HC Deb 07 November 1986 vol 103 cc655-6W
Mr. Sheerman

asked the Secretary of State for Transport what considerations govern the use of hazchem signs in connection with the transportation of uranium hexafluoride.

Mr. Peter Bottomley

Hazard warning panels must be displayed by road vehicles carrying in bulk the substances specified in Part I of the authorised and approved list issued under the Dangerous Substances (Conveyance by Road in Road Tankers and Tank Containers) Regulations 1981. These regulations do not cover the transport of uranium hexafluoride, which must be labelled in accordance with the regulations of the International Atomic Energy Authority.

Mr. Sheerman

asked the Secretary of State for Transport what regulations and safety conditions apply to the transportation of uranium hexafluoride.

Mr. Peter Bottomley

The regulations and conditions for the transport of all radioactive materials in this country (including UF6) are based on the internationally accepted standards of the International Atomic Energy Agency Safety Series No. 6. A copy is held in the Library. For United Kingdom road consignments these are given effect by the followingThe Radioactive Substances (Carriage by Road) Great Britain Regulations 1974 (SI 1974 No. 1735) and Amendment Regulations 1985 (SI 1985 No. 1729). The Radioactive Substances (Carriage by Road) Northern Ireland Regulations 1983 (SR 1983 No. 344) and Amendment Regulations 1986 (SR 1986 No. 61). The Ionising Radiations Regulations 1985 (SI 1985 No. 1333).

Mr. Sheerman

asked the Secretary of State for Transport whether emergency services are advised when transport of uranium hexafluoride is taking place, and how to deal with the substance.

Mr. Peter Bottomley

The emergency services do not receive prior notification of the transport of uranium hexafluoride, as the relevant regulations require safeguards to be incorporated in the design of the containers in which the material is carried. This ensures that even a severe accident could not give rise to a significant release of radioactivity. Nevertheless, in the event of an accident or incident, expert radiological advice is rapidly available to emergency services through the NAIR scheme (national arrangements for incidents involving radioactivity), details of which have been circulated to local authorities, police, fire and ambulance services by the Home Office.