An IAEA Sealed Decommissioned Radioactive Source Technical Centers (DSRS-TeC) peer review mission concluded this month in Slovenia, marking the country’s first comprehensive review of its decommissioned sealed radioactive source management procedures for the Radioactive Waste Management Agency ( ARAO). The mission, held at ARAO from 30 September to 2 October in Ljubljana, Slovenia, included a team of two external experts together with two IAEA specialists.

Launched last year, DSRS-TeC is a specialized peer review service of the IAEA that helps countries review operational standards and management practices for decommissioned sealed radioactive sources (DSRS). It provides an independent review of current practices and offers suggestions for strengthening management over time. The review focuses on the early stages of source management and aims to support countries in improving their standards and effectiveness in managing DSRS.

“ARAO’s extensive experience and commitment to internationally recognized quality management principles have contributed to a high level of operational excellence and a quality management system,” said Vivian Pereira Campos, DSRS specialist in the Nuclear Energy Department of IAEA. “Procedures and work instructions are guided by national legislation, as well as compliance with the requirements outlined by IAEA guidelines, as well as EURATOM and European Council directives. ARAO actively promotes a positive and collaborative relationship with the IAEA, regularly hosting fellowships and scientific visits and sharing its expertise and experience.”

A significant outcome of the review was the mission team’s observation that ARAO identified a clear end solution for DSRS in Slovenia. ARAO plans to dispose of DSRSs at the low and medium level waste facility. For sources that do not meet the waste acceptance criteria for disposal, the option of co-disposal with spent nuclear fuel in a deep geological repository is being considered, reflecting ARAO’s progressive approach to radioactive waste management. In addition, it was observed that the reuse of DSRS and their return to an authorized supplier is widely implemented in Slovenia, which further strengthens the country’s commitment to responsible and efficient radioactive source management practices.

The final report included several suggestions and highlighted good practices, underlining ARAO’s proactive position regarding fully safe and secure DSRS management.

“The added value of the review mission lies primarily in the independent assessment of our activities and confirmation that our procedures align with international best practice. Feedback from recognized experts will further enhance our efforts,” said Sandi Virsek, CEO of ARAO. “Since taking on this role, capacity building has been a key focus for me and I am proud to have made significant progress in this area in such a short space of time.”