Establishment of an Electronic Radioactive Source Register at the NNR

Abstract

The production, domestic use, exportation of radioactive sources (radioisotopes) to the international market and importation of radioactive sources are important for the Republic of South Africa (RSA). Radioisotopes in the RSA are regulated at present by two national regulatory bodies namely the National Nuclear Regulator (NNR) and the Department of Health, Directorate Radiation Control (RADCON). A self-assessment was conducted during 2015 by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) on the transportation, use, control, storage and regulatory oversight of radioactive sources. The self-assessment identified some areas for improvement relating to the control, accountability and movement of radioisotopes in the RSA. The NNR took the initiative to develop and establish an electronic radioactive source register using the IAEA Regulatory Authority Information System (RAIS).This project involved the participation of all key stakeholders including Operators who are authorized by the both regulatory bodies to import, manufacture, use, convey and dispose of radioisotopes. Operators submitted information on radioisotopes under their control to the NNR in order to populate the NNR electronic radioactive source register. The long term objective is to integrate the NNR electronic radioactive source register with the national radioactive source register maintained by RADCON. Some challenges were experienced which delayed full implementation of the NNR electronic radioactive source register. This paper describes the process followed by the NNR to implement the IAEA RAIS system, challenges faced during implementation and the status of the project.