epr-method (2003) - IAEA Publications - International Atomic Energy ...

Lost of a dangerous source
Description
Loss of a source containing sufficient radioactive material to be a dangerous source (see Appendix 8). If theft is
suspected, follow the guide for Theft of a dangerous source.
Potential hazards
Unknowingly handling unshielded/unconfined dangerous quantities (see Appendix 8) can result in permanent injuries
from external exposure or inadvertent ingestion and in localized contamination, requiring cleanup. Unknowingly
handling quantities 10-100 times the criteria in Appendix 8 for a dangerous source could be immediately life
threatening.
Emergency response
Operator (Responsible for control of the source):
— Report loss to the appropriate officials, providing a description of the device and threat.
— Conduct a local search and investigate possible means of loss (e.g. returned shipping container,
waste, left in patient).
— Obtain assistance from the radiation protection officer (radiological assessor) (see Element A3.3).
— Check and ensure physical security and control of other sources.
— If the source is found, ensure it is not damaged or leaking – if damaged or leaking notify officials
and ensure it is surveyed for contamination.
Incident commander (lead first responder local official):
— Co-ordinate the response using the ICS (see Appendix 13).
— Ensure that all governmental agencies are informed.
— Evaluate all available information; retrace the sequence of events. If illicit trafficking or any
criminal act is suspected, notify appropriate law enforcement authorities and integrate the law
enforcement response into the ICS.
— Obtain radiological assessment assistance to co-ordinate the radiological response and radiation
protection in accordance with Ref. [11].
— Brief the responders on the risks and provide measures to protect emergency workers, including
law enforcement, and control their dose (see Elements A6.7, A6.10).
— Obtain emergency medical assistance to advise and co-ordinate with medical facilities on
recognition of radiation injuries.
— Obtain public information officer (see Element A9.1) 78 assistance to provide information to the
public.
— Promptly inform nearby medical facilities, border crossings and scrap metal dealers to be alert for
the source or for radiation-induced injuries. Provide them with a description of the source and its
container and indications of radiation injuries (e.g. burns with no apparent cause).
— Have the national competent authority notify potentially affected States and the IAEA if there are
indications that other States or their citizens may be affected (Transnational emergency - see
Element A2.15).
— Initiate public searches if appropriate.
— If potential source is found, confirm the location and establish an inner-cordoned area (safety
distance) in accordance with Appendix 5 (Table A5-I).
— If terrorism is indicated, implement, as appropriate, the action guide for Credible or confirmed
terrorist threats.
78 If the public announcement is delayed, prepare public information and a spokesperson to be used when the news of
the emergency reaches the media and public.
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