The nuclear regulatory body in the UAE has called on residents to report their concerns, no matter how trivial they may seem.

The Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR) urged members of the public to voice their concerns and raise their questions through contacting the organisation on its website www.fanr.gov.ae.

“The evaluation of safety, security or safeguards concerns from industry workers or other stakeholders is part of FANR’s efforts to accomplish [a peaceful, safe, secure, effective use and control of nuclear material,” said the regulatory body.

In the event of an emergency, residents can call the toll-free number 800 326 7999 to report any accident related to radioactive material that can harm the public’s safety, lost or damaged radioactive materials and any threat, theft, smuggling, vandalism or terrorist activity related to radioactive materials.

A non-emergency relates to “any concern involving a nuclear reactor, nuclear fuel facility or any radioactive material,” according to FANR, and should be reported by email to allegations@fanr.gov.ae.

Residents who prefer to remain anonymous can do so by contacting the organisation through its website.

Low levels of radiation

A report published recently by FANR has revealed that the radiation dose rates in the UAE were very low when compared to most other countries in the world.

The first annual report titled ‘Radiological Environmental Monitoring in the United Arab Emirates’, summarises the results of the first year of FANR’s comprehensive Radiological Monitoring Programme, covering January 1 to December 31, 2015.

Christer Viktorsson, Director General of FANR, said, “Establishing a baseline level of environmental radiation is essential prior to the operation of any nuclear facility, because it provides a reference point to which the results of future monitoring can be compared."

SOURCE : GULFNEWS