COUNTRY REPORT-MONGOLIA

IAEA/RCA MID-TERM REVIEW MEETING OF NATIONAL FOCAL PERSONS ON RADIATION PROTECTION, BEIJING,

CHINA, 7-11 JUNE 2004

Ts.DAMDINSUREN

Executive Secretary, Nuclear Energy Commission and National Focal Person for Radiation Protection

G.MANLAIJAV

Head, Nuclear Regulatory Authority of the State Specialized Inspection Agency /SSIA/, National Co-ordinator of RCA Project RAS/9/029

N.OYUNTULKHUUR

Nuclear Regulatory Authority of the SSIA, National Counterpart

of Model Projects RAS/9026 and RAS/9/027

Introduction

Mongolia is a non-nuclear country, since there are no nuclear power plants and research reactors. The application of nuclear energy is limited. Currently, radiation sources and radioactive substances are used in the following social and economical sectors of the country:

- Medicine (radiotherapy and medical diagnostics)

- Animal husbandry and Agriculture

- Industry, Geology and Mining

- Science and Education

- Natural Environment

Biggest radiation sources or facilities used in Mongolia for research and medical field are follows:

- Electron accelerator-Microtron MT-22

- Neutron generators, Californium-252 source

- Radiotherapy, Cobalt-60 teletherapy unit

The Nuclear Energy Commission

The Nuclear Energy Commission (NEC) of the Government of Mongolia was established in 1962. NEC is responsible for development of national policy for the activities relating to development of nuclear research and technology, use of radiation sources, and to ensure radiation protection. The Member of the government in charge of science issues is a chairman of the Nuclear Energy Commission.

1. Legislative and1. Legislative and Regulatory InfrastructureRegulatory Infrastructure

1.1. Legislative Framework1.1. Legislative Framework

  

•• Law of Mongolia on Radiation Protection and Safety has been enacted 21 June 2001 and amended 02 January 2003. Functions and powers of Regulatory Authority have been described in the law.

• Law of Mongolia. Amendments of Law on Radiation Protection and Safety, 02 January 2003.

Article 1. It is passed to reduced “control for” from paragraph 5.1; “to monitor implementation” from paragraph 6.1.5; “to monitor occupational exposure dose” from paragraph 6.1.7; “control” from paragraph 23.1.2 0f the Law on radiation protection and safety.

Article 2. It is passed to consider as invalid the paragraphs 7.1; 6.1.8; 6.1.9; 6.1.15 of the Law on radiation protection and safety.

Article 3. This law shall into force on the 2nd of January, 2003

•• Law on license for business

Article 16. Types of business to be licensed by aimag, capital city and by the radiation regulatory authority

16.1. Radiation Regulatory Authority shall issue a license for the following types of business:

16.1.1. Business activities and practice dealing with radioactive minerals and other radioactive sources

1.2. Regulations and Code of Practices

• Radiation safety standard (1983) Basic regulation on radiation sanitation (1983) Transport regulation for radioactive sources (1987) based on IAEA regulation 1985.

Above regulations are still in force, but need updating these regulations for BSS conformity. Draft of updated regulations has been prepared.

The NRA prepared Radiation Safety Regulation for radioactive waste with high content of natural occurring radionuclides from gas-oil production and it is in the stage of revision for approval by the Regulatory Authority.

The Nuclear Energy Commission is implementing a research project for up-dating of previous regulations and it was sponsored by the State Science Foundation. These regulations are to be supplemented by specific codes of practice to be issued by the Regulatory Authority.

Code of practices:

• CoP for diagnostic X-ray, 1973 /A draft of new version has been prepared/

• Drafted CoP for industrial radiography

Australian and Indian CoPs are available.

1.3. Regulatory Authority

Mongolia has a single Regulatory Authority. The Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NRA) established by Governmental Resolution 180 dated 13 August 1997 under the Nuclear Energy Commission (NEC) which reporting to Minister of Education, Culture and Science. It has empowered to authorize (license) and inspect regulated activities and to enforce by legislation. The legislation provides adequate empowerment of the Regulatory Authority, but it was inadequate with respect to the BSS requirements on independence of Regulatory from promotional agency.

The State Specialized Inspection Agency /Governmental Regulatory Agency/ established by the Parliament decision 58, dated 10 July 2002 on “Re-enacting the General Scheme of State Administrative Institutions“, and the 162-th Resolution of the Government of Mongolia on “Establishment of the Governmental Regulatory and Implementing Agencies”.

Several Governmental Regulatory Agencies were joined into the SSIA by the Government Resolution 162 (2002), and the Nuclear Regulatory Authority of NEC has joined into SSIA since 01 January 2003. Therefore, Nuclear Regulatory Authority of the State Specialized Inspection Agency is a regulatory body in Mongolia.

1.4. Coordination and cooperation

A good level of co-operation and co-ordination with other agencies/institutions exist. For example, Customs for restricting import of sources, Department of Disaster Protection for radiation emergency management, Security and Intelligence Department for security control of sources and investigation of lost or stolen sources, Health Department for QA/QC in medical practices, Justice Department for drafting legislation, etc.

2. Activities of Regulatory Authority

2.1. Notification and authorization system

The NRA has established procedures for authorization, inspection and enforcement for practices and control of radiation source users. New application forms and inspection checklists being prepared based on IAEA TECDOC 1113. NRA has established procedures for authorization, inspection and enforcement for practices and for control of radiation source users.

2.2. Inventory of Radiation Sources

The Regulatory Authority has completed an inventory of radiation sources. NRA has centralized information for all identified facilities and sources in the country. Small calibration sources are also registered. The NRA has started to keep all those source inventory information electronically, using the RAIS System provided by the IAEA. The inventory has been updated using inspection findings and also annual inventory reports from the users.

2.3. Inspection

System of notification, authorization, inspection and enforcement for radiation protection and the safety of radiation sources is generally in place, but the inspection program is not fully effective for the countryside hospitals due to lack of financial resources within NRA and we have some difficulties in arranging regular and enforceable inspections in those countryside hospitals, which are far away from Ulaanbaatar and in lack of inspection budget. Frequency of inspection for diagnostic x-ray facilities in those hospitals is, sometimes ones in up to 3 years.

2.4. Enforcement

Enforcement actions are well established and effectively implemented in Mongolia and its vicinity. NRA receives assistance from the local security officer for notifying suspected unauthorized use of sources. Inspectors can issue on the spot prescribed monitory fines. This system works well. Follow-up inspections are conducted to verify that corrective actions have been taken by the user.

2.5. Safety and security of radiation sources

NRA cooperates with Security and Intelligence Department for security control of Radiation sources regularly. There is strict custom control over the import of sources. The Russian made radiation detection equipment “Yantari” was installed at the Altanbulag (Main border between Mongolia and Russia) road-border control point in 2002 and planning to install more detectors in 1-2 main border point in the near future.

2.6. Control of orphan sources

There was query as to what effort, if any, was made to determine if there were abandoned sources due to the industrial economic disruptions and government changes of the 1990’s. By closely working with potential users (survey through a system of communiqué) of radiation sources, 15 orphan sources are being identified during 1995-2000 with cooperation of authorized users and the Ministry of Internal Affairs. There is strict Custom control over the import of sources. Customs does not allow import unless approved by the NRA, however, there is concern that some joint Mongolian/foreign ventures may import sources without approval.

2.7. Technical services

Regulatory Authority has provided radiation protection services on individual dosimetry, QA and QC for medical diagnostic radiology, food and environmental monitoring.

2.7. Communication with the public

Public information system has been established at SSIA, through its information department, about the radiation safety aspects and regulatory activities. SSIA is developing website on different field of inspection activities including radiation regulatory activities.

3. Control of occupational exposure

3.1. Individual monitoring

A centralized system of individual monitoring of radiation workers exists in Mongolia. The Central Radiological Laboratory (CRL) of NRA is responsible for the assessment of the individual doses due to occupational exposure, provides individual monitoring of radiation workers in Mongolia. The monitoring programs currently take into account only x-ray and gamma-radiation. Exposure from neutron sources is not currently monitored. Only external exposure is controlled. The internal dose assessment is not carried out and committed doses are not evaluated. The established frequency of individual monitoring is monthly.

About 453 radiation workers are currently being monitored (96%) at a frequency of one month using the IAEA supplied Harshaw 4500 TLD Systems. This system is now operational and the dose estimation from personal monitors is provided annually to the user. CRL participated in the IAEA/TLD intercomparison programme in 2004 with satisfactory results. Dose records are being maintained by CRL on a computer spreadsheet that is backed up on floppy disks and paper. The retention period for the records is 30 years. The RAIS system is also used for keeping dose records.

3.2. Calibration of monitoring equipment for external radiation

Calibration of radiation protection instruments carried out by Dosimetry Laboratory (DL) of the NEC. This laboratory was established under the Institute for Standardization and Metrology in 1996 with main objective to improve the accuracy in the field of applied dosimetry and jointed to NEC in 1998.

Calibration measurement must be traceable as prescribed in the National Law on Guarantee of the Uniformity of the Measurements. Article 10, in particular, requires that the measurement be made in terms of Mongolian units of measurement, traceable to the appropriate Mongolian standards. Also Article 14 is declaring that “The measuring instruments shall undergo the calibration other the import, manufacture and repair and also sale hire and use thereof”.

The calibration facility of the DL designed by Former Soviet Union Standards and still not constructed completely yet. The laboratory consists of three rooms and located in the basement of the building of Civil Defense.

Calibration facilities:Calibration facilities:

a. Sealed sources a. Sealed sources

1. Cs-1371. Cs-137 2.23 E10 Bq, 2.23 E10 Bq, November 2002November 2002

2. Cs-1372. Cs-137 1.49 E8 Bq, 1.49 E8 Bq, November 2002November 2002

b. Calibration line for gamma sources, type UPGD-2, Russian madeb. Calibration line for gamma sources, type UPGD-2, Russian made

c. Panoramic irradiation stand, Mongolian madec. Panoramic irradiation stand, Mongolian made

d. Dosimeters:d. Dosimeters:PTW UNIDOS , GermanyPTW UNIDOS , GermanyIon chamber type NE 2575, EnglandIon chamber type NE 2575, EnglandIon chamber type Farmer 30001, 06 cm.sqIon chamber type Farmer 30001, 06 cm.sqIon chamber type C/AI Farmer 30001, 06 cm.sqIon chamber type C/AI Farmer 30001, 06 cm.sq

The calibration facility (working space, secondary standards, standard radiation types and The calibration facility (working space, secondary standards, standard radiation types and qualities, other equipment, procedures) requires essential improvement. There are limitations for qualities, other equipment, procedures) requires essential improvement. There are limitations for both dosimetry and technical capability for checking instruments used in most areas of radiation both dosimetry and technical capability for checking instruments used in most areas of radiation practices.practices.

4.Control of medical exposure 4.Control of medical exposure

4.1. Diagnostic radiology4.1. Diagnostic radiology

At present in 115 hospitals /approximately 170 small and large Radiological departments / are used At present in 115 hospitals /approximately 170 small and large Radiological departments / are used 258 X-Ray equipments including mobile X-Ray units. 258 X-Ray equipments including mobile X-Ray units.

System of Notification Authorization Inspection and Enforcement for Radiation Protection and System of Notification Authorization Inspection and Enforcement for Radiation Protection and Safety of Radiation sources in Diagnostic Radiology is generally in place. NRA undertakes a pre –Safety of Radiation sources in Diagnostic Radiology is generally in place. NRA undertakes a pre –licensing inspection in field of Diagnostic Radiology at the request of the person making license licensing inspection in field of Diagnostic Radiology at the request of the person making license application. The rule on State Control on the Radiation requires Regulatory Authority to undertake application. The rule on State Control on the Radiation requires Regulatory Authority to undertake routine inspections periodically. However , due to limited resources, the current policy is to inspect routine inspections periodically. However , due to limited resources, the current policy is to inspect Diagnostic Radiology practices in the country area every 5 years and 2 yearly for practices in the Diagnostic Radiology practices in the country area every 5 years and 2 yearly for practices in the metropolitan area. Medical sources in country side hospitals were not inspected for more than 2-3 metropolitan area. Medical sources in country side hospitals were not inspected for more than 2-3 years the duration of the license validity. About 289 radiation workers from Medical Diagnostic years the duration of the license validity. About 289 radiation workers from Medical Diagnostic Radiology are currently covered TLD control and being monitored monthly. Currently, QA/QC in Radiology are currently covered TLD control and being monitored monthly. Currently, QA/QC in diagnostic radiology is not available at hospital level, therefore, NRA provides QC for diagnostic diagnostic radiology is not available at hospital level, therefore, NRA provides QC for diagnostic radiology in cooperation with QA/QC department of the Directorate of Medical Services.radiology in cooperation with QA/QC department of the Directorate of Medical Services.

Problems:Problems:

- Equipments in hospitals are available for imaging and screening examinations are manufactured - Equipments in hospitals are available for imaging and screening examinations are manufactured in Russia on 1970-80 and radiation protection is poor. It needs maintenance and replacement for in Russia on 1970-80 and radiation protection is poor. It needs maintenance and replacement for

the X-ray facilities. the X-ray facilities.

- - Availability of qualified experts in large X-Ray departments are not good enough - - Availability of qualified experts in large X-Ray departments are not good enough

• • No reference Diagnostic Medical X-Ray qualities are available for calibrating instruments used No reference Diagnostic Medical X-Ray qualities are available for calibrating instruments used

in these areas.in these areas.

•• The calibration facility requires development including writing procedures based on ISO, IEC The calibration facility requires development including writing procedures based on ISO, IEC and IAEA recommendations. and IAEA recommendations.

Basic training for Medical users along with some occupational and basic Radiation Safety training Basic training for Medical users along with some occupational and basic Radiation Safety training at the medical radiographers’ courses conducted by the Mongolian Medical University. Mongolian at the medical radiographers’ courses conducted by the Mongolian Medical University. Mongolian X-Ray Radiographers’ committee was organized at the Mongolian Medical University in this year. X-Ray Radiographers’ committee was organized at the Mongolian Medical University in this year.

The NRA is planning to establish regular training for radiologists and x-ray technicians on QA and The NRA is planning to establish regular training for radiologists and x-ray technicians on QA and radiation protection aspects at the X-ray Department of the Medical University Hospital. The key radiation protection aspects at the X-ray Department of the Medical University Hospital. The key person in the Department of University hospital has been attended the training course, which was person in the Department of University hospital has been attended the training course, which was

held in Malaysia under the Model Project.held in Malaysia under the Model Project. 4.2. Radiotherapy4.2. Radiotherapy

National workshop on QA in Radiotherapy was held in July 2001 in Ulaanbaatar under the IAEA National workshop on QA in Radiotherapy was held in July 2001 in Ulaanbaatar under the IAEA TC Project MON/6/011 and duration was 2 weeks. IAEA Experts from Praha, Prof. Novotni and TC Project MON/6/011 and duration was 2 weeks. IAEA Experts from Praha, Prof. Novotni and Dr.Stankusova were attended in the Workshop. Dr.Stankusova were attended in the Workshop.

The National Cancer Center is only unit in the field of Radiotherapy in Mongolia. QA program for The National Cancer Center is only unit in the field of Radiotherapy in Mongolia. QA program for radiotherapy has established. AGAT-S Teletherapy machine containing Cobalt-60 source (activity radiotherapy has established. AGAT-S Teletherapy machine containing Cobalt-60 source (activity about 600Ci) which will be replaced by a new machine, is still in use at the National Cancer about 600Ci) which will be replaced by a new machine, is still in use at the National Cancer

Centre (NCC), due to a large patient load.Centre (NCC), due to a large patient load.

4.3. Nuclear Medicine

The Nuclear medicine Department of the Medical University Hospital is only unit in the field of Nuclear Medicine in the country. Medical physicist of the Department carries out following QA tests:

• daily (peak, uniformat, spatial resolution)

• weekly (linearity, effective sensitivity),

• monthly (center of rotation)

QA program for Nuclear medicine is not established yet. Medical physicist of the Department has been trained on QC for internal dosimeter under the “Liver cancer treatment project”, Nov 2001- Jan 2002, 2 months in Beijing, China.

New Spect camera has been installed in September 2000 and Dr. S. Somanesan, from Singapore had carried out the acceptance tests. New shielding box and radionuclide dose calibrator had been provided from IAEA under the project MON/6/09.

5. Control of Public Exposure

5.1. Environmental and food monitoring

Food and environmental monitoring is routinely carried out by Radiation Laboratory of NRA using environmental monitoring network of the Ministry of Environment. Basic facilities are available for alpha, beta and gamma monitoring using a variety of equipment, including high-

resolution gamma spectrometry.

Air monitoringAir monitoring

- Air fallout samples for gross beta measurement collects on a 0.6 m- Air fallout samples for gross beta measurement collects on a 0.6 m2 2 for 10 days in 23 local stations. for 10 days in 23 local stations. ( Fig.1) the samples are mailed to the Central Radiological Laboratory. ( Fig.1) the samples are mailed to the Central Radiological Laboratory.

- Aerosol gross beta activity measurement, on filter samples of typically 100-130 m- Aerosol gross beta activity measurement, on filter samples of typically 100-130 m3 3 of air daily, of air daily, completes by four different places in the country. (Including 1 sampling and measuring point in completes by four different places in the country. (Including 1 sampling and measuring point in Ulaanbaatar city) Ulaanbaatar city)

•• Environmental dose rate measurementEnvironmental dose rate measurement

- The continuous radiation monitoring is conducted with (Berthold) devices at 2 stations (Ulaanbaatar) - The continuous radiation monitoring is conducted with (Berthold) devices at 2 stations (Ulaanbaatar) and Bayanulgii province (near the Kazakhstan border) and the data are collected with on-line network and Bayanulgii province (near the Kazakhstan border) and the data are collected with on-line network system. system.

- In addition at more than 23 places of meteorological station (see Fig.1), the dose rates are measured 3 - In addition at more than 23 places of meteorological station (see Fig.1), the dose rates are measured 3 times a day with portable dose rate meter and transmitted to the meteorological center in Ulaanbaatar times a day with portable dose rate meter and transmitted to the meteorological center in Ulaanbaatar twice a week. twice a week.

● ● Water monitoringWater monitoring

The Radiation Laboratory of Nuclear Regulatory Authority carry out daily measurements for tap water The Radiation Laboratory of Nuclear Regulatory Authority carry out daily measurements for tap water of Ulaanbaatar city and also carry out measurements for water samples from 8 sites in different region.of Ulaanbaatar city and also carry out measurements for water samples from 8 sites in different region.

● ● Soil monitoringSoil monitoring

Soil-grass-animal pathway is considered as a most important radionuclides transport pathway to Soil-grass-animal pathway is considered as a most important radionuclides transport pathway to population of Mongolia because meat and milk etc. produced by the pastured animals is the staple food population of Mongolia because meat and milk etc. produced by the pastured animals is the staple food in Mongolia. Soil monitoring activity can be improved using in-situ gamma spectrometry system. To in Mongolia. Soil monitoring activity can be improved using in-situ gamma spectrometry system. To obtain the background level of radionuclide activity in soil the samples are taken at 180 sampling obtain the background level of radionuclide activity in soil the samples are taken at 180 sampling points (Fig. 1) covering all the country every 2-3 years. A gamma spectrometer with HPGe detector is points (Fig. 1) covering all the country every 2-3 years. A gamma spectrometer with HPGe detector is

used to analyze radionuclides in soil samples.used to analyze radionuclides in soil samples.

•Mining and milling

Currently, Mongolia has no nuclear fuel cycle facilities except for a uranium ore processing facility, located in northeast Mongolia that is on standby. Mongolia has planning to establish a low capacity NPP for electricity generation and the nuclear power project is going under the consideration at the Government level.

Radiation source practices in Mongolia are not of the type that would ordinarily require environmental monitoring, but capability is needed in case of accidents resulting in contamination. Environmental radiation measurements are made by Radiation Laboratory of Nuclear Regulatory Authority of the State Specialized Inspection Agency around uranium and other open pit mines and electrical power stations. There is no additional environmental security provided for the tailings pile at the standby uranium ore processing facility.

Needs:

- Environmental and safety assessment for tailings of the uranium mining

- Training inspectors from Regulatory Authority on radiation protection aspects of uranium mining

● Food monitoring

More than 1,000 imported food samples a year are monitored in Mongolia. The food samples are screened at first step with a food contamination monitor (Berthold) measuring gross gamma activity. The food samples showing unreasonably high gross gamma activity are carefully measured again with high-resolution gamma spectrometer with HPGe detector.

5.2. Control of exposure to radon

Mongolia has not established a formal indoor radon program. The NRA is starting to establish radon survey of possible exposure to radon at workplaces and home. A special guidance for measurement of radon in air exists since 1991 in the form of National Standard.

5.3. Consumer products

NRA have registry of smoke detectors containing radionuclides used in industry and other organizations in collaboration with Fire Fighting Department. There is no domestic use of smoke detectors containing radionuclide registered. Replaced or not used smoke detectors are stored in the Waste storage facility, Isotope Centre. NRA is carrying out radiation detection measurement and issue certification before exportation of waste metal to China for some private companies who are exporting limited amount of waste metal.

5.4. Radioactive Waste Management

At present, the generation of unsealed radioactive waste material is not considered to be a problem, but the situation could change with the development of new phosphate, oil, gas and uranium industries.

The NEC has a dedicated secured and fenced-off long-term storage facility about 20 km from Ulaanbaatar. The facility consists of a large building with several storage pits. Scattered around the compound are other concrete pits with concrete lids for storing disused or orphaned sources. The compound also has a small burial area where contaminated material from a 90Sr incident has been buried.

Mongolia has no disposal facilities. It is understood that the NEC has long-term plan to convert the storage facility into a disposal facility. A detailed inventory exists of all sources stored or buried at the facility.

Mongolia does not produce the radioactive material. Amount of the radioactive waste respectively low and mostly it is generated from the spent sources of medical and industrial practices.

Nuclear Energy Commission of Mongolia has the following policy on spent sealed sources:

• Return spent sealed sources to the supplier,

• Strengthening the facility of wastes store in the Isotope Centre,

Conditioning some spent sealed sources (Ra-226, Pu-Be, Am-241 etc.) in the Isotope Centre.

There are no equipments and facilities for conditioning radioactive wastes in Isotope center currently. Nowadays, the capacity of radioactive wastes getting not enough for future storage and government is going to establish disposal unit for radioactive wastes.

Required support for waste management:

• To develop a National Radioactive Waste Management Programme with the assistance expert from IAEA,

• To develop a project related to strengthening of Radioactive Waste Management,

Storage facility in the Isotope center

The construction for Storage facility of the Isotope Center is in site reinforced concrete framed with walls and flat roof also made concrete suited for warm and cold of climate condition. The Isotope Center has 2 storage facilities. The 1st storage facility (Fig-2) has 24m x 9m square area; divided internally in a number of rooms and areas for different purposes and has 12 storage wells for spent sealed sources. Also, this storage facility has a heating system, sewage system and lifting system. The capacity of this well is 1.2m x 1m x1m, and concrete walls are 20 cm thick, the concrete base is 30 cm and concrete cap is 20 cm thick.

2nd storage facility (Fig-3) has 11m x 6m square area, which has 6 wells. The storage facility is designed for storage of respectively high activity and long-lived radioactive solid sealed sources such as teletherapy Co-60, Cs-137, Pu-Be, and Ra-226 etc. The well size is 2.20m x 1.80m x 1.80m, and concrete walls are 30cm thick, the concrete base is 13 cm thick and the concrete cap is 20cm thick

Special bureal of contaminated soil by sr-90 located at isotope centre

In 1993 it was found the contaminated area by Sr-90 in Ulaanbaatar city and removed the soil and decontaminated it. This incident and decontamination was reported to the IAEA. The soil waste was placed in industrial drums. The drums had capacities of 200 l and had corrosion resistant internal surfaces coated with bitumen. The waste required in total 93 drums and after sealing was placed in the waste storage site. For this reason, special 6 storage cabins (each cabin is 1.73m long, 1.58m wide and 2,78 high) made of concrete walls were built at storage site at the Isotope Centre. The concrete wall was 10 cm thick and the concrete base and cover were 20cm thick. In order to protect from water effects covered them with plastic sheets. This burial is located in the fence of the Isotope Center near the 2nd storage facility.

Fig.3. 2nd storage facilitySpecial burial of contaminated soil by Sr-90

6. Transport safety

6.1. National competent authority for the safe transport of radioactive material

NRA is a national competent authority for the safe transport of radioactive material.

• Regulations governing transport of radioactive material, based upon IAEA regulation 1985 edition, were adopted in 1987.

• A simplified version of present IAEA Transport Regulations has been provided and national transport regulation is updating.

Main transport related activities of sealed sources are follows:

• User’s transport of well logging, gauging or radiography sources for field operations

• Temporary import/export of well logging sources for oil drilling

• Transport of imported medical or industrial sources by air or local transport from cargo storage area to the end user

• Transport of spent sources from user to long term storage facility of NEC

Currently, transportation of radioactive substances does not seem to be a significant problem in Mongolia. Sources are imported, and, therefore, suppliers are required to meet applicable international regulations, but situation could be change with the development of nuclear technology and mining activities.

7. Planning for and response to Radiation emergencies

All radiation emergency responses in Mongolia are coordinated by the Civil Defense where NEC and NRA play a role within a multi-agency response. A key personnel from the Civil Defense is trained abroad in radiation emergency planning, preparedness and response. Relevant laws require users of radiation sources to contact the NEC and the Civil Defense in the event of an emergency.

The NEC and NRA have no own internal procedures, equipment, and facilities for radiological emergency. NEC and NRA are regularly organizing in collaboration with the Civil Defense field exercise for radiation users on possible radiation accident. Civil Defense provides all logistics including communication and management. NRA requires prepared facility emergency plan or emergency instructions before granting the License to users. Therefore, most of the users except diagnostic x-ray units has an emergency plan or instructions relatively designed for the sources and their installations. No emergency kit with essential equipment is available in NRA.

Environmental monitoring capability is useful in case of accidents resulting in contamination.

8. Education and training

Under the Model project, NEC and NRA organized national training course on Upgrading of radiation protection in industrial practices in cooperation with Civil Defense and Erdenet mining coorporation 16-19 June 2003 in Erdenet city. 46 participants from users are also participated in field emergency exercise organized 20 June in Erdenet.

The NEC and NRA exert a great deal of effort to optimize its operations under the co-operative effort of the Model Project. It has some in-house training programs for radiation users. Training workshops by overseas experts need to continue. These workshops for radiation users may be in the form of national training courses in a language understood by the participants and organized with the assistance of IAEA .

Thank you for your attentionThank you for your attention