Countries review gaps in safety of nuclear material
Sci & Tech
By
Kennedy Mureithi
| May 07, 2024
Countries in southern and eastern Africa are meeting in Nairobi to discuss means and ways of improving the safety of nuclear and radioactive materials, especially during transportation.
On Tuesday, regulatory and ="https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/health/health-science/article/2001485676/focus-on-nuclear-safety-as-african-states-gather-for-course"> security agencies from eight At the forum, it emerged that despite the safe packages for nuclear and radioactive material, emergencies could still occur for which prompt action by countries is required to prevent harm to humans and the environment. Google says Iran hackers targeting Harris and Trump campaigns About 420 families face eviction from disputed 63-acre prime land Residents' agony as 20 killed in reign of terror, police on the spot In the region, millions of packages of radioactive material are transported by rail, road, sea and air annually for use in medicine, energy, military, research and manufacturing.
="https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/business/article/2000052404/safety-security-paramount-in-setting-up-nuclear-plant">Addressing the meeting<, Kenya Nuclear Regulatory Authority (KNRA) Director General James Keter said tackling challenges in transporting the material calls for collaborations between regulators and security teams. “These substances, indispensable in sectors like medicine, agriculture, industry, and research, necessitate the utmost levels of security and regulatory vigilance,” he told representatives from Kenya, DR Congo, Malawi, Mozambique, Rwanda, Rwanda, and Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia are attending the May 6 – May 9, 2024 talks.
The symposium, convened by United States Office of Radiological Security, noted that accidents or incidents during transit could lead to severe consequences if unchecked, including radioactive contamination, environmental damage, and threats to public health and regional safety.
“Through collective action, we can establish robust regulatory frameworks, enhance detection capabilities, and bolster response mechanisms to effectively address security threats and challenges,” Mr Keter said in an opening speech read by KNRA Director for Partnerships Edward Mayaka.
Speaker after speaker called for harmonisation of basic l="https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/counties/article/2001475563/nations-vow-commitment-to-nuclear-safety">aws and transport
The regional forum is focused on regulatory frameworks, security measures, threat assessment, emergency response and accident preparedness, public communication and perception, incident analysis, international collaboration and best practices sharing. According to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), transport of radioactive material by its nature gives rise to the risk of accidents with the potential for radiological exposures that could impact the safety of people, property and the environment.
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