FANR hosts workshop on handling radioactive sources

The Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation, FANR, has announced that it is holding this week a three-day workshop for 35 participants representing all UAE customs agencies and General Authority of Ports Border and Free Zones Security. The workshops aim to train customs officials across the country on the safe and secure handling of radioactive sources and nuclear non-proliferation.

This latest seminar concludes FANR’s 2017 series of workshops held in collaboration with the UAE Federal Customs Authority in light of the Memorandum of Understanding signed earlier. Both parties held a number of workshops where 143 specialised borders experts participated.

The workshop focuses on the protection of country ports, whether land, sea or air, as they are the first line of defence to protect the community and the country against any form of smuggling.

During the training, FANR experts presented mechanisms to address issues related to nuclear safety, security, safeguarding and education. They also reviewed the commitments to nuclear non-proliferation as well as national regulations such as the 'Regulation on the Export and Import Control of Nuclear Material', 'Nuclear Related Items' and 'Nuclear Related Dual-Use Items'.

Christer Viktorsson, Director-General of FANR, said, "Such trainings are the fruits of the MoU signed with the UAE Federal Customs Authority. FANR is committed to working with all relevant entities to ensure safety and security of the community. The entities that use radioactive material across the country are required to obtain the necessary license from FANR."

He added that the authority, being the UAE nuclear regulator, has so far issued over 1,200 licenses in this regard.

Participants learned tools to measure, monitor and contain radiation levels across border points and protect public and themselves from radiation. In addition, customs officials learned about the legislative and regulatory systems to protect against radiation in the UAE and how FANR contributes towards these systems. The workshop also saw participants train on how to identify electronic equipment and weapons of mass destruction.