1. Technical Meeting on Safety in Industrial Radiography
Training of Radiographers
THE NIGERIAN EXPERIENCE
Olatunji O. OKOYA
Chief Regulatory Officer
Nigerian Nuclear Regulatory Authority

2. Objective
Highlight efforts made by the Nigerian Regulatory Authority (NNRA) on the training of Radiographers

3. Content Introduction Legal Basis Regulatory Control Programme
Need for Training
Establishment of a National Institute
Training of Radiographers
Developments
Conclusion

4. Introduction
Industrial Radiography is one of the major practices using ionizing radiation in Nigeria
Oil and Gas Activities
Practice in Existence before Regulatory Authority
Regulatory Authority established in 2001

5. Legal Basis
Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection Act 19 of 1995 (The ACT)
The ACT established the NNRA and charged it with the primary responsibility for nuclear safety and radiological protection regulation
The ACT under section 11 gave the NNRA power to establish a National Institute of Radiation Protection and Research either independently of in conjunction with a University

6. Regulatory Control Programme?
Nigerian Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NNRA)
Regulations and Guidance
Authorization
Oversight Functions
Emergency Preparedness
Ancillary Functions

7. Need for Training Loss of Source by well- logging 2003
Undeclared transported source 2004
Loss source upon transportation to client’s jetty 2006
Inability to account for source during inspection 2005 – several cases
Incessant cases of high doses in personnel monitoring report
Inconsistencies in workplace monitoring records

8. Establishment of NIRPR
NNRA established National Institute of Radiation Protection and Research(NIRPR) at the University of Ibadan in 2006
The NIRPR acquired the defunct Federal Radiation Protection Service (FRPS)

9. Establishment of NIRPR
National Institute of Radiation Protection and Research – Ancillary Functions
Training
Workshops and Seminars
Personnel Monitoring
Calibration Services

10. Establishment of NIRPR
Training
PGDRP - RSA
MSCRP - RSA
RSO – Oil and Gas - Practice Specific

11. RSO - Industrial Radiography
Resources from all over Nigeria
University Lecturers
Regulators
Experienced RSAs
Experienced Radiographers - level III

12. RSO TRAINING METHODOLOGY
The RSO Training Course is a 5-day programme which includes:
Lectures
Discussions
Exercises
Practicals
Exam
At the end of the training, the participants are examined and the successful ones are issued a certificate.
The certificate has a validity period of 3 years; after which the holder must re-enroll for the training

13. RSO TRAINING MODULES Basic Nuclear Physics and Radioactivity
Radiation Quantities and Units
Interaction of Radiation with Matter
Radiation Shielding and Detection
Biological Effects of Ionizing Radiation
Radiation Detectors
Factors Affecting Radiation Dose
Principle of Radiation Protection

14. RSO TRAINING MODULE (Cont’d)
Operational Radiation Protection
Industrial Radiography Sources
Nigerian Basic Ionizing Radiation Regulations
Radiation Safety in Industrial Radiography Regulations
Safety and Security of radioactive sources regulations

15. RSO TRAINING MODULE (Cont’d)
Regulations for the Safe Transport of Radioactive Sources
Emergency Preparedness and Response
Incidents and Accidents Involving Radioactive Sources
Safety Culture
Legal Framework for the Control of Radioactive Sources in Nigeria
Categorization of Radioactive Sources

16. RSO TRAINING MODULE (Cont’d)
Practical
Use of Survey Meter and Monitoring Badges
Emergency Exercises
Incidents and Accidents Reporting
Area and Workplace monitoring
Equipment maintenance and Servicing
Transportation, labelling and documentation
Record Keeping

17. TRAINING STRATEGY RSAs RSOs are accredited by the NNRA
operators are obliged to engage any accredited one
provide at least yearly refresher training for the RSOs and other Radiographers
RSOs
certified by the NIRPR
appointed by operator (issued an appointment letter)
has powers to stop unsafe operations
provides regular awareness training

18. Developments More confident RSOs
Drastic reduction in cases of infraction
Improved relationship/engagement between regulator and regulated
Engagement between NIRPR and ANDTN for a proper certification of Radiographers

19. Conclusion The NNRA continues to play its primary role
Committed to ensuring operator’s obligation
Training programme is place with room for improvement

20. Thank You for your attention