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Disposal of Disused Radioactive Sources – University Lab and Research

Source Retrieval & Disposal

Legacy Sealed-Source Retrieval, Conditioning & Disposal — Research University

RADXION was engaged by a major research university to retrieve, characterize, condition, and permanently dispose of legacy sealed radioactive sources that had reached end-of-use. These sources (primarily Cs-137 and Co-60 check sources) were stored in various lab rooms without a formal disposal pathway. RADXION delivered a turnkey solution—from source identification through to final off-site handover—ensuring full regulatory compliance and zero environmental or personnel risk.

18 Labs Surveyed27 Sealed SourcesCs-137 & Co-60Turnkey to Final Handover

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Objectives

Safe Retrieval

Locate and securely remove all disused sealed sources from campus laboratories.

Regulatory Compliance

Package and transport under IAEA Type B(U) standards and UAE FANR regulations.

Final Disposal

Transfer sources to an authorized national waste repository or licensed broker.

Documentation

Provide complete traceable records for decommissioning, transport, and disposal certificates.

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Scope of Work

Phase 1Inventory Audit & Source Characterization

  • Survey 18 labs and storage cabinets; identify 27 sealed sources.
  • Perform dose-rate measurements and leak tests to confirm activity and integrity.

Phase 2Conditioning & Packaging

  • Design custom shielding overpacks (lead-lined Type B(U) casks).
  • Securely encapsulate sources in welded stainless-steel capsules where needed.
  • Fabricate and QA-test transport frames and shock-absorbent cradles.

Phase 3Regulatory Approvals & Documentation

  • Prepare Safety Analysis Report for Packaging (SARP) per IAEA SSR-6.
  • Obtain FANR transport license and environmental permits.
  • Draft and review shipment manifest, declaration of radioactive contents, and emergency response plan.

Phase 4Transport & Handover

  • Coordinate special-permit road transport to the national disposal facility.
  • Escort by certified radiation protection officer and emergency-capable escort vehicle.
  • Perform pre- and post-shipment surveys; receipt confirmation from disposal site.

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Equipment & Materials

Overpacks Certified 150 mm-thick lead-shielded, stainless-steel casks (gross weight ~2 t).
Handling Tools Remote grippers, shielded transfer trolleys, and glove-bag enclosures for any suspected leaks.
Monitoring Portable gamma spectrometers, area dosimeters, and continuous air sampler in transport vehicles.

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Regulatory & Safety Compliance

IAEA SSR-6

For Type B(U) packaging and transport.

UAE FANR

Licensing for sealed-source transport and disposal.

ISO 11625

Interlock and packaging integrity tests.

Emergency Response

On-route drills and contingency plans coordinated with civil defense.

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Deliverables

  • Source Inventory ReportWith activity assays and leak-test certificates.
  • Packaging SARPApproved by FANR.
  • Transport DocumentationIncluding RAD Form 8 manifest and vehicle permits.
  • Disposal CertificatesIssued by the national repository.
  • Project Close-Out ReportSummarizing all phases, lessons learned, and recommendations for future source management.

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