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Nuclear activities in Egypt
Applied Energy 75 (2003) 71–78 www.elsevier.com/locate/apenergy
Nuclear activities in Egypt M.A. Salama* Center for Nuclear Safety and Radiation Control (NCNSRC), Atomic Energy Authority, (AEA), Cairo, Egypt
Abstract Egypt is a country of high population density. A widespread and rapid increase in the use of radioactive materials is occurring in many applications (in nuclear medicine, industrial radiography, agriculture, teaching and research). Moreover there are several nuclear installations in the country, e.g. two research nuclear reactors (2 MW and 22 MW), for reactor physics research and isotope production, 40.000 Ci cobalt sterilization facility, 20 MeV cyclotron facility and a 1.5 MeV electron linear-accelerator facility. Another risk ensues at the Suez Canal due to the passage of radioactive material cargoes as well as nuclear-powered ships. These activities are subject to control by the National Center for Nuclear Safety and Radiation Control (NCNSRC) inside the country. The purpose of the present paper is to indicate the role of the national regulatory body controlling possible radiological hazards which could ensue inside the country. # 2003 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved. Keywords: Nuclear activities; Hazards; Control; Regulatory program; Environment
1. Introduction Although no nuclear-power reactors for commercial electricity generation have yet been, built for commercial electricity generation in Egypt, there are two research reactors used for experimental nuclear-physics research. One of them is an operating 2 MW water-moderated reactor, the other is a 22 MW Argentinean reactor which is still under commissioning tests. The 22 MW reactor is going to be used for isotopes production as well as for experimental nuclear and reactor physics research. These reactors are located in the nuclear research center at the Inshass site, 40 km northeast of Cairo. An approximately (40.000 Ci) cobalt sterilization facility operates at the National Center for Radiation Research and Technology in Cairo: it is being used for the sterilization of medical supplies and food irradiation. Radioactive materials arrive in the country regularly. These radioisotopes as well as other radioactive sources * Fax: +202-2740238. E-mail address: [email protected] (M.A. Salama). 0306-2619/03/$ - see front matter # 2003 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved. doi:10.1016/S0306-2619(03)00020-5
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are transported by different means to many places throughout the country. Radioisotopes are used for medical diagnosis and treatment as well as in industrial applications such as gamma radiography. Also a 1.5 MeV linear accelerator facility is being used for industrial applications as radiation modification of cable wires, textiles and membranes. Egypt has also a 20 MeV cyclotron facility; which is going to be used for nuclear physics and applied research. The cyclotron was commissioned late in the year 2002. Egypt has an additional unique problem—the Suez Canal. Cargoes travelling through the canal carrying radioactive materials include new and spent reactor fuel and about 1000 metric tons of uranium hexafluoride each year. Furthermore, nuclear-powered ships also pass through the canal several times each year, escorted by Egyptian vessels. Egypt has a population of about 65 million inhabitants. The country has about 60 medical centers equipped with gamma cameras which, are used for diagnostic tests on patients; and about 170 laboratories using radio-pharmaceuticals for in vitro tests for the purpose of clinical diagnosis, in biological and biochemical studies. Moreover, radioactive materials are used to test and calibrate the equipment used in these facilities.
2. Basic elements of the regulatory program in Egypt In Egypt this function is carried out by the National Center for Nuclear Safety and Radiation Control (NCNSRC), (one of the centers belonging to the Atomic Energy Authority, (AEA), whose regulatory system for radiation sources and materials comprises a track of registration, licensing and inspection schemes. The system is designed to keep track of such sources and materials, and to allow the taking of immediate corrective actions in the case that an incident occurs. Radiation safety of sources is established and maintained through a regulatory program consisting of the following items: Regulations which set requirements and standards for protection and safety, and related administrative requirements. A system of notification and authorization (registration or licensing) for control over the possession and use of radiation sources. Provisions for establishing exclusions and granting exemptions from regulatory requirements. Compliance monitoring, including inspection, to assess the status of safety and compliance with regulatory requirements. Enforcement to compel compliance with regulatory requirements. Investigation of accidents and management of radiological emergencies. Dissemination of information on protection and safety. The size, complexity and structure of the regulatory program is compatible with the magnitude and safety implications of the regulated practices and sources, as well as with the resources available to regulate them.
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3. Regulations The principal purpose in establishing a system of regulations is to codify radiation safety requirements. The regulations should define the administrative requirements for notification and for authorization by registration or licensing. The adopted Egyptian regulations conform to the IAEA regulations and standards [1] which are considered as the milestone of the Egyptian regulatory program and define the basic requirements that must be followed by the user, registrants, and licensees.
4. Notification and registration Notification is usually submitted to the NCNSRC by a legal person to notify the possession of a source or the intention to carryout a practice. It is the basic mechanism that provides information to the Egyptian regulatory authority about a proposed action. Once the safety requirements are established by the NCNSRC, the person applying for registration needs to submit only the minimum necessary information to the regulatory body. The information submitted by an applicant must include the following: Clear identification of the source and associated facilities and equipment to be utilized in the practice. The location of use. Identification of the individual responsible for source safety, Agreement. Information contained in the applications is recorded in the NCNSRC documentcontrol system for inspection and other purposes.
5. Licensing Use of a radioactive source or material should be ruled through a legal person, who must apply to the NCNSRC for a license. The application to get a license should include information which can be summarized by the following: The owner’s name, address, and phone number. The radiation protection officer’s, name, address, and phone number. The radioactive source material, its nature, quantity, half-life period and the purpose of use. The nature of the floor and working surfaces. Engineering drawings to show the location of, and access to, the buildings containing the radioactive materials and surrounding buildings. The presence of a ventilation fumehood, fire-fighting equipment, as well as international radiation-warning signs to show the radiation-controlled areas.
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Waste storage and disposal sites. Personal dosimetry devices. Information about workers, their names, jobs, experience and training. Regarding the regulations adopted in controlling the safe handling of radioactive sources inside the country, the NCNSRC could withdraw or cancel the license in the following cases: In the cases of not following the measurements or precautions requested by the NCNSRC and which, as a result, could induce harm to the environment or public. Introducing any wrong information about the used facility or the radioactive sources or materials which are going to be licensed. Utilization of ionizing radiation sources by persons not authorized (licensed) for that purpose. Lack of the presence of reasonable resources to face any emergency. Absence of records about radiation exposure, unusual events, leaks of sources as well as radioactive-waste management.
6. Exclusion (exemption of practices and sources) According to the Standards [1,2] any exposure whose magnitude or likelihood is essentially unamenable to control through the requirements of the Standards is deemed to be excluded (exempted) from the Standards. This concept essentially has been applied to some exposures to radiation which are part of the natural environment. These exposures are regarded as unavoidable. It is usually not practicable to control them through a regulatory system. Fig. 1 illustrates how the procedure for notification and authorization (by registration or licensing) should be applied to the NCNSRC. 6.1. A registration would be required by the NCNSRC for such practices and sources as: Radio-immunoanalysis Consumer products distribution Low industrial gauges 6.2. A license would be needed by the NCNSRC for such practices and sources as:
Industrial irradiators High activity industrial gauges Industrial radiography Radiotherapy Nuclear medicine Use of non-sealed sources
M.A. Salama / Applied Energy 75 (2003) 71–78
Fig. 1. General procedure for notification and authorization (by registration or licensing).
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Use of sealed sources Radionuclide production Use of sources in research institutions Storage of radioactive materials Radioactive-waste storage or disposal facilities
7. Compliance monitoring Compliance monitoring is conducted by the NCNSRC to determine whether practices are carried out and sources are used in accordance with the requirements of the relevant regulations and under the appropriate license or registration conditions. Key elements of the compliance monitoring include on-site inspection, radiation-safety appraisals, accident notification and investigation, as well as, periodic feedback from users about key operational safety parameters. The principal component of compliance monitoring is on-site inspection, which is often the principal means for direct personal contact between the users and NCNSRC staff.
8. Dissemination of information An important supplement to the regulatory system is a mechanism for the periodic dissemination of information to relevant users, manufacturers, suppliers, etc. about protection, safety and related findings. This keeps those who might be affected alert to problems they may encounter and to the consequences if not properly addressed. This information is addressed in the form of meetings and seminars organized by the NCNSRC. Moreover the NCNSRC plays an important role to the regulatory system in offering two main types of training programs for users of radiation sources. The first one is designed for graduated personnel (six weeks course), in order to get a user licensee; however, the other one (five weeks course) is for technicians. These programs are held six times per year. This training program is commensurate with the IAEA perquisites and standards and includes the following syllabus:
Basic physics and introduction to radiation. Interaction of ionizing radiation with matter. Safe transport of radioactive sources. Emergency planning and preparedness. Biological effects of radiation.
Contained within the bilateral agreement between the NCNSRC and the Civil Defense Authority (CDA), training programs are established for officers from different Civil Defense centers at different governerates inside the country. These training programs contain basic information about radiation and radioactivity, biological effects of radiation, detection, and radiation-protection principles.
M.A. Salama / Applied Energy 75 (2003) 71–78
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9. Enforcement Enforcement is the action taken by the NCNSRC to correct non-compliance with regulatory requirements. A strong and effective enforcement program is the key component of the regulatory infrastructure for assuring success in meeting regulatory objectives. Enforcement actions taken by the national regulatory body fall in three broad categories: Both informal and formal instructions to correct a regulatory infraction or adverse safety conditions that might lead to an infraction, but not with an immediate threat to health and safety. In such situations, operations can continue while corrective actions are being taken. Suspension of operations, in whole or in part, until a regulatory infraction or safety condition, which has the potential for an immediate threat to health and safety, is complied with. Suspension of operations in whole or in part, or restriction of operations because of a record of poor performance or adverse safety conditions, such that the NCNSRC can no longer conclude that operations are likely to be safe and in compliance with applicable regulations.
10. Investigation of accidents and management of radiological emergencies Should an accident occur, an investigation to determine why it occurred and how to prevent similar accidents is necessary. Most, but not all, accidents involving radiation sources are minor and confined to the workplace. Such accidents are usually investigated by the user and the investigation results, along with corrective actions, are reported to the Regulatory Authority. For more serious accidents, an independent investigation should be conducted by the NCNSRC and sometimes together with other governmental authorities as well, in addition to the investigation being conducted by the user. Although not completely separable, there are usually two main objectives to an investigation of a serious accident by authorities: determining why it happened and establishing responsibility and liability for its consequences. So in response to the increasing possibility of a radiation accident in or near Egypt, an Emergency Response plan for radiological accidents have been prepared [3]. Four national agencies, namely the Atomic Energy Authority (AEA); the Ministry of Interior (MOI) which contains the Civil Defency Authority (CDA); the Ministry of Defense (MOD) which operates the Crisis Management Center; and the Suez Canal Authority (SCA) are the main bodies in this plan. AEA and CDA are the principal response agencies. NCNSRC will serve as the radiological experts and coordinate all radiological monitoring. AEA personnel from other research centers will assist with NCNSRC’s monitoring efforts, if needed. Also the NCNSRC has a central environmental radiation-monitoring lab, as well as a mobile radiological laboratory which can assist in the case of a radiological emergency. Moreover, there is a radiological network of 86 radiological-monitoring stations distributed in places
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throughout the country. Monitoring stations measure ambient gamma levels in the air as well also ambient beta radiation and gamma levels in water. These stations transfer their data through telephone modems to a central computer station at the NCNSRC offices, in Cairo, and can provide an early warning for any increase in radiation levels in the environment due to a radiological accident.
11. Conclusion This paper has highlighted the role of the Egyptian regulatory body in Egypt in securing the safe handling of radiation sources inside the country. The government has the responsibility to ensure that an effective system is established and operated to protect radiation sources and radioactive materials from theft, sabotage and loss and also to ensure safety. Lastly, pertinent education and information fed to the public and stakeholders were found helpful in reducing the hazards that may arise.
References [1] IAEA—safety series 115. International basic safety standards for protection against ionizing radiation and for safety of radiation sources, Vienna, 1996. [2] IAEA—safety series 89. Principles for the exemption of radiation sources and practices from regulatory control, Vienna, 1988. [3] Salama MA, Abdel Ghani AH, El Sharnouby A, Gant KS, Hamouda I. On the need for a national radiological response plan in Egypt. Sixth topical meeting on emergency preparedness and response, San Francisco, California, 1997; Vol. 22, No. (4), p. 91–3.
Nuclear activities in Egypt M.A. Salama* Center for Nuclear Safety and Radiation Control (NCNSRC), Atomic Energy Authority, (AEA), Cairo, Egypt
Abstract Egypt is a country of high population density. A widespread and rapid increase in the use of radioactive materials is occurring in many applications (in nuclear medicine, industrial radiography, agriculture, teaching and research). Moreover there are several nuclear installations in the country, e.g. two research nuclear reactors (2 MW and 22 MW), for reactor physics research and isotope production, 40.000 Ci cobalt sterilization facility, 20 MeV cyclotron facility and a 1.5 MeV electron linear-accelerator facility. Another risk ensues at the Suez Canal due to the passage of radioactive material cargoes as well as nuclear-powered ships. These activities are subject to control by the National Center for Nuclear Safety and Radiation Control (NCNSRC) inside the country. The purpose of the present paper is to indicate the role of the national regulatory body controlling possible radiological hazards which could ensue inside the country. # 2003 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved. Keywords: Nuclear activities; Hazards; Control; Regulatory program; Environment
1. Introduction Although no nuclear-power reactors for commercial electricity generation have yet been, built for commercial electricity generation in Egypt, there are two research reactors used for experimental nuclear-physics research. One of them is an operating 2 MW water-moderated reactor, the other is a 22 MW Argentinean reactor which is still under commissioning tests. The 22 MW reactor is going to be used for isotopes production as well as for experimental nuclear and reactor physics research. These reactors are located in the nuclear research center at the Inshass site, 40 km northeast of Cairo. An approximately (40.000 Ci) cobalt sterilization facility operates at the National Center for Radiation Research and Technology in Cairo: it is being used for the sterilization of medical supplies and food irradiation. Radioactive materials arrive in the country regularly. These radioisotopes as well as other radioactive sources * Fax: +202-2740238. E-mail address: [email protected] (M.A. Salama). 0306-2619/03/$ - see front matter # 2003 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved. doi:10.1016/S0306-2619(03)00020-5
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are transported by different means to many places throughout the country. Radioisotopes are used for medical diagnosis and treatment as well as in industrial applications such as gamma radiography. Also a 1.5 MeV linear accelerator facility is being used for industrial applications as radiation modification of cable wires, textiles and membranes. Egypt has also a 20 MeV cyclotron facility; which is going to be used for nuclear physics and applied research. The cyclotron was commissioned late in the year 2002. Egypt has an additional unique problem—the Suez Canal. Cargoes travelling through the canal carrying radioactive materials include new and spent reactor fuel and about 1000 metric tons of uranium hexafluoride each year. Furthermore, nuclear-powered ships also pass through the canal several times each year, escorted by Egyptian vessels. Egypt has a population of about 65 million inhabitants. The country has about 60 medical centers equipped with gamma cameras which, are used for diagnostic tests on patients; and about 170 laboratories using radio-pharmaceuticals for in vitro tests for the purpose of clinical diagnosis, in biological and biochemical studies. Moreover, radioactive materials are used to test and calibrate the equipment used in these facilities.
2. Basic elements of the regulatory program in Egypt In Egypt this function is carried out by the National Center for Nuclear Safety and Radiation Control (NCNSRC), (one of the centers belonging to the Atomic Energy Authority, (AEA), whose regulatory system for radiation sources and materials comprises a track of registration, licensing and inspection schemes. The system is designed to keep track of such sources and materials, and to allow the taking of immediate corrective actions in the case that an incident occurs. Radiation safety of sources is established and maintained through a regulatory program consisting of the following items: Regulations which set requirements and standards for protection and safety, and related administrative requirements. A system of notification and authorization (registration or licensing) for control over the possession and use of radiation sources. Provisions for establishing exclusions and granting exemptions from regulatory requirements. Compliance monitoring, including inspection, to assess the status of safety and compliance with regulatory requirements. Enforcement to compel compliance with regulatory requirements. Investigation of accidents and management of radiological emergencies. Dissemination of information on protection and safety. The size, complexity and structure of the regulatory program is compatible with the magnitude and safety implications of the regulated practices and sources, as well as with the resources available to regulate them.
M.A. Salama / Applied Energy 75 (2003) 71–78
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3. Regulations The principal purpose in establishing a system of regulations is to codify radiation safety requirements. The regulations should define the administrative requirements for notification and for authorization by registration or licensing. The adopted Egyptian regulations conform to the IAEA regulations and standards [1] which are considered as the milestone of the Egyptian regulatory program and define the basic requirements that must be followed by the user, registrants, and licensees.
4. Notification and registration Notification is usually submitted to the NCNSRC by a legal person to notify the possession of a source or the intention to carryout a practice. It is the basic mechanism that provides information to the Egyptian regulatory authority about a proposed action. Once the safety requirements are established by the NCNSRC, the person applying for registration needs to submit only the minimum necessary information to the regulatory body. The information submitted by an applicant must include the following: Clear identification of the source and associated facilities and equipment to be utilized in the practice. The location of use. Identification of the individual responsible for source safety, Agreement. Information contained in the applications is recorded in the NCNSRC documentcontrol system for inspection and other purposes.
5. Licensing Use of a radioactive source or material should be ruled through a legal person, who must apply to the NCNSRC for a license. The application to get a license should include information which can be summarized by the following: The owner’s name, address, and phone number. The radiation protection officer’s, name, address, and phone number. The radioactive source material, its nature, quantity, half-life period and the purpose of use. The nature of the floor and working surfaces. Engineering drawings to show the location of, and access to, the buildings containing the radioactive materials and surrounding buildings. The presence of a ventilation fumehood, fire-fighting equipment, as well as international radiation-warning signs to show the radiation-controlled areas.
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Waste storage and disposal sites. Personal dosimetry devices. Information about workers, their names, jobs, experience and training. Regarding the regulations adopted in controlling the safe handling of radioactive sources inside the country, the NCNSRC could withdraw or cancel the license in the following cases: In the cases of not following the measurements or precautions requested by the NCNSRC and which, as a result, could induce harm to the environment or public. Introducing any wrong information about the used facility or the radioactive sources or materials which are going to be licensed. Utilization of ionizing radiation sources by persons not authorized (licensed) for that purpose. Lack of the presence of reasonable resources to face any emergency. Absence of records about radiation exposure, unusual events, leaks of sources as well as radioactive-waste management.
6. Exclusion (exemption of practices and sources) According to the Standards [1,2] any exposure whose magnitude or likelihood is essentially unamenable to control through the requirements of the Standards is deemed to be excluded (exempted) from the Standards. This concept essentially has been applied to some exposures to radiation which are part of the natural environment. These exposures are regarded as unavoidable. It is usually not practicable to control them through a regulatory system. Fig. 1 illustrates how the procedure for notification and authorization (by registration or licensing) should be applied to the NCNSRC. 6.1. A registration would be required by the NCNSRC for such practices and sources as: Radio-immunoanalysis Consumer products distribution Low industrial gauges 6.2. A license would be needed by the NCNSRC for such practices and sources as:
Industrial irradiators High activity industrial gauges Industrial radiography Radiotherapy Nuclear medicine Use of non-sealed sources
M.A. Salama / Applied Energy 75 (2003) 71–78
Fig. 1. General procedure for notification and authorization (by registration or licensing).
75
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M.A. Salama / Applied Energy 75 (2003) 71–78
Use of sealed sources Radionuclide production Use of sources in research institutions Storage of radioactive materials Radioactive-waste storage or disposal facilities
7. Compliance monitoring Compliance monitoring is conducted by the NCNSRC to determine whether practices are carried out and sources are used in accordance with the requirements of the relevant regulations and under the appropriate license or registration conditions. Key elements of the compliance monitoring include on-site inspection, radiation-safety appraisals, accident notification and investigation, as well as, periodic feedback from users about key operational safety parameters. The principal component of compliance monitoring is on-site inspection, which is often the principal means for direct personal contact between the users and NCNSRC staff.
8. Dissemination of information An important supplement to the regulatory system is a mechanism for the periodic dissemination of information to relevant users, manufacturers, suppliers, etc. about protection, safety and related findings. This keeps those who might be affected alert to problems they may encounter and to the consequences if not properly addressed. This information is addressed in the form of meetings and seminars organized by the NCNSRC. Moreover the NCNSRC plays an important role to the regulatory system in offering two main types of training programs for users of radiation sources. The first one is designed for graduated personnel (six weeks course), in order to get a user licensee; however, the other one (five weeks course) is for technicians. These programs are held six times per year. This training program is commensurate with the IAEA perquisites and standards and includes the following syllabus:
Basic physics and introduction to radiation. Interaction of ionizing radiation with matter. Safe transport of radioactive sources. Emergency planning and preparedness. Biological effects of radiation.
Contained within the bilateral agreement between the NCNSRC and the Civil Defense Authority (CDA), training programs are established for officers from different Civil Defense centers at different governerates inside the country. These training programs contain basic information about radiation and radioactivity, biological effects of radiation, detection, and radiation-protection principles.
M.A. Salama / Applied Energy 75 (2003) 71–78
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9. Enforcement Enforcement is the action taken by the NCNSRC to correct non-compliance with regulatory requirements. A strong and effective enforcement program is the key component of the regulatory infrastructure for assuring success in meeting regulatory objectives. Enforcement actions taken by the national regulatory body fall in three broad categories: Both informal and formal instructions to correct a regulatory infraction or adverse safety conditions that might lead to an infraction, but not with an immediate threat to health and safety. In such situations, operations can continue while corrective actions are being taken. Suspension of operations, in whole or in part, until a regulatory infraction or safety condition, which has the potential for an immediate threat to health and safety, is complied with. Suspension of operations in whole or in part, or restriction of operations because of a record of poor performance or adverse safety conditions, such that the NCNSRC can no longer conclude that operations are likely to be safe and in compliance with applicable regulations.
10. Investigation of accidents and management of radiological emergencies Should an accident occur, an investigation to determine why it occurred and how to prevent similar accidents is necessary. Most, but not all, accidents involving radiation sources are minor and confined to the workplace. Such accidents are usually investigated by the user and the investigation results, along with corrective actions, are reported to the Regulatory Authority. For more serious accidents, an independent investigation should be conducted by the NCNSRC and sometimes together with other governmental authorities as well, in addition to the investigation being conducted by the user. Although not completely separable, there are usually two main objectives to an investigation of a serious accident by authorities: determining why it happened and establishing responsibility and liability for its consequences. So in response to the increasing possibility of a radiation accident in or near Egypt, an Emergency Response plan for radiological accidents have been prepared [3]. Four national agencies, namely the Atomic Energy Authority (AEA); the Ministry of Interior (MOI) which contains the Civil Defency Authority (CDA); the Ministry of Defense (MOD) which operates the Crisis Management Center; and the Suez Canal Authority (SCA) are the main bodies in this plan. AEA and CDA are the principal response agencies. NCNSRC will serve as the radiological experts and coordinate all radiological monitoring. AEA personnel from other research centers will assist with NCNSRC’s monitoring efforts, if needed. Also the NCNSRC has a central environmental radiation-monitoring lab, as well as a mobile radiological laboratory which can assist in the case of a radiological emergency. Moreover, there is a radiological network of 86 radiological-monitoring stations distributed in places
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throughout the country. Monitoring stations measure ambient gamma levels in the air as well also ambient beta radiation and gamma levels in water. These stations transfer their data through telephone modems to a central computer station at the NCNSRC offices, in Cairo, and can provide an early warning for any increase in radiation levels in the environment due to a radiological accident.
11. Conclusion This paper has highlighted the role of the Egyptian regulatory body in Egypt in securing the safe handling of radiation sources inside the country. The government has the responsibility to ensure that an effective system is established and operated to protect radiation sources and radioactive materials from theft, sabotage and loss and also to ensure safety. Lastly, pertinent education and information fed to the public and stakeholders were found helpful in reducing the hazards that may arise.
References [1] IAEA—safety series 115. International basic safety standards for protection against ionizing radiation and for safety of radiation sources, Vienna, 1996. [2] IAEA—safety series 89. Principles for the exemption of radiation sources and practices from regulatory control, Vienna, 1988. [3] Salama MA, Abdel Ghani AH, El Sharnouby A, Gant KS, Hamouda I. On the need for a national radiological response plan in Egypt. Sixth topical meeting on emergency preparedness and response, San Francisco, California, 1997; Vol. 22, No. (4), p. 91–3.