Report on the Implementation of the Code and the Guidance in Burkina Faso: Experiences and Lessons Learned

Burkina Faso started the implementation of the code of conduct since 2008 as a member state of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The process went through several steps and actions. The first step was the implementation of a regulatory infrastructure with the development of legislation and regulation framework and the establishment of a regulatory body (National Authority for Radiation protection and Nuclear Safety). The key legislation is the law n°032-2012/AN on nuclear safety and safeguards. Then, the country undertook actions for the enforcement of the regulations through licensing and inspections regime. This leads to the recovering of orphan sources and the establishment of a national register of radioactive sources using RAIS software. In 2009 and 2010, the regulatory body proceeded to a wide spread inventory of radioactive sources and search of orphan sources in the country covering the thirteen regions according to the administrative division. The registered sources belong mainly to the categories III and IV. There is a low quantity of categories I and II sources. As Burkina Faso has no facility for disused sources and waste management, a contract of return is requested for their importation during the licensing process. The objective is to set a good management of the sources and assure their security. Some sources imported many years ago have no more suppliers and no return contract. An action is currently running for the repatriation of some of them with the support of IAEA. In supporting the government effort for safety and security of sources, an integrated Nuclear Security Plan has been developed by an INSERV mission taking account the radioactive material. The good implementation of these activities and the principles of the code needs a well trained staff. ARSN developed a program of training for its regulatory staff and make it participate to IAEA trainings. Our success stories are likely the well drafted law on nuclear safety and safeguards in application of the principles of the code, the detection of illegal trafficking of sources due to the good cooperation between regulatory agencies in the country, and the raise of awareness due to the trainings. The main difficulties in implementing all the activities are administrative, financial and technical. The real challenges now are the strengthening of security culture, the strengthening of the national and international cooperation, the enhancement of the regulatory authority capacities (staff competencies, technical services for waste management, financial independence). (author)