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Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission
Resources
Infographics
Radioactive Waste Characterization
Radioactive Waste Characterization
Properties examined
when characterizing
nuclear waste:
Characterization is a determination of the physical, radiological,
chemical and biological properties of radioactive waste.
Origin
Facility or activity that
produced the waste
Criticality
Conditions under which the material
can sustain a chain reaction
Chemical properties
Composition, solubility,
combustibility of the material
Physical properties
Size, weight and state of
the material
Biological properties
Biological hazard and
organism absorption rate
Radiological properties
Half-lives of radionuclides, dose
factors, surface contamination
The licensee’s role
The licensee performs
characterization activities at all
stages of the radioactive waste
cycle, including generation,
handling, processing,
transportation, storage and
long-term management. It is the
licensee’s responsibility to conduct
waste activities in accordance with
regulatory requirements.
The CNSC’s role
The CNSC carefully reviews the
applicant’s waste management
process, including characterization,
before providing a licence to any
organization that participates in
waste management activities.
CNSC inspectors perform regular
inspections on all types of facilities
and activities in Canada that
generate or manage waste, and
monitor the day-to-day work to
ensure the safety of employees, the
public, and the environment.
Page details
Date modified:
2018-05-10
