(POS-33) Inspection Challenges in a State without Nuclear Fuel Cycle- A case study of Sierra Leone

Inspection Challenges in a State without Nuclear Fuel Cycle- A Case study of Sierra Leone

Abstract

In states without nuclear fuel cycle activities, regulatory inspections play a vital role in protecting people and ensuring that facilities meet international safety standards. Even though these states do not have a nuclear fuel cycle, they still face unique challenges in overseeing facilities that use radioactive materials, such as medical diagnostic centers, industrial radiography units, and research laboratories.
Sierra Leone is a developing country in Africa without nuclear fuel cycle. However, radioactive sources and radiation generating equipment for medical, mining, construction and industrial purposes are widely in use. The regulatory body - the Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection Authority (NSRPA) has the mandate to conduct inspections at these facilities to ensure that nuclear technology must be applied in a way that it is used without harm to anyone and the environment.
Inspections are conducted to ensure facilities comply with national and international regulations, with a focus on protecting workers and the public, preparing for emergencies, and maintaining equipment performance. However, these efforts are often hindered by challenges such as limited resources, inadequate infrastructure, a shortage of trained personnel, and difficulties in enforcing regulations.
This research explores Sierra Leone’s approach to inspections within the framework of the Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection Act, 2012, highlighting the role of the Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection Authority (NSRPA) focusing on challenges, of implementing a regulatory inspection program in a developing country context. Furthermore, this study discusses how these challenges affect the implementation of regulatory standards and highlights valuable insights into improving inspection processes and achieving compliance in low-resource settings, offering lessons for other nations with similar regulatory contexts.