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.