RSRP provides support to the program partner regulators to establish or update information on the disposition of radiation sources. RSRP provides hands on instruction on the methods to successfully obtain and verify information on the radiation sources. RSRP performs installation and training of RASOD software functionally designed to perform as a national register. The regulator is responsible for travelling to the source facilities, collecting pertinent information, tagging the equipment and entering data into the national registry.
Administrative Search
The purpose of inventorying is to establish current disposition of radiation sources and X-ray devices. Country-wide inventory begins with conducting administrative search of known historical records. This search may include government records of various agencies including export-import data from traditional isotope manufacturers. This is complemented by an outreach to user-organizations and general public through mass media. Depending on the country, some specific circumstances may apply, such as radiation sources at abandoned military basis, temporary storage of disused sources and other facilities. All data is collected and carefully analyzed.
Preparation for On-site verification
The RSRP contributors develop the list of user organizations, procedures and schedule for on-site facility visits. Procedures include forms that specify data on facility and sources (x-ray devices) to be collected during the visit. The regulator assigns unique regulatory nomenclature to facilities and radiation sources / associated devices. The data collection form generally follows the process for RASOD data entry. The schedule for on-site visits is developed and letters are issued to facilities to assure their availability and readiness for the inspection. RSRP procures necessary equipment and conducts RASOD installation and training at the in-country regulator facility. Training includes field exercises to prepare program contributors for the on-site visit activities.
On-site verification
RSRP contributors visits the facility and take available data by inspecting the radiation sources, associated devices and x-ray equipment. The equipment tags, previously prepared, are permanently applied to the associated devices, storage containers, and x-ray devices. Where original documents are not available the inspection team makes and records measurements. A photo record is taken whenever possible. Often the on-site visit is used by the regulator to mentor the user on the safety and security of the radiation source. The scope of verification largely depends on the country needs and authority for oversight. In some countries the inventory includes all sealed sources of category 1-5 and x-ray generators. Other countries limit this work to select higher activity category sources only.
National Registry
National registries in RSRP countries were developed on the basis of a transactional database (RASOD) that keeps track of significant data on facilities and sources. The data consists of four categories: sealed sources, associated devices, unsealed sources and x-ray generators. Data obtained during the on-site visits is entered into RASOD. RASOD data is maintained current through notification or licensing activity depending on the country's practice.
The information in RASOD is shared with other modules of ARIS (Advanced Regulatory Information System) such as AUTHORIZATION and INSPECTION for performing licensing and inspection regulatory functions.