Orphan radioactive sources

Orphan radioactive sources usually occur in the form of small obsolete items of equipment.

Orphan radioactive sources are those that appear outside the regulatory control system established, coming mainly from activities carried out in the past, and whose location and recovery have been promoted via a specific campaign ordered by the authorities.

In 2007 Enresa initiated this campaign in response to the commission received from the Ministry of Industry, with advisory and control services provided by the Nuclear Safety Council.

During the first year of the campaign more than 100 sources were removed, and this number has continued to grow throughout 2008.

Generally speaking these are sources of little radiological significance. In most cases the isotopes they contain are Cs-137, Ra- 226, Sr-90, Americium and Beryllium.

The campaign is expected to continue during 2009.

Royal Decree 229/2006

Royal Decree on the control of high level encapsulated radioactive sources and orphan sources, published in number 50 of the Official State Gazette on February 28th 2006. Detalles

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Procedure to be adhered to by those possessing orphan sources.

Procedure to be adhered to by those possessing, believing that they possess or having direct information on the existence of any radioactive source or material included within the collection and removal campaign. Detalles

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Directive 2003/122/EURATOM

Directive of December 22nd 2003 on the control of high level sealed radioactive sources and orphan sources Detalles

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