The international expert mission recommended that Latvia improve its procedures for nuclear catastrophe response and noted a shortage of qualified specialists, reported the Environmental Protection Service.
The Radiation Safety Centre (RSC) of the Environmental Protection Service underwent an expert mission review from October 20 to 29, aimed at assessing the radiation emergency management system in Latvia in accordance with the safety standards of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
During the review, interviews were conducted with representatives from the Crisis Management Centre, the Ministry of Climate and Energy, the Ministry of Agriculture, the RSC, the Emergency Medical Service, the State Fire and Rescue Service, the Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre, the Food and Veterinary Service, the scientific institute "Bior," and the P. Stradins Clinical University Hospital.
Experts also evaluated the existing radiation emergency management system, regulations, coordination mechanisms, etc. Following the mission, a report with recommendations was prepared.
The experts pointed out a number of deficiencies that require improvement. The Cabinet of Ministers' regulations on radiation emergency management need to be revised to fully comply with international safety standards — including risk assessment, criteria for appointing emergency workers and volunteers, as well as establishing dose standards.
Furthermore, national coordination mechanisms among all involved institutions need to be improved, and the recently established Crisis Management Centre should be integrated into the overall civil protection system of the country.
The experts also strongly recommended enhancing the monitoring system for environmental samples, food, and animal feed in the event of radiation emergencies. Additionally, clear criteria for the termination of a radiation emergency and transition to the current situation with an assessment of exposure levels need to be established.
The lack of qualified specialists in the RSC and other institutions capable of effectively responding in an emergency was also emphasized.
The Environmental Protection Service promises that the regulations will be revised based on the experts' recommendations. The review involved experts from the United Arab Emirates, Finland, Bulgaria, Indonesia, and Portugal.
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