Higher requirements for nuclear energy usage licensing introduced in Belarus

MINSK, 5 April (BelTA) – Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko has signed decree No.137 on regulating activities related to the usage of nuclear energy and sources of ionizing radiation, the press service of the head of state told BelTA.

The document introduces higher requirements for licensing these activities. In particular, the licensing of usage of nuclear energy and sources of ionizing radiation is separated into an independent sphere of legislation. The decree stipulates the set of measures implemented by the state with regard to all aspects of licensing of the usage of nuclear energy and sources of ionizing radiation (issuance of licenses, license amendment, extension of the duration of licenses, termination of licenses, and the rest).

A list of works and services, which are classified as activities in the area of usage of nuclear energy and sources of ionizing radiation, is specified. The document takes into account licensing peculiarities in the course of building and commissioning nuclear energy usage installations, including the Belarusian nuclear power plant.

The Nuclear and Radiation Safety Department of the Belarusian Emergencies Ministry (Gosatomnadzor) will be in charge of license control. The Emergencies Ministry previously took care of these matters.