National Atomic Energy Agency

The document defines the objectives of the nuclear safety and radiation protection strategy in Poland and lines for action to develop this safety.

The broad application of ionizing radiation in industry, medicine and research has a positive impact on the quality of life and the development of society. One of the fundamental conditions for citizens to benefit from this type of activity is to ensure the functioning of a credible and effective system of nuclear safety and radiation protection. Nuclear safety means achieving appropriate operating conditions, preventing accidents, and in the event of their occurrence – mitigating their effects. The result of these activities is the protection of workers and the public against the dangers of ionizing radiation from nuclear facilities.

• The principle of the primacy of nuclear safety and radiation protection over other aspects of activities, including economic, political and socio-economic aspects, will govern. The primary goal of safety is to protect people and the environment against the harmful effects of ionizing radiation.
• The document contains 4 detailed strategic objectives

Development of the national regulatory system in the field of nuclear safety and radiation protection.

• This system is to ensure protection of the population, workers and the environment against the dangers of the use of ionizing radiation.
• An important element improving the quality of the regulatory environment and enhancing safety standards is the exchange of knowledge and experience through international cooperation.

Development of the national radiation monitoring system.

• Actions will be taken to expand the radiation monitoring network locally and nationally, along with software supporting the decision-making process in emergency.

• It is also necessary to constantly improve the procedures and develop the training program for responding to radiation incidents and removing their effects.

Strengthening national competences in the field of ​​nuclear safety and radiation protection.

• Actions will be taken to develop competences and train personnel necessary to ensure nuclear safety and radiation protection of nuclear facilities, safety of radioactive waste repositories, and the safe use of ionizing radiation sources in medicine, industry and research.

• The development of competences will include the dissemination of good practices in nuclear safety and radiation protection and the promotion of attitudes and values ​​of a high safety culture.

Enhancing the research potential and social awareness in the field of nuclear safety and radiation protection.

• Actions will be taken to support research on the impact of ionizing radiation on human health and the environment, and on technological solutions enhancing nuclear safety and radiation protection.
• It is also necessary to increase public awareness of the effects of the use of ionizing radiation, including its impact on human health and the environment.

The government are taking a number of measures to enhance radiation safety in Poland. Since 2015, the national radiation monitoring has been gradually expanded. Over the past six years, the National Atomic Energy Agency of Poland, which manages this monitoring, purchased 33 modern PMS (permanent monitoring station) to detect any radioactive contamination early – 7 PMS replaced the already worn-out devices, and 26 were installed in new sites, also along Poland’s eastern border.

According to the government's plans under the Polish Nuclear Power Program, by 2033, a total of 145 PMS will operate in the country.

Thanks to the smooth cooperation of PAA with other institutions, it is also possible to reduce the costs of monitoring. The signing in 2020 of cooperation agreements of the National Atomic Energy Agency with the General Directorate of the State Forests and the Institute of Meteorology and Water Management significantly brought down the cost of lease of the areas where some PMs are installed.

The densification of the network of PMS that detect the presence of radionuclides in the air will help the National Atomic Energy Agency detect radiation incidents early and predict their development more accurately. As a result, the Agency will be able to react more promptly in emergency and better inform the public about the need to take any intervention measures.