Safeguards Information System flows associated with the plant safeguards authority

Increasing use of nuclear material imposes additional emphasis on safeguards. The Technical Analysis Division, NBS, has been assisting the AEC in performing systems studies directed to safeguards for nuclear materials. A Safeguards Information System (SIS) is being developed so as to provide the information and decision structure needed for assurance that significant diversion to unauthorized use has not occurred in the past and, further, that any significant diversion which might occur in the future will be detected in a timely manner. Although a comprehensive report is in preparation, a preview is considered useful at this time in order to familiarize plant personnel, charged with development of plant safeguards information systems, with aspects of SIS. This report thus reflects material from the forthcoming report and directs attention to the information flows related to the key safeguards decision maker within the plant - the plant safeguards authority. Terms and concepts are defined and ther application is illustrated in the general case by highlighting decision responsibilities and details of the safeguards information flows associated with him. (U.S.)