TRANSPORT & WASTE SAFETY

TRANSPORT SAFETY

PNRA regulates safe transportation of radioactive material in the country in accordance with regulatory requirements prescribed in Regulations for the Safe Transport of Radioactive Material - PAK/916.The consignments of radioactive material have to comply with national and international requirements. The authorization of such shipments is granted on acceptance of relevant documents by PNRA. It is ensured that the consignors fulfill their obligations through regulatory oversight. PNRA also issues certificate for transport packages designed and manufactured in the country. A central database of transport packages and shipments is maintained at PNRA.

RADIOACTIVE WASTE SAFETY

The radioactive waste generated during operation and decommissioning of nuclear installations, radiation facilities and associated activities may pose hazards to the public health and the environment. Therefore, there is a need for effective regulatory oversight of such activities in accordance with the national regulatory requirements and internationally accepted principles and best practices.

PNRA plays its regulatory role with the aim to minimize the generation of radioactive waste by requiring the licensees to use proven technologies and adopt such methods that not only control the volume reduction but also the safe management of radioactive waste. PNRA has compiled regulatory requirements in “Regulations on Radioactive Waste Management -PAK/915”. Moreover, a “National Policy on Safe Management of Radioactive Waste, Decommissioning and Spent Nuclear Fuel in Islamic Republic of Pakistan” has been developed which sets out responsibilities of government, licensees and regulators for safe management of radioactive waste.

Currently, radioactive waste generated by nuclear installations and radiation facilities is being stored safely at their respective sites whereas Disused Sealed Radioactive Sources (DSRS) are being stored at two designated radioactive waste management facilities including PINSTECH Predisposal Radioactive Waste Management Facility (PPRWMF) and KANUPP Radioactive Waste Storage Area.

Release of Radioactive Effluents to the Environment

The operation of nuclear and radiation facilities results in discharge of radioactivity to the environment in the form of liquid and gaseous effluents. PNRA regulates such discharges under the national Regulations on Radioactive Waste Management - PAK/915 through its rigorous regulatory processes. PNRA approves the discharge limits for the radioactive effluents and ensures that the releases of radioactive effluents to the environment are kept within the permissible levels and as low as reasonably achievable.