Doha, November 12 (QNA) - The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MECC) has launched the national training program, "Strengthening Regulatory Oversight and the Safe Management of Naturally Occurring Radioactive Material (NORM) Waste." The program is held with the participation of specialists from the Ministry's Radiation Protection Department and QatarEnergy.

The program aims to strengthen national capabilities in regulatory oversight and the safe management of naturally occurring radioactive waste generated by oil and gas activities. It also seeks to enhance specialists' expertise and technical skills in radiation measurement and analysis, supporting the application of international best practices and standards in radiation protection.

The program includes a series of specialized lectures and practical training sessions covering sampling and sample preparation, calibration of high-purity germanium (HPGe) detectors, calculation of radioactive activity concentrations, consideration of factors that may affect measurement results, and the use of reference standards to ensure accuracy and reliability.

The program is being launched following the Cabinet's recent approval of the "Rules for the Management of Naturally Occurring Radioactive Waste from the Gas and Petroleum Industries." These rules establish a legal framework that strengthens regulatory oversight in the State of Qatar and supports the safe management of this waste, helping protect the environment, workers and the public from the risks of ionizing radiation.

The program reflects the Ministry's commitment to strengthening cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and relevant national entities, exchanging technical and scientific expertise, and developing specialized national capabilities. These efforts support the enhancement of radiation safety and security in the State of Qatar. (QNA)