Code of Practice for the Security of Radioactive Material

The Office of Radiation Safety is seeking comments and input from interested parties on a proposed new Code of Practice.

Published online: 
02 November 2015

This consultation document sets out the requirements to prevent, detect and respond to malicious acts involving radioactive material (including nuclear material) in use, storage or transport. 

The Code of Practice is new and sets out security requirements that must be met in order to satisfy security requirements in the Radiation Protection Regulations 1982.

It supports NZ’s implementation of the Convention of the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material, the International Convention for the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism and the Code of Conduct on the Safety and Security of Radioactive Sources. Since it supports these important international conventions, it is therefore heavily influenced by related guidance issued by the International Atomic Energy Agency.

The Office of Radiation Safety is seeking comments and input from interested parties on this proposed Code of Practice.

Timetable

  • Document released for consultation on 2 November 2015.
  • Interested parties should respond by close of business 18 December 2015.
  • Feedback will be released following consideration of submissions.

Content of submissions

We are seeking specific comments on each section included in the Code. In particular, we are interested in whether:

  • any risks associated with the legitimate societal use of radioactive material have not been identified in the Code
  • obligations of the Managing Entity and Licensee are appropriate and adequately described
  • definitions are appropriate and comprehensive
  • the application of security requirements to individual roles are adequately explained
  • security requirements described in the code are adequate to manage the identified risks
  • presentation of information is adequate, information is easy to find and easily understood
  • any changes are suggested
  • circumstances are not included in the Code that should be
  • there is any other information or subject that should be included

However, submissions may address any or all of the sections of the Code.

How to respond

Please complete the Office of Radiation Safety consultation submission template.

We prefer electronic submissions. Email these to [email protected] and include Security Code in the subject line of the email.

Alternatively, you may post a hard copy submission to:

Office of Radiation Safety
PO Box 3877
Christchurch 8140

What will happen

The Office of Radiation Safety will review submissions and provide feedback on the Ministry's website.

Your input on the consultation draft will help inform the final shape, form or content of the Code.

Confidentiality

All submissions will be placed on the Office of Radiation Safety section of the Ministry website unless marked confidential. Any confidential material contained within your submission should be clearly marked 'IN CONFIDENCE'. Reasons for a claim to confidentiality must be included in the space provided on the submission coversheet. These reasons must meet Official Information Act requirements if the submission (or part thereof) is not to be displayed.

For submissions made by individuals, all personal details other than your name will be removed from your submission before it is published on the Ministry website. In addition, a list of parties making submissions will be published.

If you do not wish to be identified with your submission, or if you do not wish your submission to be associated with a party, you must specifically request this in the space provided on the submission coversheet.

Enquiries

Any questions relating to submissions should be directed to the Office of Radiation Safety by email to [email protected]

Publishing information

  • Date of publication:
    02 November 2015
  • ISBN:
    978-0-947491-30-7
  • HP number:
    6293
  • Ordering information:
    Only soft copy available to download
  • Copyright status:

    Owned by the Ministry of Health and licensed for reuse under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International Licence.

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