment using high-activity sources
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ensure holders have safety rules in place and can pay for re-use or disposal
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create a transfer tracking system
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ensure funding is available to recover orphan sources
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cooperate with other EU Member States in the event of loss, removal or theft — or discovery of orphan sources.
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WHEN DOES THIS DIRECTIVE APPLY?
From 31 December 2003.
It has been repealed by Directive 2013/59/Euratom, which has incorporated its main provisions. Directive 2013/59/Euratom will take effect on 6 February 2014.
ACT
Council Directive 2003/122/Euratom of 22 December 2003 on the control of high-activity sealed radioactive sources and orphan sources
REFERENCES
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Act |
Entry into force |
Deadline for transposition in the Member States |
Official Journal |
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Directive 2003/122/Euratom |
31.12.2003 |
31.12.2005 |
RELATED ACTS
Council Directive 2013/59/Euratom of 5 December 2013 laying down basic safety standards for protection against the dangers arising from exposure to ionising radiation, and repealing Directives 89/618/Euratom, 90/641/Euratom, 96/29/Euratom, 97/43/Euratom and 2003/122/Euratom (OJ L 13, 17.1.2014, pp. 1–73)
Report from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council and the European Economic and Social Committee: Experience gained in the implementation of Directive 2003/122/Euratom on the control of high-activity sealed radioactive sources and orphan sources (COM(2015) 158 final of 16.4.2015)
last update 15.10.2015