NATIONAL TRAINING COURSE ON REGULATORY CONTROL OF RADIATION SOURCES - DEPARTMENT OF RADIOLOGY, ST. LUKE'S HOSPITAL

As part of Malta's participation in the IAEA Regional European Project "National Regulatory Control and Occupational Radiation Protection Programmes", a training course on the regulatory control of radiation sources was held at the Department of Radiology, St. Luke's Hospital earlier this week.

The aim of the course to familiarise users and future regulators with international basic safety standards regarding the use of radioactive substances. Among the authorities and organisations represented were the Department of Radiology, Department of Oncology and Radiotherapy, Department of Public Health, Environment Protection Department, Occupational Health and Safety Unit, Malta National Laboratory and the Malta Drydocks.

The course was conducted by three internationally renowned experts specifically recruited by the IAEA - Prof. Wolfdieter Kraus, Director at the German Federal Office for Radiation Protection, Mr. Christopher Hone from the Irish Radiological Protection Institute and Ms Annemarie Schmitt-Hannig from the German Nuclear Safety Institute. Mr. Trevor Boal from the IAEA Department of Nuclear Safety was Technical Officer for the course.

Malta became a member of the International Atomic Energy Agency on 29 September 1997 during the 41^st General Conference, the 126^th State to join the Agency. Since its accession to the IAEA in 1997, Malta has received technical assistance, amounting to around $300,000, in the form of expert dispatch programmes, courses for local candidates, consultancy services and the provision of equipment.