Radiation Department
The Radiation Department at the St. Kitts and Nevis Bureau of Standards (SKNBS) currently focuses on radiation checks at the seaport but has plans to expand into broader areas of radiation monitoring in the future.
In 2024, St. Kitts and Nevis established the Radiation and Safety and Security Act for the safe, secure, and peaceful use of radiation and nuclear technology, in alignment with the Convention on Nuclear Safety.
This Act enables the licensing, control, and monitoring of nuclear technology and radioactive sources, prioritizing public health and safety.
To strengthen its monitoring capabilities, SKNBS has acquired state-of-the-art radiation equipment, including three electronic personal alarming dosimeters to measure occupational exposure to x-ray and gamma radiation.
These dosimeters will be required for all workers exposed to radiation in medical facilities, with monitoring scheduled on a quarterly basis. In addition, the department now has a portable handheld survey meter for x-ray and gamma radiation, a telescopic gamma dose rate meter, and a surface contamination monitor capable of detecting alpha, beta, and gamma radiation.
Currently, SKNBS utilizes this advanced equipment to conduct radiation safety checks on imported vehicles at the St. Christopher Air and Seaport Authority (SCASPA), ensuring compliance with strict safety standards and protecting citizens from radiological threats.
Looking ahead, SKNBS plans to extend its monitoring efforts to hospitals across the federation, enhancing patient and staff safety and enabling early detection of potential contamination to protect public health.
This website has been produced with the financial assistance of the European Union. Its contents are the sole responsibility of the St. Kitts and Nevis Bureau of Standards and can under no circumstances be regarded as reflecting the position of the European Union.
