Why carry out a follow-up?
The purpose of an ORPAS follow-up mission is to continue the work of improving occupational radiation protection arrangements and effectiveness by reviewing the host country’s progress in response to the initial ORPAS mission recommendations or suggestions.
An ORPAS follow-up mission will normally be requested formally by the Member State to the IAEA. In some circumstances the IAEA may suggest the State considers a follow-up mission.
When should a Member State consider to request a follow-up mission?
Typically, a follow-up mission will take place two to five years following the initial ORPAS mission. Two years should allow significant progress to be made with the implementation of the recommendations and suggestions of the initial ORPAS mission. Beyond five years the effectiveness of the follow-up process may be limited.
A minimum of nine months is normally required to prepare a follow-up mission.
How does it work?
The review of responses to the recommendations and suggestions made during the initial ORPAS mission will be carried out before the appraisal will take place. In the same way as for the initial mission, information needed to reach a judgement will be gathered by a combination of the review of written material, interviews with personnel and direct observation of organizations, practices and activities.
