Nuclear Oversight and Radiological Practices
The
NRRC works on integrating oversight operations for nuclear facilities and
radiological practices through regulatory process engineering to ensure public
and environmental protection from radiological risks and to safeguard workers
involved in radiological practices. The oversight operations rely on seven main
functions, summarized as follows:
- Development of
Technical Regulations and Guidance: Establishing necessary
regulations and guidelines to ensure the safe use of ionizing radiation in
radiological practices, activities, and nuclear facilities.
- Licensing of
Activities and Facilities: Regulating the use of
radiological and nuclear sources through licensing to ensure oversight.
- Review and
Evaluation of Licensing Applications: Ensuring compliance with
NRRC standards and all regulatory requirements throughout the operational
period of the activities and facilities.
- Inspection of
Nuclear and Radiological Activities and Facilities: Conducting
field inspections to verify adherence to NRRC standards and compliance
with regulations.
- Emergency
Preparedness and Response: Ensuring adequate
arrangements for safe management of nuclear and radiological emergencies
and efficient coordination with off-site response entities.
- Effective
Communication: Engaging with relevant stakeholders and the public, raising
awareness about safe and peaceful uses of nuclear and radiological
materials.
- Oversight of
Nuclear Facilities and Radiological Practices: Ensuring
the fulfillment of all safety and security requirements through core
regulatory functions.
Disclosure and Licensing
The
NRRC receives license applications for nuclear facilities or radiological
practices, applying fundamental principles of practice justification,
optimization, and limitation. Licensing may take various forms, including
exemptions, registrations for low-risk practices, single or multi-stage
licensing, beginning with licensing the nuclear facility site or approving the
practice site and ends with a license for decommissioning the nuclear facility
or approving the termination of the practice and decommissioning.
Review and Evaluation
This
process ensures that licensees comply with all requirements and regulations,
guaranteeing safety and security throughout the operation of the nuclear
facility or radiological practice. A specialized team within the NRRC reviews
the nuclear and radiological protection program to ensure compliance with NRRC
standards.
Inspection
A
specialized NRRC team conducts inspections to verify the submitted documents
and ensure safety and security within the facility. Post-inspection reports
include observations, photographs, facts, and individuals involved, aimed at
"correcting actions if necessary." This report can also be used for
enforcement actions later.
Types
of inspections include:
- Announced
inspections
- Unannounced
inspections
- Inspections for
license issuance (verification and validation)
- Inspections for
license renewal or amendment
- Stage
inspections (site, construction, trial operation, routine operation)
Enforcement
This
regulatory procedure corrects non-compliant actions and violations by
facilities or individuals and imposes regulatory sanctions.
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