FANR lays groundwork for Int’l Atomic Energy Agency review

Abu Dhabi / WAM

The Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR) reached a key stage in preparation for an International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) review of efforts to advise personnel on radiation protection in the UAE.
The final review, formally called an Education and Training Appraisal in Radiation Protection and the Safety of Radiation Sources, EduTA, is scheduled for February next year and will assess how the UAE’s radiation protection training programmes are complying with IAEA safety standards.
A three-day preparatory meeting held this week at FANR headquarters in Abu Dhabi was attended by representatives from the Ministry of Health and Prevention, the Ministry of Interior, the Health Authority of Abu Dhabi, the Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation, the National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Management Authority, Khalifa University, University of Sharjah, UAE University and Zayed University.
The IAEA’s EduTA service aims to assess the national legal and regulatory infrastructure related to education and training in radiation protection and the safety of radiation sources. The service highlights the importance of involving all relevant stakeholders, particularly a nation’s nuclear regulatory body.
IAEA standards dictate that criteria and procedures for the recognising and designating of qualified experts and radiation protection officers need to be clearly established by the regulatory body or other governmental authorities.
Christer Viktorsson, FANR Director-General, said, “Many people conduct radiation-related activities or handle radioactive materials in the UAE, so it is critical that they be well trained to minimise the risks of radiation harming people or the environment. We are grateful for the IAEA’s support and we look forward to seeing and implementing any suggestions its review offers.”