Management of Radioactive Disused Sources and Materials out of Regulatory Control in Lebanon

Abstract

Radioactive sources are used in different fields and mainly in medicine, industry, agriculture, and research. However, the use of these sources should be accompanied with adequate safety and security measures. In Lebanon, large number of radioactive sources, including Category I and Category II sources, have been used since the 1960s in different sectors. These sources require high-security levels, improved protection and control, and restricted access to authorized persons during the whole life cycle. The Lebanese government had exerted efforts to combat illicit trafficking, enhance physical protection of radiological facilities, and assure adequate management of sources of Category I and Category II, especially after the end of their life cycle. Several missions were conducted by the International Atomic Energy Agency upon request of the Lebanese government in order to enhance the national capabilities to develop physical protection measures for radiological and nuclear materials, combat illicit trafficking, and establish a comprehensive nuclear security regime. The Lebanese Integrated Nuclear Security Support prepared in 2008, and updated in 2012, 2016, and 2019 is described here. This paper describes the national context to manage disused sources of Category I and Category II and materials out of regulatory control. The temporary storage of the radioactive wastes, especially the orphan sources, is described and the facility security plan is highlighted.