Regulatory service — ARSN Niger

Inspection & Compliance

ARSN verifies that all nuclear and radiological facilities in Niger comply with regulatory requirements. Our inspections guarantee the safety of workers, the public and the environment.

92 2024 Inspections
98% Compliance rate
3 Inspection types
168 Monitored facilities
Inspection programme

The 3 ARSN inspection types

ARSN conducts three types of inspections depending on the situation: planned to verify regular compliance, unannounced for real-life control, and reactive following an incident.

Planned inspection

Annual or biennial

Scheduled in advance in the annual inspection plan approved by the General Directorate. The operator is informed of the schedule at the beginning of the year. Allow for systematic and in-depth assessment.

  • Complete documentary review
  • Dosimetric register verification
  • Equipment and shielding control
  • Assessment of safety culture
  • Staff training verification

Unannounced inspection

Without notice, random

Carried out without notice to verify actual operating conditions. An essential tool for effective regulatory control. The inspector goes directly to the facility.

  • Actual working conditions
  • Actual use of dosimeters
  • RPO presence and availability
  • Regulatory notices and procedures
  • Source security

Reactive inspection

Following an event

Triggered immediately following a reported incident, complaint, information on a potential non-compliance or radiological emergency. Rapid ARSN response.

  • Analysis of incident causes
  • Exposure and impact assessment
  • Prescription of corrective measures
  • Follow-up until complete resolution
  • Inspection report transmitted to DG
Key steps

Inspection procedure

Here is how an ARSN planned inspection takes place, from notification to the final report.

01

Notification

7–30 days before

ARSN sends a notification letter specifying the date, areas to be inspected and documents to prepare.

02

Preparation

Before the visit

The operator prepares the requested documents: registers, procedures, measurement results, training records, source inventory.

03

Opening meeting

Day D, morning

The inspector presents the objectives and scope of the inspection. The operator designates their escort (RPO or manager).

04

On-site inspection

Day D, variable duration

Premises visit, equipment verification, document review, radiological measurements, staff interviews.

05

Closing meeting

Day D, end of day

The inspector presents preliminary observations. The operator can provide immediate clarification on points raised.

06

Inspection report

Within 30 days

ARSN transmits the official report with conclusions, identified non-conformities and prescriptions. The operator has a deadline to respond.

Inspection checklist

Areas checked during an inspection

The ARSN inspection checklist covers all regulatory requirements applicable to each type of facility.

Authorisations & Documents

  • Validity and compliance of the authorisation title
  • Source register and up-to-date inventory
  • Approved working procedures
  • Physical source protection plan

Staff radiation protection

  • Individual dosimetry (results, reading deadlines)
  • RPO presence and qualification
  • Staff training and authorisations
  • Medical monitoring of exposed workers

Equipment & Shielding

  • Equipment compliance and calibration
  • Radiation shielding integrity
  • Quality control of radiation generators
  • Personal protective equipment

Environmental radiation protection

  • Radiological zoning displayed and respected
  • Periodic ambient monitoring
  • Management of produced radioactive waste
  • Control of radioactive discharges and effluents

Source security

  • Physical security of radioactive sources
  • Access control to hazardous areas
  • Alarm system and intrusion detection
  • Procedures in case of loss or theft

Emergencies & Incidents

  • Internal emergency plan in place and known
  • Emergency exercises carried out and documented
  • Incident recording and declaration
  • Intervention equipment available
Possible outcomes

Follow-up to an inspection

Depending on the inspector's findings, ARSN can issue different types of conclusions and measures.

78%

Compliant

The facility complies with all applicable regulatory requirements. ARSN concludes favourably and prescribes no corrective measures.

Next inspection according to annual programme.
17%

Minor non-compliance

Low-severity deviations are identified. ARSN prescribes corrective actions to be carried out within a fixed deadline, generally 30 to 90 days.

Documentary follow-up or verification visit.
5%

Major non-compliance

Serious or repeated deviations are found. ARSN may issue a formal notice, suspend the authorisation or require immediate cessation of activity.

Coercive measures, enhanced monitoring, sanctions.
Rights of the inspected operator
Be assisted by an adviser or technical expert of their choice
Respond and provide clarification on the inspector's observations
Receive the official inspection report within 30 days
Lodge an appeal with the NRC in case of disagreement with the decision
Regulatory obligations

Prepare for the inspection

Here are the documents and conditions that every operator must be able to present at any time during an ARSN inspection.

Mandatory documents

  • Currently valid authorisation
  • Radioactive source register
  • Staff dosimetric registers
  • Working and emergency procedures
  • RPO contract / approval
  • Quality control results

Operating conditions

  • Regulatory signage displayed
  • Radiation shielding intact
  • Sources secured and inventoried
  • PPE available and in good condition
  • RPO immediately reachable
  • Emergency plan displayed

Up-to-date training

  • Initial radiation protection training
  • Periodic refresher (every 3 years)
  • RPO training certificate
  • Individual authorisation records
  • Emergency response training
  • Record of completed training

A question about your inspection?

Contact the inspection service of the Radiation Protection Directorate for any question about your inspection programme or follow-up actions.

92 2024 Inspections
+15% vs 2023
0 Level 2+ incident