Debriefing on the Regional Training Workshop on Conducting a Transport Security Inspection for English - speaking Africa Countries

Abstract

Debriefing on the Regional Training Workshop on Conducting a Transport Security Inspection for English-speaking African Countries. The training workshop was organized with the joint effort of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and Tanzania Atomic Energy Commission (TAEC) as part of the annual planned activities of the IAEA in accordance with the cooperation mechanisms among its member states. The training workshop featured eighteen representative participants of eight countries with Nigeria. The Nigerian Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NNRA) was represented by Mr. Andrew Amuofuokhai and Mrs. Mbanaso Maryann. The workshop strove to increase knowledge of inspection techniques and how to conduct a transport security inspection. The workshop lasted four days and consisted of the opening ceremony, presentations, group exercises, practical inspection scenario and closing. The presentations delivered at the workshop bordered on an introductory outlook to transport security and inspection and the legal frame work of inspection. Further presentations on the rudiments of an inspector’s fieldwork were also delivered with particular emphasis on inspection planning and conduct. In planning inspections, a competent authority tasked with the burden of regulatory inspection ought to perform certain functions like planning the inspection program for the year and assigning inspectors for each inspection based on the available budget and resources. Also, administrative requirements or arrangements such as logistics, equipment preparation and sending notifications to operators are crucial to the success of a planned inspection. Inspectors are also required to study the following documents or its equivalents in preparation for an inspection; any approved transport security plan, previous inspection reports and outcomes, license content and conditions and recent applications. In the conduct of inspections, there should be adequate on-site arrangements which should take into cognizance such factors as punctuality, necessary equipments, and identification of representatives. In executing the inspection, the inspector should be guided by the principle of veracity and his instinct of keen observation whilst recording necessary findings as well as following up on security checks for different aspects of security he has been designated to monitor while maintaining a high degree of professionalism. In summary, for an effective inspection and enforcement program a number of factors must be in place such as an authorization process, Inspection and enforcement policies and procedures, sanctions and good practices. It was also recommended that the authority should ensure that transport operators submit a detailed TSP for approval as part of minimum requirement for authorization for transport of radioactive material and authorize the use of inspection checklist for all inspections. Presented by Amofuokhai Andrew I.