Safety regulations

While regulating safety is a national responsibility, international standards and harmonized approaches to safety promote consistency and help to provide assurance that nuclear and radiation related technologies are used safely.

For over 50 years the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has had a safety standards programme. More than 200 safety standards have been published which reflect an international consensus on what constitutes a high level of safety for protecting people and the environment.

The standards provide a robust framework of fundamental principles, requirements and guidance to ensure safety. They are applicable, as relevant, throughout the entire lifetime of facilities and activities.