Report of
FNCA2010 Workshop on
Radiation Safety and Radioactive Waste Management (RS&RWM)
May 21 - 25, 2010
Tokyo, Japan

The FNCA 2010 Workshop on Radiation Safety and Radioactive Waste Management was held from May 21 to 25 2010, in Tokyo, Japan. This Workshop was hosted by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) of Japan, and was attended by twenty representatives from nine FNCA member countries, namely Australia, Bangladesh, China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, and Japan.

On the first day, the participants presented their country report detailing legislative framework, and updates, and plans regarding radiation safety, followed by questions and answers. See the Summary of Each Session.

In the morning of the second day, the participants discussed details of consolidated repot on radiation safety. In the afternoon, they made presentation on further improvements in the reliability of dosimetry, followed by discussion on calibration, exposure control and training / education. After the presentations on experiences on design and siting for LLW Facilities delivered by Participants from Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia, all the participants exchanged their opinions, referring to lessons learnt from radiological accident occurred in their country and predisposal management of radioactive waste.

On the 3rd day, it was suggested at the session titled "Future Plan and Preparation for Round Table Discussion" that this project mainly focuses on the six theme; (1)Radioactive Waste Management and decommissioning, (2)NORM / TENORM, (3)Clearance, (4)Safety & Security, (5)Emergency, and (6)Nuclear Power Plant program.
At the beginning of Joint Session with the Third Asian and Oceanic Congress on Radiation Protection (AOCRP-3), Prof. Toshiso Kosako, Project Leader of Japan, introduced activities and achievements of this project and FNCA representatives introduced current situation and activities regarding radiation safety and radioactive waste management in their countries. The participants then formed a panel to discuss the above six subjects. See the Summary of Each Session.

The fourth day started with the session titled "Introduction of Japan's Experience". The participants observed DVDs on "The Renaissance of Nuclear Fuel", "Core Inspection Instruments" and "SPEEDI Network System" as well as "Document of Earthquake in Kashiwazaki-Kariwa", which is a documentary made by Tokyo Electric Power Company. In the afternoon, the meeting minutes were discussed and agreed by all the participants.

Session Summary of
FNCA2010 Workshop on
Radiation Safety and Radioactive Waste Management (RS&RWM)
May 21 - 25, 2010
Tokyo, Japan

Status on Radiation Safety in Each Country
1) Outcome of FNCA Activities
    - Nuclear Technology for Sustainable Development in Asia -
Dr. Sueo Machi presented the 3 layers of the FNCA structure as being the Ministerial Level by Senior Officials followed by a Coordinator from each country and finally by the Project Leaders. Dr, Machi stated that there are currently 11 projects, including research reactor technology, neutron activation analysis, mutation breeding, radiation-degraded chitosan to promote growth of plants, medical application cyclotron and PET, safety management system, radiation safety & radioactive waste management, human resources development, and public information. There is also a study panel set up to look at the approaches toward infrastructure development of nuclear power. Finally, Dr. Machi tabled the challenges that FNCA that will need to be review and promote in 2010.

2) RS&RWM Program
Mr. Hideharu Sato announced the schedule for the submission of the Consolidated Report as follows:
     1st draft: 21 May 2010
     2nd draft: End Of August 2010
     3rd draft: End Of December 2010
     Final report: End Of March 2011
He also presented the proposed content of the consolidated report, provided by Japan as a guide for the participants.

Session 1 : Country Report
1) Australia
Australia has 9 jurisdictions on radiation protection, which are regulated by either the federal or state governments. It has one federal regulatory body - ARPANSA which recently released the National Directory for Radiation Protection and Codes of Practice to provide guidance for all stakeholders. Australia has a number of small commercial and state operators, as well as larger radiation facilities including the 20 MW OPAL research reactor (Sydney) and a 3 GW synchrotron. With regards to waste disposal program, a new Bill has been introduced by the Government to support the establishment of a national radioactive waste management facility (co-located near surface low level waste repository and an above ground intermediate level waste store. At the ANSTO Research Reactor site, decommissioning operations are underway for the HIFAR and MOATA research reactors. ANSTO is also upgrading its radioactive waste management facilities with the construction of a new nuclear materials store, new decay storage, characterization and clearance facility and a new integrated waste management facility (to characterize, condition (supercompaction, cement conditioning, packaging and decontamination facility which will all be operating by the end of 2012.

2) Bangladesh
Bangladesh has three radiation facilities namely; a 3 MW research reactor, a neutron generator and food irradiation facilities. Users of radioisotopes include hospitals, universities, and the construction, oil and gas industries. Radioactive wastes are mostly confined to the low and intermediate level category. Bangladesh has a central radioactive waste processing and storage facility with approximately 50 years storage capacity. Future plans include the establishment of a national emergency control system and a waste repository for low and intermediate level wastes and radioactive wastes arising from future NPP's.

3) China
China presented on the status of their nuclear energy program with 11 units in operation, 24 units under construction and 23 units undergoing comprehensive intern safety reviews. Other nuclear facilities include 17 research reactors with an experimental fast reactor currently under construction. Other nuclear technology applications are associated with industry, agriculture, medical, and scientific research. China has about 100,000 radiation sources, including 50,000 spent sources, and 150 irradiation installations with 20,000 radiation workers currently employed. Radiation safety in China is governed by four government agencies. Safety standards and radiation safety guides were first developed in 1960. Current standards are now IBSS compliant.

4) Indonesia
Mr. Untara provided the country report for Indonesia detailing Indonesia's current radiation protection program, the status of nuclear related facilities and the radiation protection legal framework. Mr. Untara also presented a status summary of the three nuclear research centers located in Serpong, Bandung, and Yogyakarta, and outlined the radiological emergency planning and response program, the current radioactive waste management program, as well as updating on the status of the education and training program currently in place for China in the field of radiation safety training. All current programs are progressing well.

5) Japan
Mr. Hideharu Sato introduced a draft report that detailed Japan's current status in radiation safety in RI facilities and nuclear industries. Mr. Sato highlighted a trend of the increasing number of sealed radioisotopes and radiopharmaceuticals being distributed thoughout Japan. Mr. Sato also provided information on the radiation monitoring system of RI facilities, the radiation dose registration system and the environmental monitoring system for NPP's.
Information was provided (via a DVD film) detailing a Time Phased Management concept relating to public safety of a radioactive waste disposal facility and the need for a 300 year constitutional control period.

6) Malaysia
Dr. Mohd Abdul Wahab provided and overview on the legislative and regulatory framework in Malaysia and an update status of the radioactive waste management facilities in a vision for a Nuclear Malaysia. Dr, Wahab also detailed the radioactive waste inventory in Malaysia. He also provided an explanation on the radiation management management process currently in place in Malaysia in all existing radioactive waste management facilities. He also provided information on the radiological emergency planning and response and the education and training for radiation workers within Malaysia.

7) Philippines
Ms. Maria Palattao provided an update on the country's Radiation Safety & Radioactive Waste Management framework. The topics included the current legislative framework covering radiation safety with a specific focus on limiting radiation dose exposure to the public and radiation workers, and the implementation and monitoring of a national dosimetery service. Regulatory oversight is provided by the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute - PNRI (regulation, licensing, safeguards and radioactive materials) and also by the Bureau of Health Devices and Technology (radiation protection and safety of ionizing radiation). The Philippines applies relevant Safety Standards & Safety Codes which are largely based on IAEA Safety Codes & Guides. Nuclear training forms an integral and important part of the Safety Protection systems in place.
Updates were provided on the status of the safety and decommissioning of the PRR-1 research reactor located at PNRI. The PRR-1 research reactor is planned to be decommissioned but no firm date has been set as yet and a number of pre-decommissioning activities still remain to be completed for regulatory approval. A new Law (PNRI AO 01-2007) is set to be issued for the regulation and control of bulk amounts of radioactive materials arising from decommissioning of PRR-1. This new law will take into account IAEA guidelines on clearance levels. Preparatory work is currently in progress to complete and implement an Emergency Response Plan (RADPLAN) for the Philippines to respond to any nuclear / radiation accidents. An update was provided on the status of radioactive waste management (PNRI's Centralised Facility for Radioactive Waste), disused radioactive source storage and the future proposal to site and construct a co-located Borehole concept disposal for disused sources and a near-surface repository for low level waste.

8) Thailand
Ms. Nathavan Ya-anant provided an overview on the system of laws and regulations existing in Thailand where currently there are three regulations related to the radiation source and nuclear (atomic) energy. The legislation on Atomic Energy for Peace Act in Thailand has been revised three times, since its inception in 1961. An overview of the nuclear activities in was also presented, including the responsibility of the Thailand Institute of Nuclear Technology (TINT) and Office of Atom for Peace (OAP). Ms. Nathavan also reported on the radiation protection program, the use of radiation source, radioactive waste management, environmental monitoring and emergency preparedness.
The radiation workers and personnel requiring frequent access to radiation facilities are provided with radiation protection training, (theoretical and practical,) to ensure they have the necessary radiation knowledge to handle radioactive materials and access to controlled areas. Ms. Nathavan explained the safety management system relating to radioisotope use, research reactor operations and radioactive waste management in general. This included the establishment of dose limits. Radiation safety management involves personnel dose monitoring, area radiation protection and environmental monitoring. Nuclear and radiological emergency preparedness and response is undergoing improvement through training and implementation of real time exercises. These exercises, simulating an accident scenario for the research reactor, are held on-site at least once a year and off-site every 5 years.

9) Vietnam
Dr. Pham Quang Minh, provided an overview on the development of radiation protection, radioactive waste management and education and training for radiation protection in Vietnam. Other developments in nuclear activities were detailed as well as the functions and responsibilities of nuclear organizations such as VARANS and VAEI in Vietnam. The function of VARANS is to organize and implement the notification, registration, license, renewal, amendment and withdrawal of licenses for radiation and nuclear establishments. It also conducts radiation and nuclear safety inspections as required by law. Dr. Pham explained the legal instrument systems, including the structure, laws and regulations currently in place. Vietnam has a new legal instrument in setting the rules on sanctions against administrative violations in atomic energy and the implementation of VAEL detailed instructions for replacing the previous decision.
The use of radioactive sources has increased greatly in Vietnam Vietnam also plans to construct its first nuclear power reactor by 2020. In cooperation with other nuclear organizations and nuclear power industries in Vietnam, advanced radiation safety officer (RSO) training is underway to ensure that the RSO's are fully trained and competent to address this critical area in the nuclear industry. Environmental radiation monitoring stations have also been set up under the environmental monitoring program by the Environmental Resources Ministry. Radiation safety control is in part achieved by the application of dose limits. Vietnam has implemented an annual effective dose equivalent limit of 20 mSv / year for their radiation workers.
Dr. Pham also explained the response plans for a potential radiation incident in Vietnam, including practical exercises and associated training. Radioactive waste generation, treatment and storage were also detailed in line with the country's waste management strategy.

Session 2 : Further Improvements in the Reliability of Dosimetry
    - Calibration, Exposure Control and Training & Education -
1) Introduction
Session II included an introductory opening by Prof. Kosako with a further two presentations by participants from Malaysia and The Philippines. On completion of the presentations, a discussion session involved various issues relating to dosimetry control, calibration and training programs within the SE Asian Region.

2) Malaysia
Dr. Mohd Abdul Wahab's presented an overview on Radiological Emergency: Malaysian Preparedness and Response. Dr. Wahab highlighted the legal basis and the responsible bodies for radiological emergency response in Malaysia, and highlighted the potential risk areas for such events, He also provided an update on the integrated plan in place to manage and respond to such an emergency. Radiological emergency control is managed under the direction of the National Security Council with technical support from the Atomic Energy Licensing Board (AELB) as well as integrated support from other relevant agencies. AELB already has an emergency preparedness and response infrastructure in place. This includes emergency response teams (ERT's), four branches managing a response center, 80 technical personnel, a real time monitoring program, equipment located in several strategic placations as well as accommodation facilities in the control centers for managing all emergency situations. Training, drills and exercises are conducted by AELB on regular intervals and, in collaboration with other international organization such as the IAEA, and the ANSN. Dr. Wahab concluded with the opinion that Malaysia still needs to enhance its capabilities in preparedness & response to nuclear or radiological emergency, bringing it in line with international standards and requirements.

3) Philippines
Ms. Maria. Palattao provided an update on the medical response to an emergency in the Philippines. In her presentation, she explained that the emergency plan in the Philippines is covered by the Presidential decree and defines the National Disaster Coordination Council (NDCC). The last revision of RADPLAN was approved in 2001 by the NDCC' Chairman, with 18 participating organization including the Red Cross. The PNRI radiological emergency response organizational structure, national response management and development of medical response capability. Medical response plan is based on the IAEA Medical Response during Nuclear or Radiological Emergency Manual. The assessment of internal contamination, external contamination and external exposure was provided and it was concluded that the Philippines still needs development of a specialized hospital for accident victims and development of advocacy and training programs for emergency medical personnel in ordinary hospitals and general medical practitioners.

Session 3 : Experiences on Design and Siting for LLW Facilities
    - Amendment, Reform, Progress, Device and Issues to be Resolved
    "Three presentations were made in this session including" -
1) Thailand: (Radiological accident and incidents in Thailand and lessons to be learned)
Ms. Nanthavan Ya-anant provided a technical update on a recent radiological accident, which occurred in Thailand (near Samut Prakarn in 2000). The accident occurred during the process of replacing an old tele-therapy machine with a new one, Staff from the hospital responsible for teletherapy machine removed the old tele-therapy head and sold it to a scrap metal shop (1 February 2000). The scrap metal dealer) then disassembled Teletherapy head using an oxyacetylene torch and in the process, the Co-60 source fell out of its containment housing. Ten people suffered varying degrees of radiation exposure from the source, three of whom later died. A source recovery team from TINT, located the source using a fluorescent screen, and successfully recovered source and transported it to a secure storage area at the OAEP site (20 February) 2000. Two additional source related incidents occurred in June and August 2008 where two spent sources, (Cs-137 and Ra-226), were discovered in a scrap metal heap. Ms. Nanthavan concluded her presentation by summarizing the lessons learned by the operator and Authorities from these incidents.

2) Vietnam: (Management of radioactive sources and stabilization, store of expired sources such as Ra needles and Co sources)
Dr. Pham Quang Minh provided an overview on the use and management of radioactive sources where a national inventory of radioactive materials / source and an X-ray device has been established to monitor radioactive sources. Dr. Quang described the legal documents concerning the safe use of ionizing radiation including regulations, safety standard and safety requirements as well as detailing the processes used in conditioning and storage of disused Ra needle and Co-60 sources.

3) Indonesia: (Predisposal management of RW in Indonesia)
Mr. Untara described the activities of the RWM Technology Center in Serpong. He detailed the treatment and conditioning of radioactive waste and described the storage facilities for higher activity radioactive wastes resulting from isotope production, spent sealed source and spent research reactor fuel. Relevant details on the waste inventory control in Indonesia and the promotion of the first nuclear power plant for the country were also detailed.

Session 4 : Future Plan and Preparation for Round Table Discussion
    - How to improve radiation safety system and radioactive waste management -
    - Issues to be resolved and themes to be discussed in future FNCA RS&RWM -
Future plans for the FNCA RS&RWM project were discussed. The six themes include:
    (1) Radioactive Waste Management and decommissioning
    (2) NORM / TENORM
    (3) Clearance
    (4) Safety & Security
    (5) Emergency
    (6) Nuclear Power Plant program

Joint Session with AOCRP-3
    - Towards the better international cooperation in the field of radiation safety -
In the Joint Session FNCA RS & RWM, country project leaders presented a brief update summarising the main highlights and developments in radiation safety and radioactive waste management in their respective countries.

Prof. Kosako opened the session with an introduction of the FNCA RS&RWM program providing the background of the FNCA structure, terms of reference and some examples and highlights of the recent FNCA RS&RWM achievements. The Project Leaders from Australia, Bangladesh, China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam provided brief summaries of their countries' main activities pertaining to RS & RWM. The FNCA project leaders expressed their appreciation to the AOCRP organising committee for the opportunity to join the AOCRP-3 Regional Congress and share their experiences in RS & RWM related activities.

The FNCA RS & RWM members then formed a Discussion Panel, chaired by Professor Kosako, discussing a variety of subjects related to radiation safety and radioactive waste management. The Panel discussed a variety of RS&RWM topics including:

   + Radioactive Waste
       - Decommissioning of Nuclear Activities
       - Radioactive Disposal
   + NORM and Exposure Scenarios
   + Clearance
       - Exemption Level
       - Clearance System
   + Safety & Security
       - Radiation Source Management & Security
   + Emergency Preparedness
       - Radiological Accident
       - Emergency Preparedness & Response
   + Nulcear Power Program

Panel Discussion summaries:

+ Panel-1 Radioactive Waste Management
Mr. Lubi Dimitrovski (Australia) provided information on Australia's recent activities in the decommissioning of the MOATA research reactor and a conceptual design of Australia's proposed national radioactive waste management facility.
Dr. Md. Idris Ali (Bangladesh) outlined the Central Radioactive Waste Processing and Storage Facility and Spent Sealed Radioactive Source storage room in Bangladesh.
Ms. Maria Palattao (Philippines) gave a short presentation on the Study and Evaluation of the co-location of Bohehole Disposal Concept with a Near Surface Trench Facility.
Mr. Untara (Indonesia) briefly introduced his country’s spent fuel management.
In addition, Dr.Phil Metcalf (IAEA) spoke on the recent IAEA activities regarding nuclear safety network including the disposal of radioactive waste and managing disused sources.

+Panel-2 NORM / Existing Exposure
Dr. Phang Quang Minh (Vietnam) made a presentation regarding enterprise exploitation through the processing of beach mineral sands. Information on dose rates was given, ranging from 3.3 to 8.1 micro Sv/h in the field.
Mr. Lubi Dimitrovski (Australia) stated that no uniform guidelines or regulations currently exist in Australia regulation for NORM.
Prof. Kosako (Japan) pointed out the disparity between the real dose level in the field which the public are generally being exposed to and very low level (10 micro Sv/y) insisted by the regulatory bodies in licensed radiation facilities for radiation workers.
Ms.Ya-Anant Nanthavan (Thailand) and Dr. Mohd Abd Wahab (Malaysia) also provided information on the comparatively high dose rate from Monazite mining in Thailand and Malaysia respectively.
Prof. Kosako (Japan) gave further information of coal fire ash and sludge produced from oil wells which had a much higher dose level and in greater amount than waste from nuclear related activities.

+Panel-3 Clearance
Discussions regarding small risk and trivial risk dominated this topic.
Mr. Lubi Dimitrovski (Australia) briefly introduced the waste clearance system (free release waste) in Australia.
Dr Takatoshi Hattori explained the Clearance Automatic Laser Inspection System using 3-D measurement. He highlighted that trivial risk management regarding the limit of 10 micro Sv/y that also incorrectly equates to a 24 mSv/y to a potential cancer risk for the public.

+Panel-4 & 5 Safety and Emergency
Ms. Maria Palattao (Philippines) and Dr. Mohd Abd Wahab (Malaysia) made short presentations of their country's radiation and nuclear safety systems.
Ms.Ya-Anant Nanthavan (Thailand) presented a public hazard case, which was caused by inappropriate handling of a spent radiation source in Samut Prakarn in 2000, which resulted in the death of 3 workers.

+Panel-6 NPP
Dr. Zhang Jintao (China) gave a short briefing on the distribution of the NPP program within China. Dr. Phang Quang Minh (Vietnam) introduced a proposed site for the first NPP in Vietnam.
Dr. Kim, president of AOARP commented that the Asia radiation and nuclear programs are expanding rapidly.
Prof. Kosako (Japan) concluded this session with a short statement: "What is happening in the field" including issues such as NORM, spent radiation source management and clearance levels.

Minutes of
FNCA2010 Workshop on
Radiation Safety and Radioactive Waste Management (RS&RWM)
May 21 - 25, 2010
Tokyo, Japan

Outline of workshop
The FNCA 2010 Workshop on Radiation Safety and Radioactive Waste Management was held from May 21 to 25 2010, in Tokyo, Japan. This Workshop was hosted by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) of Japan, in cooperation with Nuclear Safety Research Association (NSRA).

Twelve representatives from nine FNCA member countries involved in policy making, regulation, operations and R&D on radiation safety and radioactive waste management attended the workshop including Australia, Bangladesh, China, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, The Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam.

Opening Session
Dr. Kenya Suyama, Nuclear Safety Division, Science and Technology Policy Bureau, MEXT, gave the welcome speech. Dr. Sueo Machi, FNCA Coordinator of Japan, provided updates on the status of the eleven FNCA projects to enhance understanding of the FNCA activities. Mr. Takeshi Ishizaka, Research and Development Bureau, MEXT, also welcomed all participants to this workshop. Finally, Dr. Toshio Kosako, Project Leader of Japan, Professor of the University of Tokyo, delivered the opening speech and declared the workshop opened, introducing all the participants from the FNCA member countries. The participants list of the workshop is attached as Annex 2.

Session 1 : Country Report
- Status of Radiation Safety in Each Country -
Nine country reports were presented, detailing the status of radiation safety in each country. These reports formed the basis for the next draft Consolidated Report on Radiation Safety, which is expected to be finalized by March 2011.

Session 2 : Further Improvements on Reliability of Dosimetry
- Calibration, Exposure Control and Training & Education -
Dr. Kosako delivered the introductory remarks and were followed by presentations from Malaysia (Preparedness and Response for a Radiological Emergency including a Malevolent Use) and The Philippines (Medical Response in Emergencies) on this theme.

Session 3 : Experiences on Design and Siting for LLW Facilities
- Amendment, Reform, Progress, Device and Issues to be Resolved -
Presentations were made by Thailand (Radiological Accidents and Incidents in Thailand and Lessons Learnt), Vietnam (Management of Radioactive Sources and Stabilization, Storage of Disused Sources such as Ra needles and Co), and Indonesia (Predisposal Management of Radioactive Waste) in this session.

Session 4 : Future Plan and Preparation for Round Table Discussion
Discussion on Future Plan and Consolidated Report
Topics relevant to the South East Asian Region and future plan for the enhancement of safety issues were discussed.

Joint Session with AOCRP-3
- Towards a better international cooperation in the field of radiation safety -
A joint session with AOCRP-3 was held on the following theme - 'Towards a better international cooperation in the field of radiation safety'. During the joint session, the participants formed a Panel to discuss a number of issues relating to radiation safety and radioactive waste management. These include topics on radioactive waste & decommissioning activities, NORM, safety and security, emergency preparedness and NPP.

Session 5 : Introduction of Japanese Experiences
DVDs detailing examples of Japanese experiences on radioactive waste management and technologies for radiation safety were shown to the participants, followed by questions and answers.

Closing Session
The future steps and schedule for the next project/workshop for consolidated report on radiation safety were discussed and an agreement was reached. The 2011 workshop is planned to be held in Bangladesh (or Indonesia / The Philippines). The summary for each session is attached as Annex 3. The Minutes were discussed and drafted by all participants and will be reported at the 12th Coordinators Meeting to be held in 2011, in Japan.

Attachments
    Annex 1 : Program
    Annex 2 : List of Participants
    Annex 3 : Summary of Each Session

Program of
FNCA2010 Workshop on
Radiation Safety and Radioactive Waste Management (RS&RWM)
May 21 - 25, 2010
Tokyo, Japan

Thursday 20 May 2010
Participants arrive at Narita Airport and move to the hotel by 'Mejiro, Kukdan, Korakuen line' of Airport Limousine by themselves. It is around 2 hours ride from Narita Airport to Hotel Grand Palace.
The Hotel is 'Hotel Grand Palace'; Iidabashi 1-1-1, Chiyoda-ku, 102-0072 Tokyo, tel. +81-3-3264-1111, http://www.grandpalace.co.jp/english/index.html; Three minutes walk from Kudan-shita subway station, which is the twelfth station from Funabori station by Shinjuku subway line; 25minutes ride)

^{Note: After finishing the FNCA RS&RWM workshop, during the period of the time from May 26 to May 28, some of the participants will be allowed to attend the AOCRP3 meeting voluntarily as a part of the workshop so as to obtain further information and knowledge on radiation safety field.}

List of Participants
FNCA2010 Workshop on
Radiation Safety and Radioactive Waste Management (RS&RWM)
May 21 - 25, 2010
Tokyo, Japan

  Participants from FNCA Countries

Australia

Bangladesh

China

Indonesia

Malaysia

The Philippines

Thailand

Vietnam

  Japan

Japan