Method for developing arrangements for response to a nuclear or radiological emergency. Updating IAEA-TECDOC-953. Emergency preparedness and response. Publication date: 2009

In 1997 the IAEA compiled, consolidated and organized existing information, and published the TECDOC-953 'Method for Development of Emergency Response Preparedness for Nuclear or Radiological Accidents'. Subsequently this publication was used extensively by the IAEA for training and for evaluation of emergency response programmes. In November 1999 a technical committee meeting (TCM) with representatives of over 20 States reviewed and provided feedback on IAEA-TECDOC-953. In March 2002, the IAEA's Board of Governors approved a Safety Requirements publication, 'Preparedness and Response for a Nuclear or Radiological Emergency', jointly sponsored by seven international organizations, which establishes the requirements for an adequate level of preparedness and response for a nuclear or radiological emergency in any State. The IAEA General Conference in resolution GC(46)/RES/9 encouraged Member States to implement, if necessary, instruments for improving their own preparedness and response capabilities for nuclear and radiological incidents and accidents, including their arrangements for responding to acts involving the malicious use of nuclear or radioactive material and to threats of such acts, and has further encouraged them to implement the Safety Requirements for Preparedness and Response to a Nuclear or Radiological Emergency. The obligations, responsibilities and requirements for preparedness and response for radiation emergencies are set out in the safety standards, in particular the 1996 'International Basic Safety Standards for Protection against Ionizing Radiation and for the Safety of Radiation Sources'. Consensus information on relevant radiation protection criteria was established in 1994 and published in 'Intervention Criteria in a Nuclear or Radiation Emergency'. Several other guides and publications in the area of emergency preparedness and response had previously been issued. The present publication now being issued in the Emergency Preparedness and Response (EPR) series is an update to IAEA-TECDOC-953. It aims to: fulfil in part the IAEA's function under article 5.a(ii) of the Assistance Convention, and to provide a compendium of best practice for planners aiming both to comply with the Requirements and to improve their own capabilities for responding to radiation emergencies, while the Secretariat facilitates consensus on formal guidance for meeting the Safety Requirements. The publication incorporates material from existing IAEA emergency preparedness Safety Guides updating it to be consistent with the Requirements, to incorporate best practice, the results of research and the latest lessons identified in past emergencies, and to reflect relevant issues of international law. It provides a practical source of information relevant to the development of an integrated national, local and operator capability for emergency response based on the potential nature and magnitude of the risk. In order to apply the method described in this publication, emergency planners should have a good understanding of the basic principles for response to a nuclear or radiological emergency. They should review the relevant international guidance beforehand. This publication provides information concerning methodologies, techniques and available results of research relating to response to nuclear or radiological emergencies. It also provides a practical, step-by-step method for developing integrated operator, local and national capabilities for emergency response. It does not provide IAEA endorsed guidance or recommendations because this material has not undergone the process of peer reviews needed to become part of the IAEA Safety Standards Series. This publication concerns preparations for radiation emergencies. The range of potential radiation emergencies of concern is enormous, extending from a major reactor emergency to emergencies involving lost or stolen radioactive material. This method covers planning for the entire range. The method recognizes that a minimum level of preparedness is appropriate in every State, even in those without any known practices using nuclear or radioactive material, because any State could be affected by an emergency involving transport, lost or stolen sources, or transboundary contamination. Clearly, the method cannot take all site specific or emergency specific factors into account. Moreover, this publication does not represent a set of obligations. Planners should remain flexible in its use and adapt the method to local socio-political, economic, and other factors. Emergency preparedness must be carried out at two major levels. First, the operator must be prepared to mitigate the potential consequences of the emergency at the source and notify offsite officials. Second, the off-site officials must be prepared to manage and reduce the impact on the public and the environment. This publication addresses development of a response capability at both levels. This publication does not address the preparations needed for an adequate tactical or investigative response to terrorist or other criminal acts. It does address the co-ordination of such a response with the response dealing with the actual or potential radiological consequences