As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to severely impact all aspects of human activities, so too has it impacted the regulatory oversight of radiation sources which are used mainly in medicine, industry and research. A recent IAEA survey of regulatory bodies in over 90 countries found that national regulators are using innovative methods to adapt to the changing circumstances to ensure safety is not compromised.
Countries have a comprehensive regulatory framework to ensure that radiation sources are used safely and securely. This framework normally includes laws, regulations and guidance, an independent regulatory body and regulatory control activities, such as notification, authorization, inspection and enforcement.
Results from the survey indicate that regulators are able to maintain high levels of safety during this crisis, said Peter Johnston, Director of the IAEA Radiation, Transport and Waste Safety Division. “Through the findings, the IAEA has a more detailed understanding of challenges faced. It is also reassuring that national radiation safety regulators are adapting to the situation and want to share their experiences with others, and that countries are and have been working to mitigate the projected risks.”
The IAEA survey showed that a number of countries are concerned that potential safety risks might arise from the prolonged impact of the disease, on financial and human resources for regulatory activities, logistics, and other radiation safety infrastructure elements.
“The COVID-19 situation is an unprecedent situation, for which the regulatory body was not fully prepared,” said Faradally A. Ollite, Director General of Radiation Safety and Nuclear Security Authority in Mauritius, adding that “this, however, serves as an opportunity to look at the weaknesses in our regulatory processes and how we should be better prepared and organised to face any such emergency in the future.”
