Developing a National Framework for Managing the Response to Nuclear Security Events

Implementing Guide

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• Publisher: International Atomic Energy Agency
• Year: 2020
• ISBN:
  9789201069221
• Topic: Política y relaciones internacionales
• Subtopic: Política pública

This publication provides guidance to States on the development, implementation, maintenance and sustainment of a national framework for managing the response to nuclear security events. Such a framework involves a structure and a set of principles and agreements around which a State can frame its nuclear security response functions, addressing the interfaces which need to exist between responding agencies to ensure effective, coordinated response. By using this Implementing Guide, a State will ensure that it has considered all relevant key issues as it develops its national framework for responding to nuclear security events.

1. INTRODUCTION

Background

1.1. Nuclear security events may be very complex and are likely to have national and international implications that need to be addressed by the State or States affected. The nature and magnitude of such events may initially be unclear, and the State needs to be prepared in order to clarify the situation and respond appropriately, whether or not the nuclear security event leads to a nuclear or radiological emergency. It is the State’s responsibility to establish whether a criminal or intentional unauthorized act involving or directed at nuclear material, other radioactive material, an associated facility or an associated activity (hereinafter shortened to ‘criminal or intentional unauthorized act’) is taking place, and to provide an effective, coordinated response.

1.2. States need to ensure that their national capabilities to respond to a nuclear security event and any resulting emergency include a mechanism to rapidly assess and categorize the event based on factors such as the threat, potential human and environmental consequences, economic impact and nature of the nuclear or other radioactive material. The response to a nuclear security event should also support any subsequent legal proceedings associated with the event, including the apprehension and prosecution or extradition of alleged offenders.

1.3. To manage the response to a nuclear security event, it is recommended that a State establish a mechanism to coordinate the various activities undertaken by a range of competent authorities and associated entities [1, 2], including those relevant to response to a nuclear or radiological emergency.1 A national framework for managing the response to a nuclear security event (‘national framework’) is an important part of the State’s overall framework for response to all emergencies (see Fig. 1)2, enabling the State to plan and prepare for such events.

1.4. The development of such a national framework creates a structure and a set of principles and agreements around which a State can frame its detection and response functions, which should be implemented through a detailed plan.3 Some response organizations might not be specifically trained or equipped to deal with nuclear or other radioactive material, relying instead on specialist agencies with which they may not routinely work and whose capabilities they may not fully understand. A national framework can address the interfaces and the potential interagency conflicts which may result from this lack of understanding by ensuring that the various response organizations have clearly defined and understood roles and responsibilities that are properly coordinated through the implementation of an effective multi-agency command, control and coordination structure.

1.5. A national framework benefits States by creating a single point of reference for all issues relating to the response to nuclear security events. When such an event leads to a nuclear or radiological emergency, the response should be integrated into the national emergency management system [4]. Such a framework can also encourage flexibility in a State’s response to nuclear security events, by enabling the State to respond on a scale appropriate to the event, through proper categorization of the different types of nuclear security event that it may face.

1.6. A national framework can ensure that a State considers all relevant factors when planning for response to nuclear security events, including national and international implications, public perceptions, and issues relating to the identification and safe and secure handling of nuclear or other radioactive material. Such a response is in the interests not only of the State directly affected, but of the wider international community as well, as nuclear security events can have significant effects beyond State borders.

1.7. When a nuclear security event has actual or potential consequences such that it is a nuclear or radiological emergency, the response to the nuclear security event should be integrated into the overall national emergency management system [4]. It is expected that this emergency response will provide suitable arrangements for integrated implementation of the necessary security response measures and protective actions and other actions in response to the nuclear or radiological emergency, while allowing the specific aspects relevant for security (e.g. interdiction, forensic and radiological crime scene management) to be properly addressed.

1.8. IAEA Nuclear Security Series No. 15, Nuclear Security Recommendations on Nuclear and Other Radioactive Material out of Regulatory Control [2], recommends that a State have a comprehensive national response plan for nuclear security events that is coordinated and consistent with, and where ...

Table of contents

• 1. INTRODUCTION
• GLOSSARY