World news – African Union – Colombia strengthens security of disused sealed radioactive sources

Despite restrictions imposed due to the global pandemic, several DSRSs have been successfully brought to a safer storage facility in Colombia over the past few weeks with support from the International Atomic Energy Agency. The sources were used to treat cancer but had reached the end of their useful life. Their relocation marks a milestone in an ongoing project to increase the security of the country’s neglected resources.

« Neglected sealed radioactive sources can remain radioactive for a long time and pose security and safety challenges, » said Raja Abdel Aziz Raja Adnan, Director of the Nuclear Security Division at the International Atomic Energy Agency.. “Proper management of these sources helps protect against accidental exposure to radiation and intentional use of malicious purposes.

Sealed radioactive sources are used throughout the world for many useful purposes in fields such as healthcare, industry, research and agriculture. These sources are usually managed safely and securely during use. It is equally important to manage these resources once they reach the end of their useful life and be neglected. The safe, secure and long-term sustainable management of DSRS systems is essential to reduce radiation risks to the public and the environment.

As part of the implementation of Colombia’s National Action Plan to secure and store all used radioactive materials, within the framework of the Integrated Nuclear Security Support Plan (INSSP), implementation of the project began in 2014. Designed to support the dismantling and consolidation of all twenty highly active DSRSs from various facilities within the state, and relocate them to a secure and secure storage facility for further management.

Conducting complex field operations, such as moving radioactive sources at the end of their life cycle – when they are particularly vulnerable – to a safe and secure storage facility requires highly specialized expertise and poses technical challenges during normal times.. This is further complicated by health and safety measures in place during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. To ensure compliance with national epidemic restrictions, plans had to be modified: for example, the Biosafety Protocol regulating cleaning, sanitation, and social distancing was introduced and adhered to as well..

Miguel Loreto Robledo, Colombia’s Deputy Minister of Energy, said: « The operations were completed according to the highest standards of radiation safety and safety, but also with unprecedented biosecurity measures due to the current Covid-19 national health emergency. ». . “The dedication of all national stakeholders, such as our ministry, the National Police of Colombia, and the Colombian Geological Service, demonstrates our country’s undeniable commitment to enhancing nuclear safety and security..

The project was supported by the Government of Canada through its contribution to the Nuclear Security Fund of the International Atomic Energy Agency.

The International Atomic Energy Agency supports more than twenty countries, upon request, to improve the security and integrity of national DSRS inventories through large-scale field operations and building complementary capacities to enhance sustainability.

Click here to learn more about other IAEA initiatives to enhance nuclear security through sustainable management of discarded sealed radioactive sources in Latin America, Africa and the Pacific.

Radioactive Source, Radioactive Decay, IAEA, Colombia, Security, Safety