IAEA advises Croatia on how to improve radiation safety after review

An International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) team of senior regulators wrapped up a 10-day mission last week in Croatia, where it evaluated the nation's regulatory framework for radiation safety in its nuclear infrastructure.

During the mission, the team observed plant inspections, interviewed government officials and staff, and spoke to regulators and members of other organizations.

After the review, an Integrated Regulatory Review Service (IRRS) team forwarded a report to Croatia's government and state office for radiological and nuclear safety (SORNS). The report contained recommedations for boosting the effectiveness of the country's radiation-safety protocols and bringing them in line with IAEA safety standards.

The Croatian government has made it a priority to improve radiation and nuclear safety by studying protocols in other countries, Pil-Soo Hahn, director of the IAEA’s Division of Radiation, Transport and Waste Safety, said.

The 10-member review team was headed by Olga Makarovska, counselor to the chairman of the State Nuclear Regulatory Inspectorate in Ukraine, and included members from Australia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, France, Ireland, Lithuania, Slovenia and IAEA staff.

"Croatia is moving in the right direction in strengthening regulatory processes and improving the management of radiation safety, and the government recognizes that legislative and structural changes are needed in order to completely fulfill their regulatory responsibilities,” Makarovska said. “This mission helps the government to prioritize work that will improve the radiation-safety infrastructure for the Croatian public, radiation workers, patients and environment."