Control of Radiation Sources

 

Preamble - Ensuring safety in the use of radiation sources and operation of related facilities is of paramount importance for the protection of people and the environment from any associated radiation risks. In order to ensure radiation safety, a cradle-to-grave system for the control of radiation sources should be established.

Establishment of such a system requires, among other things, the existence of a legislative framework for safety (relevant laws and regulations), the establishment of a national infrastructure for control of radiation sources (an operational regulatory body with sufficient resources as well as qualified and adequate staff), and the implementation of regulatory control activities (such as authorization, inspection and enforcement).

The IAEA Safety Standards and other publications like the Code of Conduct on Safety and Security of Radioactive Sources, together with the Guidance on the Import and Export of Radioactive Sources provide the international requirements and recommendations for an appropriate and sustainable regulatory system for the control of sources.

The effectiveness of a regulatory system for control of radiation sources depends on several factors. Through the Control of Radiation Sources project, the IAEA develops, upgrades and promotes the use of dedicated tools to assist regulatory bodies in strengthening the effectiveness of their activities. Examples of such tools are:

• The Self-Assessment of Regulatory Infrastructure for Safety (SARIS) - to facilitate States' regular own compliance review with IAEA Safety Standards
• The Regulatory Authority Information System (RAIS) - to maintain the national register of sources and related regulatory information
• The Control of Sources Network (CSN) - a platform designed for regulators with the objective of providing an instrument for enhancing the sharing of knowledge and experience in the establishment and maintenance of a functional, effective and efficient system for regulatory control of radiation sources.

Services to Member States

The IAEA also offers services to States, including IRRS and advisory missions, and review of radiation safety regulations

Highlights and recent developments

• Control of orphan sources and other radioactive material in scrap metal
• Code of Conduct meeting
• Recently published documents

 

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