Assessment of Nuclear Security Infrastructure of Radioactive Sources in Morocco

Radioactive sources are used in multiple applications such as in medicine, industry and research. However, in recent years there has been recognition of the threat posed by the potential malicious acts of radioactive sources by terrorists. The dispersal of radioactive sources using conventional explosives, referred to as a ‘dirty bomb’, could create considerable panic and disruption for the people and environment. For this reason, radioactive source security is now a priority matter being addressed by the international community. For developing countries, this requires international technical assistance to readily address implementation challenges to ensure application of security consistent with the relevant international standards and guidance for radioactive source security. This study attempts to assess security infrastructure of radioactive sources by conducting SWOT analysis and systemic approach to define gaps and areas for continuous improvement. It is important to note that Morocco has conducted a radical reform of his legislative and regulatory framework, in fact, he has adopted a new law n°142 pertaining to nuclear safety, radiation protection and nuclear security. This law foresee a separate decree to create a single independent regulatory authority for implementing the provisions and requirements of this legislation and its associated regulation. It is also worth to highlight that, a self-assessment study pertaining to nuclear and radiation safety, by using self-assessment methodology developed by the IAEA, and has been conducted. The security issues was excluded from the scope of the study. For this reason, we believe that this study find its interest and will complete the full scope of the previous study. The interest of this study lies on the fact that it will constitute a platform for the new regulatory authority, in terms of recommendations that will be generated from it, for continuous improvement of radioactive sources security. The purpose of this study is, firstly to discuss the SWOT analysis as methodology adopted to lead this study, secondly to present the different challenges associated with the use of radioactive sources, thirdly to highlight the effort made by the country to advance national nuclear security system, especially in terms of legislative and regulatory framework reform, and the role of education and training to accompany the change that is currently occurring in our country and finally to identify areas for improvement of security of radioactive sources.