PRESENTATION

MARTHA TUTU GEORGE

Scientific Officer, Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection Authority

SIERRA LEONE

10/6/2014

NUCLEAR SAFETY AND RADIATION PROTECTION AUTHORITY

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GENERAL INFORMATION OF THE COUNTRY

Sierra Leone is a country situated in the West Coast of Africa.

It is bordered by Guinea to the North, Liberia to the South-East and the Atlantic Ocean to the South-West.

It has a Population of about Six Million.(2008 census)

Land area 27,653 sq mi.

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INTEGRATION OF SAFETY CULTURE

INTO REGULATORY PRACTICES AND

THE REGULATORY DECISION MAKING

PROCESS AT THE NSRPA IN SIERRA

LEONE

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INTRODUCTION

The NSRPA has adopted the IAEA’s TSR 1 and subsequent

amendments for our Transport Safety Regulations.

We are an effective and independent Regulatory Authority.

The Authority determines Safety Measures to be achieved by

Regulators and Licensees to protect people and the environment

against radiation risks.

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We also ensure implementation of these Safety Measures.

According to Section 5, sub section 2 (vi) of the NSRP Act 2012

which states “Without prejudice to the generality of sub section

(1), the Authority shall have the power to confirm the

competence of personnel responsible for the safe operation of a

facility, activity or practice involving ionizing radiation.

Also, according to Section 9, sub section 1 of the NSRP Act 2012

which states “Where a situation poses an imminent safety or

security hazard involving radiation sources, nuclear material and

any other radioactive material to the public or the environment,

the Authority shall order an immediate cessation of all activities

and ensure the restoration of safety and security.

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As part of our Safety Culture, the NSRPA ensures the following

practices are adhered to by its Regulators.

Records showing Regulators who carry out inspections in every

facility.

Radiation warning signs and symbols in our laboratories where

radiation sources and devices are handled.

This is done to keep control of radioactive material to prevent

unauthorized access to such material.

The Authority focuses all communication to the public on

matters directly related to risk using simple and understandable

language.

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Pre and Post inspection meetings.

Pre and Post Safety checks on equipment.

This is done to prevent contamination and for proper

functioning of equipment.

Safety Gears are worn during inspections.

Radiation hazards are controlled and doses kept ALARA,with

the economic and social factors being taken into

consideration.

This is achieved by the Principle of Dose Reduction

(Distance, Time and Shielding).

In dose monitoring, the Authority personnel and workers in

the various fields are provided with TLD Badges which are

read periodically.

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PHOTOS ILLUSTRATING NUCLEAR DENSITY

GUAGES INSPECTIONS

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The NSRPA considers Safety Culture in our regulatory

decision making processes to ensure that it is risk informed.

This is done by developing safety culture policies, training

management and technical staff in their respective roles and

responsibilities and implementing theses policies.

Our Authority engages in ongoing dialogue with licensees-

To enhance the understanding of Safety Culture aspects

To seeks licensees commitment to comply with Safety

requirements.

We also have independent peer assessments of Safety

Culture.

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The Authority exercises adequate legal powers.

According to Section 5 sub section 2 (i) of the NSRP Act

2012 which states “Without prejudice to the generality

of sub section (1),the Authority shall have the power to

issue, amend, suspend or revoke licenses and set code of

practice for practices and activities involving ionizing

radiation for beneficial and peaceful purposes.

Information dissemination and experience sharing on

return from IAEA meetings, workshops and trainings.

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Appropriate training of and collaboration with other

Ministries, Departments and Agencies including Mining,

Industry, Environment, Health and other Stakeholders and

Frontline Officers.

According to Section (5), Subsection (2) (xii), which states “

Without prejudice to the generality of subsection (1), the

Authority shall have the Power to cooperate with other

governmental bodies having competence in such areas such as

in health and safety, environmental protection, security and

transportation of dangerous goods.

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Also, according to Section (5), Subsection (2) (xiii), which

states “ Without prejudice to the generality of subsection (1),

the Authority shall have the Power to establish appropriate

mechanisms and procedures for informing the public, media

ad other stakeholders about the regulatory process and the

safety and security aspects of regulated activities and

practices, including incidents, accidents and abnormal

occurrences.

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THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION

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