The first IAEA Occupational Radiation Protection Service (ORPAS) mission to Botswana has highlighted good management system of radiation protection, which fosters a strong safety culture in protecting workers. “The findings from this ORPAS mission demonstrate Botswana’s strong commitment to strengthening the occupational radiation protection infrastructure in line with international safety standards,” said Miroslav Pinak, Head of the IAEA Radiation Safety & Monitoring Section. The also mission identified that Botswana “could further strengthen radiation protection arrangements by developing training and qualification programmes”, he added.
Earlier this year Botswana opened its first public radiotherapy centre, with the support of the IAEA’s Rays of Hope initiative, which it joined in in 2022. Through the initiative the centre has developed bunkers (shielded rooms) to house radiation treatment equipment in line with IAEA safety standards.
Since becoming an IAEA member state in 2002, Botswana has developed the peaceful, safe and secure use of nuclear technology in various areas including medical diagnosis of diseases and injury using x rays and radioisotopes as well as industrial applications such as monitoring the density of the materials during mining and road construction using nuclear gauges.
Source : NEI