Jamaica’s Regulatory Authority is tasked with regulating the use of radioactive and nuclear material to gain control, maintain accountability, and ensure compliance with the Nuclear Safety and Protection Act, 2015, and its associated regulations.
The HSRA carries out the mandate of the NSRP Act through the issuing, rejecting, revoking, and/or suspending of Grants of Authorizations, as well as performing inspections and enforcement as required.
Yes.
Yes.
Authorizations are given in the form of a license, a permit, or a registration. Licenses are issued for operating a facility: possession, use, transport, decommissioning a facility, manufacture of sources, disposal facility, and commissioning of a facility. Permits are issued for the import/export of radiation sources or the siting, construction, commissioning, modification, demolition, or demolition of a facility. Registration ore issued for broker activities, low-risk facilities (determined by the Authority), and qualified experts.
Yes, refer to the Third Schedule of Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection Regulations, 2019, for prescribed fees.
Required documents may vary according to the type of activity and the risk associated. General documents include, but are not limited to: a copy of a valid national photo ID, a copy of fees paid, a Fit and Proper Declaration Form, Financial Assurance (in accordance with the request of the Authority), a copy of the Radiation Protection Programme, and standard certificates of oil sources and/or equipment.
Failure to apply to the Authority will result in the unauthorized possession and use of radiation sources and/or nuclear technology. These sources are then classified as outside of regulatory control. According to the NSRP Act, 2015, this is an offense punishable by law in the form of a fine of up to 3 million Jamaican dollars and/or imprisonment for a period no longer than months. Refer to the Eighth Schedule of the NSRP Act for further details on other penalties.
The process time for oil applications submitted is 14 working days following the receipt of ALL required documents, after which a determination will be made by the Authorization and Training Unit to the applicant.
All importers and exporters must be authorized to possess and use radiation sources and/or nuclear material before performing such activities. A form of Application for an Export or Import authorization must be submitted along with the required supporting documents in order to receive a permit.
Entities are now required to utilize the JSWIFT (Jamaica Single Window for Trade) platform to apply for a permit. Supporting documents required may vary, but generally include, but are not limited to, authorization to possess/use radiation sources and/or nuclear material, standard certificates, shipping details (date of import/export, route), a radioactive waste management plan, and transportation details.
A person who acts on behalf of one or more other persons to negotiate or arrange contracts, purchases, sales, or other means of transfer of radiation sources.
Yes.
All brokers must be registered with the Authority to act in the capacity of a broker. Registration is done via the completion and submission of a Broker Registration Form for Radiation Sources.
High-risk sources will require a transport security plan. All safety and security measures must be in accordance with the IAEA Regulations for the Safe Transport of Radioactive Material and the IAEA Safety Standards Series No. SSR-6. Refer to the document for further guidance.
All end-users must have a radioactive waste management plan for the disposal of radioactive and/or nuclear waste. All procedures will be assessed by the Authority to ensure compliance with the NSRP Act and its associated regulations.
All authorized entities are required to submit a renewal application with all relevant documents to the Authority at least 30 days prior to the expiry date.
An inspection is an on-site visit to examine facility compliance and typically covers the following areas: radiation protection and safety measures, physical design, general occupational health and safety protocols, emergency management, security, storage, and transport.
There are two types of inspections. There are planned inspection visits and unannounced visits. Planned inspection visits vary from annually to every two years, depending on the facility and the risk associated with the category of sources used. Unannounced visits can be conducted at any time as prescribed or authorized by the Authority. Most inspections will be planned, and the licensee will be notified.
Licensees are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the NSRP Act and associated regulations. Inspection will be based on the conformance of both documents, the conditions of the authorizations wanted, as well as general health, safety, and environmental considerations.
Licensees and/or RSOs will be notified by the inspectors of any noncompliance either during the inspection or immediately after.
Following an inspection, an assessment is made confirming the level of compliance of the facility. Where a breach is cited, the licensee will be informed in writing and required to implement corrective action within a specified timeframe. A subsequent inspection may be conducted to ensure rectification.
The Director of Authorization and Training, or the Technical Officers of the HSRA.
Application forms and guides are available here.
The Director of Inspection and Enforcement or Inspectors.
