Preparation, Conduct and Evaluation of Exercises for Detection of and Response to Acts Involving Nuclear and Other Radioactive Material out of Regulatory Control

Technical Guidence

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• Publisher: International Atomic Energy Agency
• Year: 2020
• ISBN:
  9789201103208
• Topic: Technology & Engineering
• Subtopic: Mechanical Engineering
• Index: Technology & Engineering

This publication presents detailed concepts and procedures for the preparation, conduct and evaluation of exercises to test relevant nuclear security systems and measures, and provides useful templates and checklists that can be used to assist the exercise development process. The technical guidance provided is targeted at States and their competent authorities to assist them in establishing and sustaining an effective infrastructure to strengthen detection of and response to material out of regulatory control and evaluate the effectiveness of their plans by presenting a structured methodology for the consistent development of exercises.

1. INTRODUCTION

Background

1.1. The IAEA Nuclear Security Series provides guidance for States to assist them in implementing, reviewing and, when necessary, strengthening a national nuclear security regime. The series also provides guidance for States in fulfilling their obligations with respect to binding international instruments and their commitments with respect to non-binding international instruments.

1.2. IAEA Nuclear Security Series No. 20, Objective and Essential Elements of a State’s Nuclear Security Regime [1], sets out the objective of a nuclear security regime and its essential elements. The following Nuclear Security Recommendations indicate what a nuclear security regime should address:

(a) IAEA Nuclear Security Series No. 13, Nuclear Security Recommendations on Physical Protection of Nuclear Material and Nuclear Facilities (INFCIRC/225/Revision 5) [2];

(b) IAEA Nuclear Security Series No. 14, Nuclear Security Recommendations on Radioactive Material and Associated Facilities [3];

(c) IAEA Nuclear Security Series No. 15, Nuclear Security Recommendations on Nuclear and Other Radioactive Material out of Regulatory Control [4].

1.3. This publication provides guidance on exercises supplemental to the guidance provided in Ref. [4] as well as that contained in the following publications:

(a) IAEA Nuclear Security Series No. 21, Nuclear Security Systems and Measures for the Detection of Nuclear and Other Radioactive Material out of Regulatory Control [5];

(b) IAEA Nuclear Security Series No. 37-G, Developing a National Framework for Managing the Response to Nuclear Security Events [6];

(c) IAEA Nuclear Security Series No. 2-G (Rev. 1), Nuclear Forensics in Support of Investigations [7];

(d) IAEA Nuclear Security Series No. 24-G, Risk Informed Approach for Nuclear Security Measures for Nuclear and Other Radioactive Material out of Regulatory Control [8];

(e) IAEA Nuclear Security Series No. 22-G, Radiological Crime Scene Management [9].

Objective

1.4. The objective of this publication is to provide practical guidance on the preparation, conduct and evaluation of exercises for nuclear security systems and measures for the detection of and response to intentional unauthorized acts involving nuclear and other radioactive material out of regulatory control.

1.5. While this publication focuses on the preparation, conduct and evaluation of individual exercises, competent authorities might also consider the information provided here when developing a national programme of nuclear security exercises1 for systems and measures for the detection of and response to intentional unauthorized acts involving nuclear and other radioactive material out of regulatory control.

1.6. This publication is intended to be used by competent authorities involved in the preparation, conduct and evaluation of exercises for such nuclear security systems and measures, including law enforcement agencies, customs and border control, emergency response organizations, regulatory bodies and technical and scientific support organizations.

Scope

1.7. This publication provides guidance on the preparation, conduct and evaluation of exercises for nuclear security systems and measures for the detection of and response to intentional unauthorized acts involving nuclear and other radioactive material out of regulatory control, including radiological crime scene management and nuclear forensics.

1.8. This publication does not provide guidance on exercises involving the detection of or response to nuclear security events involving nuclear and other radioactive material in regulated facilities and activities, addressed in Refs [2, 3].

1.9. This publication also does not address exercises that do not involve an evaluation component, such as those used as demonstrations of a State’s nuclear security regime. Such demonstrations typically consist of scripted and rehearsed displays of personnel, skills, equipment and expertise, and could be used to foster communication and build awareness among stakeholders, policy makers and the public.

1.10. Finally, this publication does not address preparation, conduct and evaluation of exercises to test arrangements in place to respond to any nuclear or radiological emergency associated with material under or out of regulatory control for which IAEA Safety Standards Series No. GSR Part 7, Preparedness and Response for a Nuclear or Radiological Emergency [10], and Ref. [11] apply.

Structure

1.11. Following this introduction, Section 2 provides an overview of a structured methodology that a State can use to prepare, conduct and evaluate exercises for the detection of and response to intentional unauthorized acts involving nuclear and other radioactive...

Table of contents

• 1. INTRODUCTION
• REFERENCES
• Annex I EXERCISE PREPARATION, CONDUCT AND EVALUATION PLANNING TIMELINE
• Annex II EXAMPLE SCENARIO
• Annex III EXERCISE PLAN TEMPLATE
• Annex IV PARTICIPANT FEEDBACK FORM TEMPLATE
• Annex V EXERCISE REPORT TEMPLATE
• Annex VI EXAMPLE PLAYER HANDOUT
• Annex VII CONTROLLER, FACILITATOR AND EVALUATOR BRIEFING TEMPLATE
• Annex VIII PLAYER BRIEFING TEMPLATE
• Annex IX MEDIA BRIEFING
• Annex X OBSERVER BRIEFING
• Annex XI OBSERVER FEEDBACK FORM TEMPLATE
• Annex XII EXERCISE DEBRIEFING CHECKLIST
• Annex XIII EXAMPLE EXERCISE REPORT ASSESSMENT