Emergency preparedness and response for transport: elements to consider when developing emergency response plans
The safety record of radioactive material shipments is impressive. In over 50 years, there has never been a transport event that has caused significant radiological damage to health, property and the environment. However, safety cannot be taken for granted. Emergency preparedness and response are important elements to ensure the safety of transport of radioactive materials and also for its public acceptance. An emergency response plan should prepare for accident situations. Through a dedicated working group, industry members of the World Nuclear Transport Institute have exchanged experiences about emergency preparedness and response. This paper suggests key areas that should be considered when developing an emergency preparedness and response plan.