Sponsor: Nuclear Regulatory Authority, Ghana
Period of Consultations: Sun May 25, 2025 to Fri June 27, 2025 The safe,
secure, and peaceful use of nuclear materials and radioactive materials is of greatest
importance to national interest, public health, environmental protection, and
international obligations. This is because nuclear activities ought to be
conducted safely and securely, to protect
the people, the environment and properties from the harmful effects of radiation
hazards, whilst enjoying its benefits.
It is a core mandate of the Nuclear Regulatory
Authority to develop
regulations that licensees must meet to obtain or retain a license or
certificate to use nuclear materials or operate a nuclear facility. These draft
regulations provide specific guidance and implementation details for the
broader regulatory framework outlined in the Nuclear Regulatory Authority Act,
895 of 2015. These regulations ensure consistent and effective enforcement of
safety, security, and other standards related to nuclear activities.
The
relevance of this Regulation is to provide a framework for protecting people
and the environment from the harmful effects of ionizing radiation exposure.
These regulations establish dose limits, address various exposure situations,
and ensure the safe management of radioactive materials in the country.
The Basic Ionising Radiation Control Regulations establishes safety standards for protecting individuals from radiation exposure, both medically, occupationally and for public health. This regulation addresses exposure to ionizing radiation from work activities like the use of x-ray machines in hospitals, natural radioactive elements (NORMS) in minerals and ores. It emphasizes the importance of justification, optimization, and dose limits. The regulations also cover the safe management of radioactive waste and emergency preparedness in case of nuclear or radiological incidents or accidents.
Key Provisions / Thematic Areas
Key provisions are:
1. The
regulations set maximum permissible dose limits for both occupational and
public exposures to ionizing radiation. It also includes consideration for pregnant
and breast-feeding patients undergoing medical exposure.
2. A
formal radiation risk assessment must be conducted for all uses of ionizing
radiation
3. The
regulations define controlled areas where radiation levels are above a certain
threshold.
4. A
Radiation Protection Officer and a Radiation Safety Committee may be required
to oversee radiation safety practices and ensure compliance with regulations.
5. Procedures
for the safe handling, storage, and disposal of radioactive materials are
outlined in the regulations
6. Specific
regulations governing the safe transport of radioactive materials to minimize
risks to the public and the environment.
7. Addressing
the safe management of radioactive waste, including its collection, storage,
and disposal.
8. The
regulations also address the use of ionizing radiation in medical procedures,
with specific emphasis on justifying the use of X-rays and other imaging
techniques.
9. The
regulations emphasize the importance of radiation protection measures,
including time, distance, and shielding.
10. Record
keeping of exposure of occupationally exposed workers or radiation workers.
11. Penalties
for flouting any of the provisions of these Regulations.
12. Appeals
may be made in accordance with the procedures provided in the Nuclear
Regulatory Authority Act, 2015
Comments
Structure of Comments:
In your comments,
please add:
Title: Please state the title of
the draft regulation you wish to comment on.
Introduction: Explain
why you are interested in the draft regulation, stating whether you are
commenting on your own behalf, on behalf of your organization or another
organisation, or are endorsing the comment of another. Also add any experiences
or credentials that makes your comments different from that of others.
Background: Clearly identify the
relevant part of the draft regulation you are commenting on. State the issues
within the draft regulation on which you are commenting and list your
recommendations. If you are commenting on a particular word or phrase, or if
you are responding to specific questions or requests for data, state this
clearly and provide the relevant page number, column, and paragraph in the
draft regulation.
Analysis: Please state your detailed
argument and evidence to support your recommendations.
Conclusion: Summarise your main
argument and lists your recommendations again.
Submitting Comments:
Comments may be submitted through any of the following methods:
- Email: reviewcom@nra.gov.gh with the email subject header “Reviewcom_Title of Regulation_Your Full Name_Organisation”
- Online Portal: www.brr.gov.gh
- Mail (if applicable): P. O. Box AE 50, Atomic Energy, Kwabenya.
- In-person (if applicable): Houses Nos. 1 & 2, Neutron Avenue, Nuclear Regulatory Authority; Mondays-Fridays, 8:30am – 4:30pm
Key documents to download
How to respond
Click here to respond to this Consultation
Email to:
Write to:
House Nos. 1 &2, Neutron Avenue, P.O. Box AE 50 Atomic Energy, Kwabenya
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