As part of the IAEA technical support project for Turkmenistan, NRSC conducted an expert mission at the Central Chemical Radiometric Laboratory of the Civil Defense and Rescue Operations Directorate of Turkmenistan. The mission, led by Arpi Khachatryan, a leading specialist in Radiation Safety at NRSC, aimed to enhance occupational radiation protection, dosimetry, and calibration services in the Republic of Turkmenistan, following IAEA guidelines. The mission aimed first to strengthen the knowledge in radiation protection: to provide an in-depth overview of IAEA GSR Part 3 and GSG-7 recommendations on occupational radiation protection, emphasising external personal monitoring, dose assessment methodologies, and measurement techniques. Another goal was to improve dosimetry practices by reviewing Armenia’s experience, identifying strengths and areas for improvement, and ensuring that QA/QC processes align with international standards for accuracy and reliability. To enhance dosimetry System Operation, Armenian specialist offered a detailed overview of the Harshaw 6600 Lite System, including its components such as TLD 100 Dosimeters, calibration methodologies, and testing procedures to ensure proper functioning and maintenance of dosimetric equipment. Special attention was paid to Calibration Procedures: guiding the development of standard calibration procedures for dosimeter irradiation and reader calibration, ensuring traceability and consistency in dose measurements. NRSC expert also assisted their Turkmen colleagues in refining data reporting methodologies, introducing improved data recording and reporting practices aligned with international standards. Local laboratory personnel received hands-on training in WINREMS software for calibration and data acquisition, as well as in annealing and irradiation techniques, dosimeter reading, and calibration processes. The training also covered Cs-137 use for external irradiation and reader calibration. The NRSC remains committed to supporting international collaboration and capacity-building efforts to enhance radiation safety in alignment with global standards.
NRSC specialists Satine Vardanyan and Karen Haroyan attended the 37th Annual Regulatory Information Conference in Washington, D.C. In addition to participating in the conference, the Armenian delegation held high-level meetings with the newly appointed Chairman of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (US NRC), David A. Wright, as well as Commissioners Christopher T. Hanson and Matthew J. Marzano. Key discussion topics included the operational life extension of the Armenian NPP’s 2nd Unit, future decommissioning plans, spent nuclear fuel management, and the construction of new nuclear reactors in Armenia. The delegation also addressed the need to enhance the training and capabilities of NRSC staff. Armenian specialists provided insights into the current state of nuclear safety in Armenia, outlining challenges and potential solutions. NRC Chairman David A. Wright and the commissioners reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Armenia’s nuclear safety efforts, particularly in regulatory and defence areas. Discussions focused on strategies to overcome current challenges, strengthen personnel training, and modernise the regulatory framework. NRC officials also invited Armenian specialists to participate in the review and analysis of design documents for small modular reactors. Satine Vardanyan and Karen Haroyan met with American colleagues from Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL) and Advanced Systems Technology and Management, Inc. (AdSTM) to explore opportunities for further cooperation, specialised training programs, and professional development initiatives for NRSC staff. NRSC values such engagements, recognising their crucial role in strengthening international collaboration and enhancing Armenia’s nuclear energy regulatory capabilities.
The International Conference on Enhancing Nuclear Safety and Security Through Technical and Scientific Support Organizations (TSOs): Challenges and Opportunities in a Rapidly Changing World was hosted at the Headquarters in Vienna from 2-6 December 2024. It brought together experts from all over the world to exchange the best practices and enhance the technical and scientific capacities of TSOs to enhance and promote their potential contribution to the nuclear and radiation safety and security of facilities and activities. The special session was devoted to the IAEA-developed TSO Self-Capability Assessment Methodology aimed to assess and further develop the TSO scientific and technical capabilities, and evaluate how these are developed, sustained and applied in regulatory functions. The tool is of high interest for the TSOs worldwide and many Member States expressed their desire to implement it in their TSOs. In 2024 TSO self-assessment with the TOSCA toll was concluded in 2 countries – Armenia and Ghana. NRSC representative Marina Simonyan participated in the special session. She shared with the participants the company’s experience of conducting self-assessment with the IAEA-developed tool. The results of the self-assessment were discussed with the IAEA expert team during the National Workshop held in Armenia on 19-21 November 2024 and summarized in the recommendations, which will serve as a basis to develop an “Action plan” for their implementation.
