Our Vision
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.
About NSRPA
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.
Today, the 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.
Our Commitment
The NSRPA is committed to:
- Safety First: Protecting the public, workers, and the environment from radiation hazards
- Transparency: Operating with accountability and openness in all regulatory decisions
- Excellence: Maintaining the highest standards of technical competence and professionalism
- Collaboration: Partnering with international agencies, national ministries, and industry stakeholders
- Education: Building awareness and capacity within Sierra Leone’s radiation community
Regulatory Framework
The NSRPA operates under the authority of the Sierra Leone Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection Act 2012 (Act No. 7 of 2012). This legislation provides the legal foundation for our regulatory oversight and enforcement powers.
Key Regulatory Areas
Medical Facilities
We regulate and oversee the safe use of ionizing radiation in diagnostic radiology, interventional radiology, and therapeutic applications. All healthcare facilities using radiation sources must maintain proper radiation protection programs and comply with our licensing requirements.
Mining & Industrial Operations
Mining companies and industrial facilities using radiation gauges and density measurement equipment operate under strict regulatory control. The NSRPA conducts regular inspections to ensure compliance with radiation dose limits and As Low As Reasonably Achievable (ALARA) principles.
Radioactive Waste Management
We manage the classification, handling, storage, and disposal of low-level, intermediate-level, and high-level radioactive waste. Our nation-wide source search operations work to identify and secure orphan sources left behind by defunct operations.
Occupational Protection
Workers in radiation-using facilities receive protection through strict dose monitoring, safety protocols, and training requirements. Employers must implement comprehensive radiation protection programs.
Our Strategic Priorities
1. Regulatory Excellence
Strengthen our inspection, licensing, and enforcement capabilities to maintain international standards while adapting to Sierra Leone’s unique needs.
2. Capacity Building
Develop local expertise through training programs and IAEA fellowships. We invest in our staff to ensure technical competence and professional growth.
3. Orphan Source Management
Continue nation-wide operations to identify, secure, and properly manage legacy radioactive sources that pose public health risks.
4. Public Awareness
Increase understanding of radiation safety among healthcare professionals, mining operators, workers, and the general public.
5. International Cooperation
Maintain strong partnerships with the IAEA and regional regulatory bodies to share best practices and access technical support.
6. Emergency Preparedness
Develop and regularly test emergency response protocols to handle potential radiation incidents effectively.
Our Work in Action
Medical Radiation Safety
Every X-ray machine, CT scanner, and nuclear medicine device used in Sierra Leone’s hospitals and clinics operates under NSRPA oversight. We ensure that patients receive the diagnostic or therapeutic benefit of radiation while minimizing unnecessary exposure.
Mining Industry Oversight
Sierra Leone’s mining sector relies heavily on radiation-based measurement equipment. The NSRPA licenses these operations, monitors radiation levels, and ensures mining companies maintain safe working conditions for their employees and protect surrounding communities.
Legacy Source Recovery
In one significant operation, NSRPA teams discovered a 1.2 GBq Cesium-137 radioactive source in a residential home in Freetown—a dangerous orphan source left behind by mining operations. This source is now safely contained and managed, preventing potential exposure to the public.
Capacity Development
Through IAEA fellowships, NSRPA staff have received advanced training in radiation protection, regulatory administration, and emergency response. These skilled professionals return to Sierra Leone to strengthen our national capacity and mentor the next generation of radiation safety experts.
The Importance of Radiation Safety
While radiation offers tremendous benefits—from diagnosing diseases to powering industry—it must be handled responsibly. Improper use or management can pose serious health risks.
Why Radiation Safety Matters:
- Protects workers from cumulative radiation exposure and occupational disease
- Safeguards patients undergoing medical procedures from unnecessary or harmful doses
- Prevents environmental contamination from radioactive materials
- Builds public confidence in the medical and industrial use of radiation
- Ensures compliance with international safety standards and conventions
- Supports sustainable development by enabling safe use of beneficial technologies
International Partnerships
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:
- Technical expertise and guidance on regulatory best practices
- Training fellowships for staff development
- Expert missions to review and strengthen our regulatory framework
- Peer reviews and regulatory assessments
- Access to international databases and safety information
These partnerships ensure that Sierra Leone’s radiation regulatory standards align with global best practices and continue to evolve with emerging technologies and safety standards.
Licensing & Compliance
Any organization or individual in Sierra Leone wishing to use radiation sources must obtain proper authorization from the NSRPA. Our licensing process includes:
- Application Review — Submission of detailed safety and operational plans
- Safety Assessment — Evaluation of radiation protection programs and facility design
- Inspection — On-site verification of compliance with safety requirements
- License Issuance — Grant of authorization with specific conditions and dose limits
- Ongoing Oversight — Regular inspections, compliance monitoring, and license renewal
Compliance with licensing conditions is mandatory, and the NSRPA conducts unannounced inspections to verify adherence to safety standards.