Risks of transporting of irradiated fuel and nuclear materials in the UK

Prepared by Large & Associates, Nuclear Consultants

Publication date: 28/03/06

Summary
This review examines the hazards, risk and potential consequences associated with the transport movements of irradiated (spent) nuclear fuel in the United Kingdom. It identifies potential accidents and malevolent acts that could severely damage a spent fuel transportation flask, thereby enabling the release of radioactivity, in the form of particles and aerosols, and the corresponding health risk imposed on unprotected members of public. Because the rail routes take the spent fuel trains through major urban conurbations (London, Bristol, etc) many thousands of population could be subject to radiation exposure in the aftermath of such an event.