Regulatory inspections are one of the regulatory oversight processes for effective control of the licensed facilities. PNRA conducts regulatory inspections of nuclear installations, radiation facilities, equipment manufacturers and service providers to ensure compliance of regulatory requirements and licence conditions. Enforcement actions are taken in case of any non-compliance of regulatory requirements.
PNRA has established inspection programmes for nuclear installations, radiation facilities, equipment manufacturers and service providers, which are based on the safety significance and risk posed by a facility or activity.
The inspections are broadly categorized in two distinct types namely, planned inspections and reactive or special inspections. Either type of inspection may be announced or unannounced; however, announced inspections are more common whereas planned inspections are carried out in accordance with the annual inspection plans developed by the respective departments of PNRA. These inspections are conducted in accordance with frequency defined in relevant inspection programmes. On the other hand, reactive or special inspections are initiated in response to some unexpected situation or unusual event at any facility or during an activity. All these inspections are conducted by PNRA authorized inspectors.
PNRA takes enforcement actions in case of any violation of PNRA Ordinance, applicable regulations, directives or licence conditions. These actions include issuance of directives, violation notices, show cause notices, work stop notices. In addition, PNRA is empowered to suspend, cancel or revoke the license. The enforcement process may also lead to prosecution and imposition of civil penalty through court of law in case the violator does not take the corrective action as required by PNRA.
PNRA Enforcement Regulations and the underlying enforcement procedure provides mechanism for the enforcement actions.
PNRA has established three Regional Nuclear Safety Directorates which are supplemented by five Regional Nuclear Safety Inspectorates in order to perform inspection and enforcement activities throughout Pakistan in an effective and efficient manner. These Directorates and Inspectorates are strategically located to cover entire area of the country.