asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list the specific types of accident in relation to which the regulations governing fuel flasks in transit outside nuclear sites provide for emergency plans; and if he will make a statement.
In accordance with the guidance in the IAEA Advisory Material for the Application of the IAEA Transport Regulations (Safety Series 37), (a copy is held in the Library) emergency plans are designed to cover a broad range of accidents, rather than specific scenarios.
Since irradiated fuel transport flasks are designed to withstand severe accidents, the risks arising from such accidents are likely to be low.
asked the Secretary of State for Transport what records are made of any accidents, incidents or untoward occurrences involving a flask containing spent nuclear fuel outside nuclear sites; what arrangements are in force for Her Majesty's nuclear installations inspectorate to be notified of any such accidents; what arc the reporting criteria for such notifications; and if he will make a statement.
Accidents and incidents occurring outside nuclear sites are not matters for Her Majesty's nuclear installations inspectorate. The Department keeps records of accidents and incidents that are statutorily reportable under the criteria laid down in the following regulations.
Road—The Radioactive Substances (Carriage by Road) (Great Britain) Regulations 1974 and Amendment Regulations 1985 (SI 1974 No. 1735 and 1985 No.1729).
The Radioactive Substances (Carriage by Road) (Northern Ireland) 1983 and Amendment Regulations 1986 (SR 1983 No. 344 and 1986 No. 61).
Rail—Notice of Accidents Order 1986 (SI 1986 No. 2187) and Reporting of Injuries Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 1985 (SI 1985 No. 2223).
Sea—Merchant Shipping (Safety Officials and Reporting of Accidents and Dangerous Occurrences) Regulations 1982 (SI 1982 No. 876).