Citation

Faye AB. Med. Phys. 2012; 39(6): 3942.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2012, American Association of Physicists in Medicine, Publisher John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

10.1118/1.4736089

PMID

22757174

Abstract

The Senegalese Authority for Radiation protection and Nuclear Safety (ARSN), placed under the supervision of the Prime Minister, was setting up by the Law 2009-14 relating to nuclear security and to radiation protection which repeals and replaces the opposite measures of the Law 2004-17 relating to protection against ionizing radiations. The implementation of the ARSN enters within the scope of the international commitments of the Senegalese Government. Indeed, the member states of the International Atomic Energy Agency, the IAEA, participate collectively, through the structures of the Agency or in bilateral cooperation, in the implementation of the programs of radioprotection. Furthermore, from the moment a state makes a commitment in the implementation of nuclear programs, it has to set up the adequate legal framework. So, the global aim of ARSN is to regulate activities involving nuclear materials or radioactive sources and to control the traffic of such materials within the country. To that effect, all activities involving radiation exposure are subjected to regulatory control by a system of notification, authorization by registration or licensing and inspection. ARSN has the mandate to advise the Government on matters relating to radiation protection and disposal of radioactive waste; and to provide an effective national framework for the safety and security of radioactive sources and radiological installations, including physical protection. While the ARSN is specific to Senegal, other countries within Africa may have similar laws pertaining to local regulations that will also most likely be different. We will provide a brief overview of ARSN and how it applies to some of the activities within Senegal, including industrial and medical. When possible, notifications and/or comparison with other similar authorities within the African continent will be made.

Language: en