To protect people, property, and the environment from the harmful effects of ionizing radiation through effective regulation, oversight, and enforcement of nuclear safety and radiation protection standards.
The Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection Authority ensures the safe use of radiation sources and protects people, property, and the environment.
Regulate safe operating conditions for radiation processes and protect occupationally exposed workers, patients, the public, and the environment
Regulate safe operating conditions for radiation processes and protect occupationally exposed workers, patients, the public, and the environment
Manage radioactive waste and conduct nation-wide source search operations to bring orphan and legacy sources under regulatory control
Manage radioactive waste and conduct nation-wide source search operations to bring orphan and legacy sources under regulatory control
Monitor and enforce compliance with the Sierra Leone Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection Act 2012
Monitor and enforce compliance with the Sierra Leone Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection Act 2012
Work with the IAEA on technical cooperation programs to develop local expertise and capabilities
Work with the IAEA on technical cooperation programs to develop local expertise and capabilities
Radiation is one of nature’s most fundamental forces. It powers the sun, helps doctors save lives, and plays an essential role in countless industrial processes. Yet for many people, the word “radiation” evokes fear and uncertainty. This guide aims to demystify radiation, explain how it works, and clarify the difference between beneficial and harmful exposure.
Radiation is energy that travels in the form of waves or particles through space and matter. The word comes from the Latin “radiare,” meaning “to shine” or “to radiate outward.”
Atoms are made up of a nucleus (containing protons and neutrons) surrounded by electrons. Radiation is released when atoms are unstable or when energy is transferred between atoms. This energy can travel as:
Think of radiation like ripples spreading across a pond. When you drop a stone into water, ripples radiate outward in all directions. Similarly, when atoms release energy, that energy radiates outward as waves or particles.
The Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection Authority was established as Sierra Leone’s premier regulatory body to address the growing use of radiation sources across the country. Following the boom in mining activities after the civil war ended in 2002, the country experienced significant expansion in the use of radiation-generating equipment. Recognizing this shift, the NSRPA was created to establish a comprehensive regulatory framework under the Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection Act 2012
Licensing and regulation of all radiation sources and radioactive materials in Sierra Leone
Regular compliance inspections of medical, industrial, and mining facilities
Collaboration with IAEA and other nuclear regulatory bodies
Raising awareness about radiation safety and protection measures
Licensing and regulation of all radiation sources and radioactive materials in Sierra Leone
Regular compliance inspections of medical, industrial, and mining facilities
NSRPA operates under the Ministry of Energy and serves as the National Liaison Office for the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Our organization works tirelessly to ensure that all radiation sources and radioactive materials are used safely, securely, and in accordance with international best practices.
Protecting the public, workers, and the environment from radiation hazards
Operating with accountability and openness in all regulatory decisions
Maintaining the highest standards of technical competence and professionalism
Partnering with international agencies, national ministries, and industry stakeholders
Building awareness and capacity within Sierra Leone's radiation community
The NSRPA works in close collaboration with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), a specialized agency of the United Nations. Through the IAEA’s Technical Cooperation (TC) programme, Sierra Leone receives:
Ionizing radiation is energy released by atoms in the form of electromagnetic waves or particles. It has enough energy to remove electrons from atoms, creating ions—hence the name.
Not necessarily. Like any tool, radiation can be used safely when proper precautions are in place. Medical professionals use radiation daily to diagnose and treat disease. The key is using it responsibly and minimizing unnecessary exposure.
We establish safety standards, issue licenses only to qualified operators, conduct regular inspections, enforce compliance, investigate incidents, and maintain emergency response capabilities.
Contact the NSRPA directly through our phone line or email
To be a world-class nuclear regulatory authority that instills confidence in the safe and secure use of radiation and nuclear technologies in Sierra Leone, while promoting innovation and sustainable development.
Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection Authority (NSRPA) © 2026