Strengthening SSAC Capabilities through the Establishment of a Safeguards Laboratory (SGL)

Algeria has fully supported the implementation of safeguards, as required by its Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement (CSA) with the IAEA, since 1996. The Atomic Energy Commission (COMENA) is designated as the competent authority for the implementation of this agreement; indeed, COMENA is responsible for Safety, Security and Safeguards. The State System of Accounting for and Control of nuclear material (SSAC) is composed of many components. It is more effective and efficient to address individual components, rather than the entire system at one time. With the objective of strengthening the system as a whole in mind, nuclear material accountancy is one of these components. The control and accountancy of nuclear material forms part of the requirements of the CSA, and COMENA periodically takes, through its SSAC, an exhaustive inventory of its materials and record changes between inventory periods. To better perform these activities, the accuracy of inventory declaration is a national and international requirement. To assist in this respect, COMENA has set up the safeguards laboratory (SGL) as a technical support structure for the SSAC. The methodology applied at SGL is in compliance with International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) guidelines. The SGL's staff perform independent material characterization, maintain non-destructive assay equipment, and facilitate practical training of inspectors. The SGL supports the training of national inspectors in practical terms, by applying safeguards inspection methodologies and measurement techniques, and also trains operators to implement procedures, control monitoring and accounting at the nuclear facility level. Under the framework of cooperation between COMENA and (INSEP) / NNSA/DOE, a joint roadmap was established in order to define the capacities and the needs of COMENA for the enhancement of the COMENA SGL. National inspector training in the field of safeguards was also included. In order to maintain operational sustainability at the SGL, it is necessary to have qualified staff, adequate equipment and techniques that meet the requirements of international standards. The purpose of this paper is to describe the experiences and the role of the SGL in order to improve and enhance the capabilities of the SSAC, inspections, verification and control of nuclear material. (author)