A1.CNSC regulates the transport of nuclear substances through a series of safety-centred regulatory requirements covering the entire journey of a shipment, from the time it is initially packaged to arrival at its destination.

CNSC’s responsibilities include:

• Certifying the design of the packages used for transporting nuclear substances
• registering users of the certified packaging
• conducting inspections of shipments of nuclear substances for compliance with applicable regulations
• licensing shipments of nuclear substances where licences are required
• ensuring that radiation protection programs for transport are in place

A2. More than one million packages containing nuclear substances are shipped to, from and within Canada every year. The majority of these are routine shipments containing low-risk quantities of nuclear substances. The contents of these packages can include:

• consumer products, such as smoke detectors
• medical products, such as radioisotopes used for diagnostic imaging procedures
• nuclear fuel cycle products such as uranium ore and uranium fuel bundles for nuclear power plants and
• industrial products such as moisture density gauges used in construction

A3. Canada uses the international standards established by the International Atomic Energy Agency for package design, which allow nuclear substances to be transported safely by virtually any means. Packages are designed to properly contain the nuclear substance, ensuring that there is no danger posed to the carrier or the public. Carriers can include shipping lines, airlines and air cargo shippers, rail companies, couriers, and trucking companies.

A4. No. Nuclear substances are transported in packages that are selected based on the nature, form and quantity or activity of the substance. However, all types of packages offer the same level of safety. There are general design requirements that apply to all package types to ensure that they can be handled safely and easily, secured properly, and are able to withstand routine conditions of transport.

A5. For most shipments of nuclear substances, a CNSC licence is not required. Licences are required when shipments warrant greater regulatory oversight and scrutiny due to their higher risk. There are three main circumstances where a CNSC transport licence is required:

1. Transportation of high-risk quantities of nuclear substances in certified packages where there is no Canadian licensee involved in the shipment either at origin or destination.
2. Shipments that are made under special arrangements where there are additional compensatory measures in place to ensure the safety of the shipment
3. Transportation of enriched uranium and plutonium as determined under the CNSC Nuclear Security Regulations.

A6. In addition to the basic safety requirements, packages designed for the transport of high-risk quantities of nuclear substances must also be certified by the CNSC before they can be used in Canada. These packages must undergo stringent testing to simulate both normal and accident conditions of transport. The tests can include: free-drop testing, puncture testing, thermal testing, and may also include simulated aircraft accidents.

When an application for certification is received by the CNSC, it is assessed by transport specialists who must be accredited as professional engineers. The specialists examine and scrutinize the safety analyses of the package designs provided by the package designer to determine whether it meets the necessary performance specifications. Only if a package meets all specifications is it certified and allowed to be used for transporting nuclear substances.

Registration with the CNSC is also necessary before being authorized to use any certified package. Registered users are required to ensure that all persons and parties involved in the transport of the certified package are trained to safely carry out their duties, and will follow proper procedures for handling and preparing the package for transport in accordance with the regulatory requirements.

A7.With shipments of enriched uranium and plutonium, a transport security plan must be submitted to the CNSC for approval as part of the licensing process to ensure that the nuclear material to be transported will receive adequate physical protection.

The security plan requires:

• A description of the nuclear material
• An assessment of credible threats associated with the package
• A description of the type of vehicle that will be used for transport
• The proposed security measures that will be in place during transport
• The communications arrangement between the package carrier and the response agencies (ex: Canadian police force)
• The primary and alternate transport routes

A8. No. Information contained in security plans is not disclosed to the public in order to further ensure the safety of the shipment. Disclosure is limited to persons who have a legitimate need to know, such as police forces.

A9. Companies that transport nuclear substances must train their employees in the proper handling and identification of nuclear substance shipments in accordance with the Transport of Dangerous Goods Regulations for Class 7 (radioactive) material. Radiation protection programs must also be in place within these companies. All shipments of nuclear substances are required to have standard signage and shipping documents which clearly advise those coming into contact with the package of its contents.

It is the responsibility of the sender of the shipment to ensure that the company actually transporting the nuclear substance has fulfilled its requirements for training and radiation protection.

CNSC personnel regularly conduct compliance inspections to assess whether shipments of nuclear substances are carried out in compliance with applicable regulations.