Preparing, detecting and coordinating the national response to any radiological or nuclear emergency — to protect the population, first responders and the environment in the shortest possible time.
ARSN is the national competent authority to coordinate the response to any radiological or nuclear event on Nigerien territory.
Lost, stolen or abandoned radioactive source exposing people to uncontrolled radiation.
Accident involving a vehicle transporting radioactive materials with risk of contamination.
Accidental overexposure of a patient or worker in a medical facility using radiation.
Incident at a uranium mine site or processing facility with worker exposure.
Dispersal of radioactive materials into the environment (air, water, soil) requiring rapid intervention.
Malicious use of a radioactive dispersal device (dirty bomb) or credible threat.
The National Radiological Emergency Plan defines 4 emergency levels triggering actions proportionate to the severity of the event.
No emergency. Routine radiological monitoring. Normal ARSN regulatory activities. Preparation and periodic exercises.
Anomaly detected that may develop into an emergency. Partial activation of ARSN crisis cell. Assessment underway. Pre-alert of partners.
Actual emergency with limited off-site impact. Full activation of crisis cell. Immediate protective measures. Local public information.
Serious emergency with potential cross-border impact. National emergency plan fully activated. National mobilisation. IAEA and neighbouring country notification. International assistance possible.
The radiological emergency response in Niger is coordinated by ARSN and involves several institutions according to a clearly defined escalation scheme.
Upon notification of an event, ARSN triggers a sequence of coordinated actions according to an established protocol.
Receipt of alert (24/7). Assessment of severity. Activation of appropriate emergency level. Notification of ARSN Director General.
Convening of the crisis cell. Deployment of field teams. Establishment of command post. Coordination with security forces.
Deployment of measurement teams. Mapping of contaminated zones. Exposure estimation. Definition of safety perimeter.
Evacuation or sheltering depending on emergency type. Iodine prophylaxis if necessary. Decontamination of exposed persons. Consumption ban.
Regular press briefings. Local authority information. IAEA notification if level 2+. Media coordination. Rumour prevention.
Final event report. Cause analysis. Improvement recommendations. Update of national emergency plan. Additional training.
Depending on the nature and extent of the emergency, ARSN recommends and coordinates appropriate protective measures.
Stay inside buildings with doors and windows closed. Switch off ventilation. Effective for short-duration atmospheric releases.
Leave the affected area via defined routes. Go to designated assembly points for decontamination and medical monitoring.
Distribution of potassium iodide (KI) tablets to protect the thyroid against radioactive iodines. On ARSN medical instruction.
Temporary ban on consumption of water, vegetables, milk or other food from the potentially contaminated zone. In force until official ARSN lifting.
Shower and change of clothing for exposed persons. Decontamination points are established at the edge of the exclusion zone by ARSN teams.
Biological dosimetry for overexposed persons. Long-term medical monitoring. Referral to competent medical centres for serious cases.
Emergency preparedness is a permanent obligation. ARSN regularly organises exercises to test and improve national response capabilities.
Tabletop simulation of decision-making procedures in crisis situations. Involves decision-makers from all concerned agencies.
Real deployment of field teams with full simulation. Tests measurement, decontamination and communication capabilities.
Continuous training of ARSN officers in emergency procedures, use of measurement equipment and decontamination protocols.
Participation in regional exercises organised by the IAEA via the RANET network for nuclear or radiological emergency assistance.
Consult the National Radiological Emergency Plan — procedures, responsibilities and emergency contacts.
DownloadReport any suspicious radiological event via our online declaration portal or by telephone.
DéclarerARSN practical guides and IAEA documents (GSG-2, EPR-FIRST RESPONDERS) for first responders.
ConsultUnified System for Information Exchange in Incidents and Emergencies — IAEA international notification platform.
Access USIE