Apr 01, 2018The Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR) launched today its Secondary Standards Dosimetry Laboratory (SSDL) at the university premises, where HE Homaid Al Shimmari, Board Member of the university inaugurated the laboratory on behalf of His Highness Sheikh Hamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of Khalifa University of Science and Technology.
FANR, being the UAE's lead nuclear regulator, protects the UAE's public, workers and the environment through its nuclear regulatory programmes in radiation protection as well as safety, security and non-proliferation that include licensing and inspection activities in line with international best practices.
The SSDL, operated by FANR and hosted by Khalifa University, will help provide radiation measurement and calibration services to ensure that accurately known doses are delivered to patients undergoing diagnosis and therapy, and that radiation measurement instruments used throughout the UAE, including in the nuclear energy programme, provide the expected degree of accuracy to support radiation protection.
"The inauguration of the Secondary Standards Dosimetry Laboratory (SSDL) represents another step taken to ensure radiation protection of the public, workers and the environment. SSDL is one of cornerstones at FANR in building the radiation protection infrastructure in the UAE," said Christer Viktorsson, Director-General of the UAE's Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation.
"The UAE's leadership and government are keen to ensure the protection of the people. We are delighted that the renowned Khalifa University is hosting such an important laboratory, which will provide vital services across the UAE. "
Dr Tod Laursen, President, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, said: "The inauguration of the Secondary Standards Dosimetry Laboratory at our campus premises signifies the extent of our collaboration in the UAE's strategic sectors. Through the lab, we aim to play a crucial role in supporting FANR's activities that aim to ensure full compliance of regulations. We also hope the lab will help students explore research projects in related areas, enabling us to create intellectual and human capital in this sector."
Dr Arif Sultan Al Hammadi, Executive Vice-President, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, said: "The advanced Secondary Standards Dosimetry Laboratory facility at Khalifa University further reflects the UAE leadership's commitment to not only develop nuclear energy but also the required talent base to efficiently operate the industry. Our university has provided a stand-alone building with adequate radiation shielding features including one-meter thick reinforced concrete walls, ensuing both X-ray and gamma ray protection. Other regular safety features are also incorporated into the facility with all systems specifically designed to meet FANR regulation, reiterating our commitment to reiterating our support to the industry."
The laboratory will assist licensees, whether in medical, industrial or nuclear sector, to comply with FANR regulations as well as enable them to obtain the calibration services for their instruments locally within the UAE, rather than sending their equipment abroad.
The International Atomic Energy (IAEA) has played a significant role in supporting the establishment of the SSDL by providing international best practices, expertise and equipment. Three technical projects were implemented to support setting up the laboratory between 2009 and 2017 that included three expert missions as well as a fellowship in a similar lab in Malaysia.
In 2017, FANR's SSDL passed two proficiency tests organized by the IAEA, demonstrating its technical capacity to provide radiation calibration services in the UAE. In February 2018, the FANR's SSDL joined the IAEA/WHO SSDL Network. This network has 80 laboratories in 67 countries and is responsible to verify that the services provided by the national laboratories follow internationally accepted metrological standards.