Survey into radiological impact of normal transport of radioactive material by sea

Abstract

A study was carried out to determine the radiological consequences from the transport of radioactive material by sea to and from the UK. Radiological surveys were made at ports, onboard ships and at the premises of consignors and consignees. Measurements of dose rates taken during these surveys were used, with data collected on shipment volumes for the years 2006–2008, to estimate the radiological impact on workers and, where appropriate, members of the public. It was estimated that ∼1000 consignments are made annually, involving some 30 000 packages containing radioactive material. The radiological consequences were estimated to be very low. The majority of crew members of ships transporting radioactive material and dock workers receive annual doses on the order of a few microsieverts or less. The highest individual annual dose to a worker was estimated to be ∼0·2 mSv. The annual collective dose from all these shipments was estimated to be ∼2×10⁻³ man Sv.

Keywords:

• Radiation protection
• Radiation exposure
• Sea transport
• Health effects

The authors are grateful to consignors and consignees for their cooperation in this project, without which the study would not have been possible. The cooperation of shipping lines and port authorities was also greatly appreciated. The authors would also like to thank the Health and Safety Executive’s Office for Civil Nuclear Security and the Maritime and Coastguard Agency for their valuable advice.