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King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) holds a Radiation License in Research and Education Practice issued by the Nuclear and Radiological Regulatory Commission (NRRC), the Competent Authority on Radiation Protection in Saudi Arabia. All use of radioactive material and radiation producing equipment at KAUST must follow the conditions in the license and applicable national laws as regulated by the NRRC. All activities involving radioactive sources or ionizing radiation devices, including their use, introduction, or operation, require prior approval from the National Regulatory Commission for Radiation Control (NRRC).
The Nuclear and Radiological Regulatory Commission (NRRC) is an independent government organization established by royal order in April 2018. The NRRC is responsible for supervising and controlling all works related to the use of atomic energy and the resultant radioactive waste. It acts as the Competent Regulatory Authority for all aspects relating to regulations, rules, national limits, and licensing for the use of ionizing radiation in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). The legal framework and the basic reference for any practice involving ionizing radiation in Saudi Arabia are explained by the promulgates of the Nuclear and Radiological Regulatory Commission (NRRC).
The Nuclear and Radiological Regulatory Commission (NRRC) recognizes the University President as the Authorized Person responsible for the use, management, and operation of radiation sources and nuclear materials within KAUST academic research laboratories. Under the regulatory framework, the prime responsibility for safety and security of nuclear and radioactive materials protection throughout the lifetime of the practice lies with the authorized person and cannot be delegated.
Delegation of Responsibilities
To ensure effective management, the President has delegated functional responsibilities to key university officials:
Strategic Partnerships in Radiation Safety Implementation
(1) Office of Government Affairs;
Maintains compliance with NRRC regulations and acts as a liaison between the university and regulatory bodies in coordination with the Radiation Safety Officer (RSO), ensuring adherence to legal requirements and safeguarding the university’s operating license.
(2) Office of Research
Oversees research projects that utilize radioactive materials. The office of research ensures these projects are conducted following established protocols, safeguarding the safety of researchers and the integrity of the research itself. This is accomplished through the Institutional Radiation Safety Committee (IRSC) and the Radiation.
(3) Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) Department
HSE implements the campus radiation safety program and ensures regulatory compliance and safety in the use of radiation and radioactive materials. The program includes audits of all authorizations for the use of radionuclides and Radiation Producing Equipment (RPE).
Specific functions of HSE includes, but is not limited to:
The Institutional Radiation Safety Committee (IRSC) is composed of faculty members, Radiation Safety Officer, and individuals representing administrative functions who have been appointed to establish policies and procedures for the use of ionizing radiation at KASUT, including:
The implementation of the Radiation Safety Program is carried out by the certified Radiation Safety Officers (RSO) who has been approved by the Competent Agency.
The Radiation Safety Officer is the NRRC’s authorized representative regarding radiation safety within the jurisdiction of KAUST’s radioactive material license and is responsible for day-to-day management and implementation of the Radiation Safety Program.
The role of the RSO is to provide specialized guidance, consultation, and assistance to the research group, radiation users, and other university departments.
Some of the main RSO responsibilities consist of:
