News and information

Some representatives of Project 60 Partner Countries were present for the IAEA General Conference in Vienna, Austria during the week 17-21 September 2018. The ENCO used this as an opportunity to propose to meet all available representatives of P60 PC, hear their feedback on this project and discuss with them on several topics. These representatives from Ethiopia, Ghana, Malawi, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia were welcomed by Mr. Bojan Tomic the ENCO Director, Mr. Nicolas Delaunay the ENCO team leader on project 60 and by Mr. Vladimir Rukhlo one of the main consultants of ENCO for this project. The objectives of this project, but also all past events and future events were reminded and summarized by the ENCO. Then, the floor was given to the PC representatives to express themselves about this project. The following topics were discussed. This meeting was followed by a joint dinner. The participants expressed their appreciation on the implementation of the project so far. Selected Radiological regulators specifically stressed that now, after the first period of implementation (about 18 events took place so far in Partner countries), the versatility of the project and the magnitude of related benefits became obvious to them. The regulators stated…

The ENCO’s consultants met in Kigali, Rwanda during their expert mission in Rwanda the National Focal Point (NFP) of Rwanda Mr. Pascal MUNYANGABE, from Ministry of Defence, Ms. Triphine NYIRARUKUNDO, legal expert from Rwanda Utilities Regulatory Authority (RURA) the regulatory Authority of Rwanda, and Mr. Brian SAFARI from Ministry of Infrastructure. The ENCO team leader highlighted the topics to be discussed during this mission, according to the agenda that was sent in advance to the NFP of Rwanda. He also stressed that the main goals of this mission (and similar ones being undertaken in all P 60 PCs) is to collect information of relevance for guiding the activities on the project. The aim was also to provide first recommendations in the areas of interest, as appropriate. The Rwanda counterparts explained that RURA, the Rwandan regulatory authority has only recently been established. They also described RURA’s roles and responsibilities and presented the legal and regulatory framework of Rwanda. The explanation regarding the process to draft, approve and adopt regulations was provided and legal documents, including some draft regulations were shared. The review of legal documents and helping to draft regulations is of high interest to RURA. The Rwanda representatives also presented…

The field exercise on source search, identification and recovery was successfully conducted in French language for the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Burundi participants at the headquarters of the Tanzanian Atomic Energy Commission (TAEC) in Arusha, Tanzania from 30 to 31 August 2018. The eight participants were coming from the partner countries DRC and Burundi. They were guided by three facilitators of ENCO and SCK•CEN and also assistance was received by technical staff from TAEC. On the first day, the Consortium representatives gave 5 different presentations on radiation physics and protection, equipment and technical explanations on the different phases of the search, identification, characterization and recovery of radioactive sources. It included a demonstration of personal protection equipment and of various detection and identification/characterization equipment by the Consortium facilitators and the staff from TAEC, during and after which the participants had ample opportunity to get hands-on experience with the equipment themselves. The scenario of the exercise was explained in detail and the relevant standard operating procedures were presented and discussed. The second day was devoted to the field exercise itself at and around the radioactive waste storage facility of TAEC. Following the exercise scenario, the participants, who were divided…

At mid-point of its implementation, Project 60 reaches out to more experts in nuclear safety and security in all eleven participating countries-members of the EU CBRN Center of Excellence in Eastern and Central Africa. Project 60 kicked off 2018 activities at a meeting in Addis Ababa Thirty-two national representatives from the P 60 participating countries gathered for a technical meeting and training in Addis Ababa in February 2018. Representatives from the International Science and Technology Center (ISTC) and EC DEVCO provided overview and details about the regional and thematic context that shapes the specific project’s goals and activities. The meeting’s participants touched on the existing legislative frameworks, inventory and regulatory control of RN material and the national emergency plans and contingency plans for RN incidents. A team of international experts led a three-day training workshop themed “Cradle to grave control of radiological material”. It introduced the IAEA’s Code of Conduct, standards and guidance, as well as the EU directives and best practices on control of radioactive sources. The participating countries highlighted their national arrangements and experience and elaborated on the national and regional challenges related with radioactive sources. Project 60 featured in Geneva during the preparations for the 2020 Review…

The Workshop on Regulatory Authority Information System (RAIS) version 3.4 was successfully conducted at the Ethiopian Radiation Protection Authority (ERPA) facility in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from 4 to 7 September 2018, within framework of the project P60 “Support to the EU CBRN ECA CoE in nuclear security”. The Workshop had 25 participants, staff of the Ethiopian Radiation Protection Authority. The participants belonged to different departments and organizational teams including the (Notification Team, Authorization Team, Inspection Team and the Enforcement Team. One participant was from another Partner country, Seychelles, currently at ERPA on a Fellowship. The first day of the Workshop was devoted to the general presentations and detailed clarification on the RAIS. The Consultant provided 3 detailed presentations on RAIS, i.e. on general description of the system, on RAIS 3.4 Web Regulatory Model and on RAIS 3.4 Web User's Guide. The differences and upgrades between the RAIS versions 3.2 and 3.4 were also explained. The RAIS 3.4 version was demonstrated and participants had opportunity to ask practical questions and discuss their experience in using the RAIS version 3.2 in comparison with the new features of the version 3.4 that were presented. The following three days were devoted to practicing use…

The Field exercise on source search, identification and recovery was successfully conducted at the Kenyan Radiation Protection Board’s National radioactive waste management facility near  Nairobi, Kenya from 27 to 28 August 2018. The 14 participants were coming from three partner countries: Kenya (host country), Rwanda and Seychelles. The exercise was guided by three facilitators of the Consultant (ENCO and SCK•CEN). Further support in relation with operation of radiation monitoring instruments and technical arrangements was provided by the  technical staff of the Kenyan Radiation Protection Board (RPB). The first day of the FX was devoted to the explanations and instructions, including the utilization of the Standard operating procedures SOPs. The Consultant provided 5  detailed presentations on radiation physics and protection, equipment and technical explanations on the different phases of the search, identification, characterization and recovery of radioactive sources. The most important element was the demonstration of personal protection equipment and of various detection and identification/characterization equipment. During the presentations and demonstrations all participants had ample opportunity to obtain hands-on experience with the equipment and devices, but also with techniques, personal protection and SOPs. The scenario of the exercise was explained in detail and the relevant standard operating procedures were presented and…

The Field exercise on Source identification and recovery was successfully conducted at the national radioactive waste management facility in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia from 16 to 17 August 2018. The 15 participants to this exercise were coming from three partner countries: Ethiopia (host country), Uganda and Ghana. They were guided by three facilitators of ENCO and SCK-CEN. On the first day, the Consortium representatives gave 5 different presentations on radiation physics and protection, equipment and technical explanations on the different phases of search, identification, characterization and recovery. It included a demonstration of various detection and identification/characterization equipment by the Consortium facilitators. The Staff of the Ethiopian Radiation Protection Authority (ERPA) also made presentations on specific equipment available to them. During and after presentations, the participants had ample opportunity to practice with the equipment, extending their familiarity and learning how to use the equipment. The Consultants were available for detailed explanations and practical advice. The scenario of the Field exercise was presented and explained in detail. Relevant standard operating procedures (SOP) were presented and the participants trained on their use. The second day was devoted to the Field exercise, which took place at and around the National radioactive waste management facility. Following…

PROJECT 60: Spreading the Culture of Nuclear Safety and Security in Central and Eastern Africa At mid-point of its implementation, Project 60 reaches out to more experts in nuclear safety and security in all eleven participating countries-members of the EU CBRN Center of Excellence in Eastern and Central Africa. As the project enters a most decisive and dynamic phase, its Steering Committee recently met to discuss progress and to plan future steps. Project 60 kicked off 2018 activities at a meeting in Addis Ababa Thirty-two national representatives from the P 60 participating countries gathered for a technical meeting and a training in Addis Ababa in February. The meeting introduced the project’s implementation team, the planned tasks and schedule of activities. Representatives from ISTC and EC DEVCO provided overview and details about the regional and thematic context that shapes the specific project’s goals and activities. Throughout the exchange of views, the meeting’s participants touched on the existing legislative frameworks, inventory and regulatory control of RN material and the national EPR plans (emergency plans and contingency plans) for RN incidents. A three-day training workshop followed the technical kicks-off meeting.  A team of international experts led the workshop, themed “Cradle to grave” control…

The field exercise on source identification and recovery was successfully conducted in the office of TAEC in Arusha, Tanzania from 13 to 14 August 2018. The first day was devoted to presentations on physics, radiation protection, equipment and technical explanations on the different phases of search, identification, characterization and recovery. There was also demonstration of various detection and identification/characterization equipment by the facilitators and the TAEC staff. The scenario of the exercise was explained in details and the main standard operating procedures were also presented. The second day was devoted to the exercise on the field close to the radioactive waste storage facility. Following the scenario of the exercise, the participants separated in 4 groups trained themselves with appropriate equipment for the different phases of search, identification/characterization and recovery of hidden radioactive sources. Advices were given all along these two days and a debriefing was organized where all participants were able to express themselves about the exercise and their ways of improvement for conducting search, identification/characterization and recovery of radioactive sources. All of them were very enthusiastic and willing to apply soon in their countries the knowledge that they received. [ngg_images source="galleries" container_ids="6" display_type="photocrati-nextgen_basic_thumbnails" override_thumbnail_settings="0" thumbnail_width="240" thumbnail_height="160" thumbnail_crop="1" images_per_page="20" number_of_columns="0"…

The Regional Workshop on the Emergency response plans (Task 2.4 of the CoE Project 60) took place as planned from 31 July to 3 August 2018. This event was organized by the Contractor ENCO and with a support by the Kenyan NFP,  Kenyan organizations participating in the  P 60 as well as the CoE regional secretariat, HoS and the Regional coordinator. The first day of the WS was devoted to presentations by the representatives of the Partner countries on the progress in the development of the national emergency response plans for radiological incidents. Particular emphasis was placed on the correlation of these plans with the national all-hazards and/or CBRN response plans. In course of the Workshop, it was found that most Partner countries have drafts of the National radiological response plans, developed to a different stage of completeness. Unfortunately, most of national plans seems to be focused on the response to a radiological safety events ( e.g. malfunction, accident) but not for a security related events (e.g. a radiological dispersion device- RDD and similar). While in some cases the response and recovery activities might be comparable, this is not the case in all events. Keeping in mind that none of…