Radiation levels ‘normal’ at university reactor — commission

AMMAN — The Energy and Minerals Regulatory Commission (EMRC) on Monday reaffirmed that the Jordan Research and Training Reactor at the Jordan University of Science and Technology has no radiation leaks. 

An EMRC team visited the reactor to check on its safety and security. 

The reactor produces radioactive pharmaceuticals and is used for training Jordanian personnel in the field of nuclear engineering, a commission statement said.

The team toured the reactor’s various facilities and checked on the levels of radiation in the control room and at the reactor’s pond.

Majd Hawari, head of the EMRC team and board member of the commission, said radiation levels are within the normal range and are similar to those outside of the area.

Hawari added that EMRC is monitoring the institution responsible for nuclear activities inside the Kingdom and it had implemented the laws necessary for guaranteeing the safety of the reactor, which it said is “among the most developed in the world”.

EMRC Chief Commissioner Farouq Hiari added that the commission has been monitoring the work in the reactor since its establishment in 2009, and kept pace with its construction phases and operation governed by a law, four by-laws and more than 100 organisational documents.

Hiari added that the EMRC regulations are not limited to nuclear safety and radiation prevention, but also include procedures to deal with security and emergency situations through four plans.

Director of the five-megawatt reactor, Samer Abu Qahouq, denied having any leaks inside the facility, describing rumours about nuclear leaks as “totally unfounded”.

He also stressed that work in the reactor is “normal” and that all safety and security regulations are strictly followed inside, which is fully isolated from the external environment. 

Abu Qahouq noted that the reactor provides radioactive pharmaceutical ingredients, for 12 nuclear medical centres in the Kingdom, which are used for diagnosis and treatment.