NEWSFLASH

SURVEY OF SURPLUS RADIOACTIVE SOURCES

	The Government has made money available to subsidise a programme of
surplus radioactive source collections and disposals across the UK up to
March 2007. The Environment Agency is managing this programme, working with
the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) and the Environment &
Heritage Service (EHS) in Northern Ireland. 

	Subsidies may be available to help museums dispose of surplus
radioactive items or sources. Museums registered under the Radioactive
Substances Act 1993 to hold radioactive materials have been contacted to get
details of surplus sources they wish to get assistance with.

	It is believed that non-registered aviation, military, maritime,
science & industry and medical museums may also hold exhibits containing
radioactivity in the form of radium luminised paint in instrument dials,
compasses etc as well as other radium containing items such as radium
blankets.

	It is probable that some museums are unaware that their exhibits may
contain radioactive material and it is advisable to seek the advice of a
Radiation Protection Adviser (RPA) if you hold potentially radioactive items
in your exhibits.  Details of certified RPA's are available at
www.srp-uk.org/rpa2000

	There are legislative requirements for establishments holding
radioactive materials which are enforced by the Health & Safety Executive
and the Environment Agency / SEPA / EHS. To comply with the legislation may
be considered too much of a burden by many museums and  they may prefer to
dispose of any items containing radioactive material. A Radiation Protection
Adviser will be able to advise you on the legislative and disposal
requirements. 

	If you wish to be considered under the subsidised source disposal
programme, you can request a questionnaire by e mailing us at
[log in to unmask] You can either fill in the form
electronically or print a paper copy to fill in by hand. 

	Once you have filled in the form please e-mail it to
[log in to unmask]  OR return a hard copy to -

	SSDP, The Environment Agency, Olton Court, 10 Warwick Road, Olton,
Solihull, B927HX

	If you use the paper form please make sure you make enough copies of
page 2 before you fill it in.  Please ignore the contact and return
instructions listed on the questionnaire as these are no longer available.

	To enable the scope of the radium disposal work to be completed
within the allotted period we need your questionnaire returns of sources
that are likely to become surplus by 30 September 2005. We may not be able
to add sources to the disposal programme after that date. 

	The levels of subsidy available will be finalised once the radium
disposal costs are established but may typically be up to 50% of the
collection and disposal costs. 

	Please note that museums owned by the Ministry of Defence are
outside the scope of the Disposal Programme and will not be eligible for
subsidy.

	Please pass this information on to the person responsible for your
exhibits as soon as possible. If you have any queries or require further
information please contact Adrian Kesterson on 01217084768.


	PHILIP BURNS 
	Project Manager - Surplus Source Disposal Programme 
 


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