The recycle and reuse of materials have been increasing during recent years, particularly
because of recognition of the economic opportunities presented, but also because of an
increased societal awareness of the desirability of conserving raw materials and natural
resources. Lost, stolen and abandoned sources appearing in recycled metals constitute a world
wide problem. Radioactive sources sometimes incorporate into scrap metal for subsequent
recycling. Most of these incidents have resulted in significant levels of radioactive
contamination with the attendant risks to employees and the general public. During the past
decade there have been numerous accidents where these shielded sources have been accidentally
mixed with scrap metal, and have been subsequently melted or ruptured particularly in steel
making process. For controlling of incoming trucks and trains in case the presence of
radioactive sources hidden in the scrap, there is a need to establish a radiation detecting system.
In Turkey in addition to pocket sized or handheld radiation monitors, fixed or mobile panel
detection systems will also be used in the detection of illicit trafficking of radiation sources and
contaminated scrap material. But besides this activity; training courses have been carried out to
improve the knowledge and skills of workers and the customs officers dealing with radiation
sources and scrap materials.
In Turkey, Turkish Atomic Energy Authority (TAEA) is the main responsible and national
competent authority for all nuclear and radiological activities. The Radiation Health and Safety
Department of TAEA is the regulatory body concerning the use, exportation, importation,
storage, transportation, transferring and licensing of radiation sources or equipments and also
implementation of the provision of the regulations dealing with the above-mentioned matters.
The regulatory structure of TAEA, legal instruments for radiation protection, legislation,
radiation source and waste management, inspection, training program on the safe uses of
radiation sources will be discussed in this paper.