IAEA's Assistance in Events Related to Radioactive Sources

Radiological emergencies due to improper use or loss of control over radioactive sources continue to occur. Arrangements are in place for notification, information exchange and providing of international assistance when capabilities of States to mitigate the consequences of such events are exceeded. IAEA's Incident and Emergency Centre is the international focal point for the providing of international assistance in events related to radioactive sources. For the provision of efficient assistance upon request, the IAEA has established the Response and Assistance Network (RANET), which forms an operational mechanism to provide assistance in different technical areas with the help of national capabilities registered in the network. The continued occurrence of these events and the experience accumulated by the IAEA and Member States in response to the events related to radiation sources underline the need to strengthen the international emergency preparedness and response framework; reinforce the emergency notification system, reporting and information sharing arrangements and capabilities; strengthen the way to cope with emergencies; and support the international assistance arrangements and capabilities by enhancing the IAEA's RANET. (author)