National Radiation Protection Authority (NRPA)

Background

The changes in the global political, economic, technological and societal dimensions have created a fertile background to the development and advancement of Radiation and Nuclear Techniques for the peaceful uses of mankind. In the recent years the advancement made in expanding its application in multiple economic and social sectors as well as the innovative products of Radiation and Nuclear Techniques have created a fresh impetus and technological push to expand its use and hitherto develop the requisite national regulatory regime.

In Ethiopia the need for using Radiation and Radioisotopes in the nation’s socio-economic development was increasing from time to time with the attendant risks of damage to health property and the environment, unless proper and effective protection schemes are introduced.

Beside the growth in the peaceful uses of Radiation and Nuclear Techniques, the practice of radiation protection in Ethiopia dates back over 15 years. Radiation protection service was initiated as a result of the introduction of irradiation techniques for biological researches at the University of Addis Ababa. The importance was soon felt and the service was extended to the users of ionizing radiation, mostly for radiation workers in X-ray departments of hospitals in the country. This was possible with inputs from the Government of Ethiopia and international bodies, mainly the IAEA.

It was found essential to establish an Authority that controls and supervises activities involving all sources of radiation and to lay down laws governing such activities in order to minimize any associated hazards while allowing such activities to be carried out for the benefit of the public.

Establishment of the National Radiation Protection Authority

In order to establish the legal and organizational basis for the national regulatory infrastructure governing protection against ionizing radiation and the safety of radiation sources, the government of Ethiopia issued the Radiation Protection proclamation No.79/1993 which thereby established the National Radiation Protection Authority (NRPA) as an autonomous public authority having its own legal personality.
Back to top

Objectives of the National Radiation Protection Authority

The establishment objectives of the National Radiation Protection Authority are:

  1. To render radiation protection services
  2. To regulate, control, supervise radiological work and all activities relating to the acquisition, use transportation and disposal of radioactive substances, X-ray equipment and other materials capable of emitting ionizing radiation, and
  3. To promote and encourage research and development in radiation protection.

Powers and Duties of the National Radiation Protection Authority

The authority has powers and duties to:

  • Formulate radiation protection policies and submit to the government
    for approval;
  • Issue guidelines and directives for the implementation of policies concerning radiation protection and follow up their implementation;
  • Establish a system for coordinating public and private activities with the view of ensuring radiation safety;
  • Issue ,renew ,suspend or revoke licenses pursuant to this proclamation and impose any necessary conditions on any licence so granted;
  • Prescribe or amend, directives and conditions required for radiation protection practices;
    Prescribe fees for services it renders.
  • Carry out inspection and take appropriate measure to ensure compliance with radiation protection legislation, directives and conditions;
  • Prescribe criteria and issue permits for the importation of radioactive materials and radiation emitting equipment;
  • Have research and other investigations be carried out relating to radiation protection and take measures or advise on measures to be taken based on the findings thereof;
  • Advise the government in matters related to atomic energy and radiation;
  • Organize and promote the dissemination of information on radiation protection and related matters through training courses, seminars, lectures, pamphlets and the like;
  • Set up an emergency squad for accidents involving ionizing radiation;
  • Cooperates with local, foreign and international organizations having similar objectives;
  • Prepare guidelines for granting fringe benefits to radiation workers in consultation with the appropriate authorities, and follow up the implementation thereof;
  • Own property and sue and be sued in its own name;
    Exercise such other activities as necessary for attaining its objectives.
    Back to top

Organization of the National Radiation Protection Authority

The National Radiation Protection Authority is organized under the Ethiopian Science and Technology Commission with an Inter-ministerial National Radiation Protection Board as the main policy body and a General Manager as chief executive officer.

Back to top

Important Links

The National Radiation Protection Authority is having substantive links and collaborative working arrangements with a multitude of national and international institutions and agencies.

The followings are the list of national and international institutions, which relate with the activities of the Authority.

  • National Institutions
  • Ethiopian Science and Technology Commission
  • National Scientific Equipment Center
  • Ministry of Health
  • Ethiopian Authority for quality and Standards
  • Regional and Zonal Health Bureaus
  • International Institutions
  • International Atomic Energy Agency, IAEA (www.iaea.org)
  • Preparatory Commission for Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty Organization, CTBTO, (www.ctbto.org)

Back to top

Contact Person:

  • National Radiation Protection Authority
    P.O.Box 20486 Code 1000
    Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
    Telephone: 251-11-6624498
    251-11-6620494
    fax: 251-11-6620494
    E-Mail: nrpa@etsc.gov.et

Office location:
Bole Road, Woreda 17, Kebele 23
Tana Gebeya Building, 1st and 2nd floors.

  

ESTA

 

ESTA

 

ESTA

 

ESTA

 

ESTA
Home - Departments - Research Support - Projects - National S&T Policy - Publications - News - Announcements - Links - Contact Us
Copyright© - 2005 Ethiopian Science and Technology Agency -(ESTA). e-mail: - webmaster