Duties and responsibilities of various agencies in radiological emergencies

Depending on the severity of an accident in a nuclear facility, the consequences can range from trivial to serious ones involving injury, loss of life, dislocation of communities, destruction of property and environment. In a radiological emergency a number of agencies have to work in close cooperation. Since human senses are immune to radioactive pollutants all inputs are based on interpretation of readings of sensitive instrumentation. Successful implementation of the emergency programme depends upon close cooperation between the three principal agencies involved, viz. a) facility operators; b) government departments and c) members of public. The role of each of these agencies are examined in detail