Group of Experts on Monitoring of Radioactively Contaminated Scrap Metal Second Session Geneva, June 2006 United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE)

What brings us here today: 2001: UNECE, EC and IAEA publication “Report on the Improvement of the Management of Radiation Protection in the Recycling of Metal Scrap” 2003/4: UNECE questionnaire on current state of scrap metal radiation monitoring worldwide 2004: 1. Session UNECE Group of Experts to discuss policies and experiences in monitoring and interception of radioactively contaminated scrap metal world-wide and to explore ways and means to facilitate and secure international trade and transport of scrap metal 2005/6: UNECE questionnaire 2006: 2. Session UNECE Group of Experts

Recommendations 1. Expert Group meeting Voluntary Protocol: Development of an international Protocol to increase the capture of radioactive material in scrap metal, to reduce potential contamination and to aid in the disposition of found materials Information exchange: Establishment of an international web portal Training: Preparation of international training and capacity- building programmes to address protocol implementation

Need for action Monitoring radioactively contaminated scrap metal Issues (1) Consumers and industry wants «radiation-free » goods Increased use of recycled scrap metal One of most actively traded commodities world-wide Increased decommissioning of sites with potential radiation hazards Improved radiation detection devices Increasing number of detectors and detections Usually very low radiation levels involved and associated health and environmental risks However major economic, financial and trade consequences of incidents

Need for action Monitoring radioactively contaminated scrap metal Issues (2) Regulations/guidance of radioactive sources and its transport by national and international authorities (IAEA, EC, UNECE, etc.) Before 2001, no international collaboration on monitoring, interception and management of radioactively contaminated scrap metal (1999 Spanis Protocol) Inter-sectoral and inter-departmental cooperation (commerce, trade faciliation, Customs, engineering, safety…) Potential security concerns

Aim of voluntary Protocol (1) Substantive basis Spanish Protocol for Collaboration on Radiation Monitoring of Metals (1999) UNECE, EC, IAEA Report on Management of Radiation Protection in the Recycling of Metal Scrap (2001) EU and IAEA regulations and « guidance » Metal processing and recycling specifications (industry)

Aim of voluntary Protocol (2) -> Ultimately to assist Governments and industries to effectively monitor, intercept and respond to radioactive material in scrap metal –to encourage use of recycled materials; and –to facilitate international trade and commerce of scrap metal without compromising safety

The voluntary Protocol is not: NOT legally binding or compulsory NOT a Guidance document or Code of Conduct NOT a political or regulatory commitment on control measures, procedures and mechanisms

The voluntary Protocol is: Voluntary Compendium of best practices and alternatives Based on national/international regulations, standards and practices Expert opinion (regulatory and industry participation) Comprehensive approach (from demolition to melting) Identifies responsibilities, procedures and mechanisms Encourages national and international collaboration Framework for action by Governments and industry to develop their own strategies for safe use of metal scrap

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