The University of Manchester is now in compliance with a prohibition notice issued by the Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) after improvements were made.
ONR served the prohibition notice on the university in April 2022 following an inspection which highlighted gaps in its transport radiation risk assessments and contingency plans.
The notice required the University of Manchester to cease the transport of all radioactive material until the shortfalls were addressed.
There was no harm to students, staff, the public or the environment as a result of the shortfalls identified.
ONR inspectors found that the university’s transport radiation risk assessments did not meet the requirements of the Ionising Radiations Regulations 2017 (IRR17) and the Carriage of Dangerous Goods and Use of Transportable Pressure Equipment Regulations 2009 (As Amended) (CDG09).
The inspectors concluded the university’s processes for responding to an accident involving the transport of radioactive material were incomplete.
But following demonstrated improvements, the university can restart transporting radioactive material if needed.
Gavin Smith, ONR’s Superintending Inspector, said: “We have proactively engaged with the University of Manchester since we served the notice on them.
“They are now complying with the notice and can resume the transport of radioactive material if they wish to.”
The University of Manchester occasionally transports small quantities of radioactive materials to approved partner institutions for academic research and analysis.
All radioactive material must be handled appropriately so important radiation risk assessments and contingency plans must be adhered to by facilities that transport these materials.