A new safety guide designed to help countries build strong radiation safety infrastructure is now available. The guide, part of the IAEA Safety Standards series, supports national authorities in establishing legal and regulatory frameworks to protect workers, patients, the public and the environment against radiological exposure.
The publication, Establishing the Infrastructure for Radiation Safety, outlines actions that help authorities develop and maintain infrastructure in line with IAEA safety standards. It serves as supplementary guidance to the IAEA Safety Fundamentals and Safety Requirements publications.
“The guide provides advice on designing a roadmap that fits the national circumstances for the establishment of a radiation safety infrastructure,” said Teodros Gebremichael Hailu, an IAEA radiation safety specialist. “It is intended for use by all Member States, regardless of their level of infrastructure, and recommends actions for measurement, assessment and continuous improvement.”
The guide prescribes 67 action items as guidance for all phases of the establishment and implementation of radiation safety infrastructure, including the development of a legal framework for safety and creating a system for radioactive waste management and decommissioning.
“Establishing legislation for radiation safety can take time, and this guide presents some of the preliminary actions that could be implemented within the existing legal framework,” said Hailu.
The guide recommends, for example, that countries appoint a steering group to review national circumstances and advise the government on establishing or strengthening the infrastructure for radiation safety, including by drafting a national policy and strategy for radiation safety.
The IAEA Safety Standards, developed in cooperation with Member States, serve as a global reference for protecting people and the environment and contribute to a high level of nuclear and radiological safety worldwide.
