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

Theft of a dangerous source
Description
Theft of a source containing sufficient radioactive material to qualify as a dangerous source (see Appendix 8).
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 theft to the appropriate officials, providing a description of the device and threat.
— Obtain assistance from the radiation protection officer (radiological assessor) (see Element A3.3).
— Secure the scene to allow for forensic examination.
— Conduct additional response actions in co-operation with law-enforcement, including:
• local search;
• providing technical support to off-site officials;
• checking and ensuring 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 all response actions in co-operation with law-enforcement using the ICS (see
Appendix 13) from an incident command post near the scene.
— Ensure that all governmental agencies are informed.
— Obtain radiological assessment assistance to co-ordinate the radiological response and radiation
protection in accordance with Ref. [11].
— Obtain emergency medical assistance to advise and co-ordinate with medical facilities in the
recognition of radiation injuries.
— Obtain public information officer (see Element A9.1) 79 to provide information to the public.
— 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).
— 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).
— If potential source is found, establish an inner-cordoned area (safety distance) in accordance with
Appendix 5 (Table A5-I).
— If significant public contamination or exposure is possible, implement, as appropriate, the action
guide for Public contamination/exposure.
— If serious overexposure is suspected, implement, as appropriate, the action guide for Serious
overexposure.
79 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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