IAEA model project on upgrading the radiation protection infrastructure: background--origin--implementation....

The International Atomic Energy Agency Model Project is a focused management program to improve the Radiation Control Programs primarily in developing countries. The effort was initiated in 1994 as a result of RAPAT mission reports and incidents around the world involving injuries and some deaths from uncontrolled and misuse of radioactive sources. This indicated that many countries were not implementing the IAEA Basic Safety Standards. The initial phase covered 52 countries and resulted in 69% passing legislation and 75% had some type of regulatory authority and 40% had regulations and licensing and inspection capabilities. But, the overall averages masked disappointment for some countries in West Asia where only 22% had regulations and 33% had a licensing and inspection program. In Africa 24% had regulations and 29% had a licensing and inspection program. Plans were approved to extend the effort to an additional 30 countries over the next 4 y.