Kenya environmental law: Control of radio active substances



THE RADIATION PROTECTION ACT

This Act controls the import/export possession and use of radio active substances and irradiating apparatus (equipment which emit radio activity).  Basically radiation occurs because of the impact of ultra violet light. 

The Act provides that

(i)   no one shall knowingly without a licence manufacture or otherwise produce
(ii)  sell or otherwise deal with,
(iii) have in his possession for use,
(iv) import or cause to be imported,
(v)  export or cause to be exported any radio active substance or irradiating apparatus.

Application for a licence shall be made to the Radiation Protection Board which is established under the Act.  The Minister is required to prescribe precautions to be taken to prevent injury being caused by ionising radiation to the health of persons employed in places where radio active substances are manufactured, produced, treated, stored or used or where irradiating apparatus is used or where other persons are likely to be exposed to harmful radiation.  He is also required to prescribe methods of disposal for radio active waste products and the transport, storage and use of radio active material.  Finally to prescribe maximum working hours of persons working with radio active material.