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

— Evaluate all available information; retrace the sequence of events. Be aware of the possibility that
radioactive material may be a subject of illicit trafficking or other criminal act. If illicit trafficking
or any criminal act is suspected, notify appropriate law enforcement authorities and integrate law
enforcement into the ICS.
— On the basis of data on the labels and shipping papers, take the initial action appropriate as shown
in Figure A7-I:
• keep people away from the emergency scene, establish cordon-off area and controlled access area;
• get the names of people who may have been in the emergency area (for possible follow up);
• request radiological assistance from regional or national officials (if appropriate) (see Element
A3.1);
• control the potential spread of contamination (e.g. by water) if it will not delay or interfere with other
response actions.
— If terrorism is indicated, implement, as appropriate, the action guide for Credible or confirmed
terrorist threats.
— 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.
— If a dangerous source is to be recovered, implement, as appropriate, the action guide for Recovery
of an uncontrolled dangerous source.
— Monitor public response and deal with inappropriate behaviour (see Element A11.2).
Radiological assessment (radiological assessornational team): (See Element A3.1)
— Operate under the ICS incident commander.
— If warranted, dispatch radiation assistance team (radiological assessor) (see Element A3.1) to
perform monitoring in accordance with Ref. [11].
— Monitor for gamma, beta and alpha and establish an inner-cordoned area (safety distance) in
accordance with Appendix 5 (Table A5-I).
— If there are indications that a dangerous neutron source (e.g. Cf-252, Be/Am well logging) may be
involved obtain experts to conduct neutron monitoring (possibly with IAEA assistance if not
available within the State).
— Brief incident commander on risks and provide measures to protect emergency workers (including
law enforcement) and control their dose (see Elements A6.7, A6.10).
Emergency medical responder/team:
— Operate under the ICS incident commander.
— Provide medical advice and support to on scene response and local medical community on
treatment of contaminated/exposed individuals and the risk (negligible) to their staff.
Public information officer/team:
— Operate under the ICS incident commander.
— If the emergency receives media or public attention, implement media briefings, from a single
official source, on the threat and appropriate public action. Activate a PIC if needed (see Element
A9.1) 77 .
Incident investigator/team:
— Operate under the ICS incident commander.
— Conduct an investigation, in close co-operation with law enforcement if criminal activity is
suspected, to determine the cause and take appropriate action to prevent similar emergencies.
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