Safety and Security of Radioactive Materials in the United Republic of Tanzania

Sealed radioactive sources have been used in the United Republicof Tanzania (URT) for many years in a wide range of legitimateapplications. On the other hand, the URT is aware that nuclearand radioactive materials, if they are not adequately controlled,could create a radiological hazard to the personnel using thematerial, and can pose a potential risk to public health, the environment,and national security. In view of this, the URT placesdual attention on nuclear technology transfer for peaceful applicationsas well as the global initiative for safety, security, andaccountability of the radioactive materials. The URT has thereforeenacted legislation to control the peaceful use of ionizingradiation in the country and keeps inventories of all licenses forradiation-emitting devices and radioactive materials in both inuseand spent or disused sources.To ensure compliance with the international guidelines forthe protection of workers, the public, and the environment, theURT has launched a sustainable program for searching and securingsources not in use, and keeping the sources secure in the CentralRadioactive Waste Management Facility. In addition the URTcoordinates nuclear security training programs to frontline officersincluding both regional and national courses in order tobring nuclear security awareness and combat illicit traffickingincidents. Furthermore, border detection capability has beenimproved with radiation detection instruments, which are used tomeasure dose rates on suspected packages.The URT is also committed to ensuring that physical protectionof facilities is enhanced against sabotage during use andstorage by strengthening the security upgrades at the facilities.This paper outlines the programs and processes that theURT has launched to promote the peaceful application of nucleartechnology and security of radioactive materials. It also discussesemerging technological opportunities as well as challenges thatthe URT faces to apply nuclear technology to attain economicdevelopment.