Regulatory Approach for NORM in Cuba. Current Status, Challenges and Perspectives

The assessment of the radiological impact produced by natural occurring radioactive materials arising in industrial activities, has been a recurring subject in research and development projects carried out in Cuba during the last 30 years. However, the approach toward this subject has been hampered by the lack of regulatory requirements, the limitation of technical and financial resources, the absence of a national program and the lack of methodological mechanisms to offer recommendations and good practices to interested parties. This paper shows the progress made by the Nuclear Safety Division (National Regulatory Authority) to develop and establish requirements for radiological protection of industrial facilities and activities that involve the handling of wastes/residues containing NORM, in correspondence with the requirements of the International Basic Safety Standards, GSR Series Part 3, 2014. The main regulatory criteria on the subject are presented. The strategic lines to be followed in the future by the Cuban regulatory body for the strengthening of regulatory control, characterization and management of NORM wastes/residues are also addressed. (author)