Ensuring that nuclear and radiological facilities in Niger are operated safely, protecting workers, the public and the environment from radiological risks.
Nuclear safety refers to all the technical and organisational measures aimed at ensuring the normal functioning of nuclear and radiological facilities, preventing accidents, and mitigating their consequences should an accident occur.
In Niger, the main facilities subject to ARSN safety control are the uranium mines (SOMAÏR and IMOURAREN), the medical Linac at the National Hospital, industrial radiology units and research laboratories.
ARSN bases its regulatory approach on the IAEA Fundamental Safety Principles (SF-1) and GSR series standards.
Multiple independent physical barriers and levels of protection are put in place to prevent accidents and limit their consequences. Each level of defence is effective even if previous ones fail.
SF-1 — Principe 8All staff at nuclear facilities must integrate safety as a priority value. ARSN assesses safety culture during its inspections and requires continuous improvements.
SF-1 — Principe 11Anyone working in a nuclear or radiological facility must have the required qualifications. ARSN verifies authorisations and requires continuing training programmes.
SF-1 — Principe 6Independent and effective regulatory control is a fundamental safety requirement. ARSN acts independently from the entities it regulates, without pressure or conflict of interest.
SF-1 — Principe 3Arrangements must be made to prepare for and respond to radiological emergencies. ARSN coordinates the national emergency plan and supervises simulation exercises.
SF-1 — Principe 9ARSN communicates to the public information relating to facility safety and publishes its inspection reports. Transparency is an essential vector of trust.
SF-1 — Principe 5ARSN exercises its safety control over all significant nuclear and radiological facilities on Nigerien territory.
Société des Mines de l'Aïr — open-pit and underground uranium mine operated by ORANO (formerly Areva). One of the world's largest uranium mines. Under strict ARSN control since 2016.
One of the world's largest uranium deposits. Site development will require a strengthened regulatory framework. ARSN monitors the progress of the authorisation file.
The linear particle accelerator (Linac) at the National Hospital of Niamey is used for cancer radiotherapy. The first installation of this type in French-speaking sub-Saharan Africa, under ARSN authorisation.
All industrial and research facilities using radioactive sources: industrial gauges, radiation generators, university laboratories. All subject to ARSN authorisation.
The International Nuclear and Radiological Event Scale (INES) classifies incidents and accidents from 0 to 7. ARSN uses this scale to classify and communicate any event.
ARSN conducts planned and unannounced inspections to verify facility compliance with regulatory requirements.
Scheduled in advance according to an annual inspection plan approved by the General Directorate. Allow for systematic and in-depth assessment of facilities.
Carried out without notice to verify actual compliance with operating conditions. An essential tool for the effectiveness of regulatory control.
Triggered following a reported incident, complaint or information signalling a potentially dangerous situation. Immediate ARSN response.
Results of annual inspections published in ARSN's activity report.
Consult reportsARSN technical guides and IAEA standards applicable to Nigerien facilities.
Access guidesDirectorate of Nuclear Safety — available for authorisation and inspection questions.
Contact the NSD
