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Disposal of Disused Radioactive Sources – University Lab and Research

1. Project Overview

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.

2. 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.

3. Scope of Work

  1. Inventory 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.

  2. Conditioning & 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.

  3. Regulatory 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.

  4. Transport & 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. Deliverables

  • Source Inventory Report with activity assays and leak-test certificates.

  • Packaging SARP approved by FANR.

  • Transport Documentation including RAD Form 8 manifest and vehicle permits.

  • Disposal Certificates issued by the national repository.

  • Project Close-Out Report summarizing all phases, lessons learned, and recommendations for future source management.