8 Expertise, leadership and management for safety, and safety culture
Strategic objective
All use of radiation in Norway must be safe and secure, and this should always be the overriding priority for all use of radiation. There are requirements for safety assessments when using radiation that describe how this shall be carried out safely and securely, and that outline the risks and measures to prevent and reduce the consequences of any incidents.
Requirements are in place regarding the competence and training of workers performing tasks involving radiation risk, and it is important to establish, develop and maintain relevant expertise and competence in Norway. Norway has been behind several initiatives within the fields of education, research and support for DSA as the regulatory authority. Several formal educational programmes related to the necessary expertise have been initiated and need to be further developed.
There are also requirements for effective leadership and management for safety, and a strong safety culture in all organisations/enterprises. These include elements such as the management system, the clear assignment of safety responsibilities, and a strong safety culture within the organisation/enterprise encompassing values, attitudes and conduct that promote a high level of safety.
Norway has established an advisory committee to support DSA as the regulatory authority. Norway will continue to develop a Technical and Scientific Support Organisation (TSO) related to radiation protection and nuclear safety, which will benefit both the authorities and the operators.
Norway will establish a long-term expertise initiative to ensure that authorities and operators have sufficient competence in the use and management of radiation. It is essential that all roles have sufficient expertise to perform their work in an efficient manner. Expertise should also be recognised where it is relevant in accordance with international obligations. Several educational programmes have been established to meet the growing demand for expertise. These programmes shall comply with international standards for radiation protection and nuclear safety.
Relevant strategies, plans and programmes
DSA is working on the establishment of a Technical and Scientific Support Organisation (TSO) in Norway.
DSA has assessed its own expertise and developed a knowledge strategy with an action plan for 2024–2028. The main focus areas of the strategy are DSA’s role as a driving force behind new knowledge, education and training, the accessibility of data and dissemination of knowledge, and the utilisation of existing knowledge and data.