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Radioactive Waste Characterization

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Radioactive Waste Characterization Properties examined when characterizing nuclear waste: Characterization is a determination of the physical, radiological, chemical and biological properties of radioactive waste. Origin Facility or activity that produced the waste Criticality Conditions under which the material can sustain a chain reaction Chemical properties Composition, solubility, combustibility of the material Physical properties Size, weight and state of the material Biological properties Biological hazard and organism absorption rate Radiological properties Half-lives of radionuclides, dose factors, surface contamination The licensee’s role The licensee performs characterization activities at all stages of the radioactive waste cycle, including generation, handling, processing, transportation, storage and long-term management. It is the licensee’s responsibility to conduct waste activities in accordance with regulatory requirements. The CNSC’s role The CNSC carefully reviews the applicant’s waste management process, including characterization, before providing a licence to any organization that participates in waste management activities. CNSC inspectors perform regular inspections on all types of facilities and activities in Canada that generate or manage waste, and monitor the day-to-day work to ensure the safety of employees, the public, and the environment.

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