|
A National Focal Point (NFP) for denial and delay of shipment of radioactive material acts as an interface between governments and those directly involved in the transport of radioactive material. The NFP is responsible for identifying and validating reports of denial and delay as well as coordinating and communicating with involved parties aiming to facilitate solutions.
NFPs are appointed by IAEA Member States. If more than one NFP is designated, the responsibilities of each NFP must be clearly described and defined. Member states are requested to report a change in NFP designation
to the IAEA Division of Radiation, Transport and Waste Safety.
Who can be an NFP?
- NFPs usually work at the national competent authority. NFPs can also come from technical support organizations or government sponsored organizations.
- The NFP should be familiar with the national policies on radioactive material and practical procedures and regulations for the safe and secure transport of radioactive materials.
General tasks of an NFP 1. NETWORK
Establish a network of involved parties related to denials of and delays in shipment.
Implement the communication strategy of the denial of shipment working group.
2. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Collect data and information on denials of and delays in shipment for their member state.
Prepare proposals for possible improvements to reduce denials of and delays in shipment, and identify and communicate lessons learnt, share information.
3. SUPPORT
The NFP should identify the resources required depending on the extent of the denials of and delays in shipment, the quantity of import / export / transit radioactive material, the transport modes used in the country and the size and amount of infrastructure.
The NFP should identify training and education needs for interested parties.
Establish an action plan with relevant involved parties, coordinate and facilitate solutions using the network of experts:
- Network management of all involved parties;
- Share information;
- Discuss with involved parties denial or delay of shipment occurrences to facilitate a solution.
4. REPORT
Provide data and information on denials of and delays in shipment to IAEA for inclusion in the denial and delay of shipment database.
Provide feedback to the national network and for each occurrence to the relevant involved parties.
Further tasks
- Identify national needs including training to minimise denial of shipment with the cooperation of the network, Interested Parties and other agencies.
- Take into consideration the DoS WG communication strategy.
- Understand the main routes for import / export and transit — including land borders, ports and airports used for shipping radioactive material at a national level.
- Liaising with regional and international organisations. Take part in a network of NFPs at a regional level to understand problems and facilitate solutions; communicate through IAEA with international organisations such as ILO, IMO, ICAO (IATA), UNECE and WCO.
- Encourage to share the identified differences between national regulations and international regulations for the transport of radioactive materials.
- The NFP should participate to the annual meetings of NFP organised by IAEA.
- Succession planning should be taken into account.
|
