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

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A2 - IDENTIFYING, NOTIFYING AND ACTIVATING Threat category Responsibility
Elements I II III IV V O L N
A2.3 Ensure that first responders are aware of the indicators of the presence of radiation or radioactive
material, such as the trefoil symbol, the class 7 labels on packages and class 7 placards on vehicles [16,
24] and the significance of these indicators; the symptoms that would indicate a need to conduct an
assessment to determine whether there may be a radiological emergency; and the appropriate notification
and other immediate actions warranted if a radiological emergency is suspected (4.18).
This can be accomplished by a poster showing the trefoil symbol and information that would indicate a
potential radiological emergency such as the medical symptoms of radiation exposure and descriptions of
technical dangerous mobile sources along with the immediate actions to be taken if a radiation
emergency is suspected. Provide this information to all local and national emergency service (fire, lawenforcement,
medical) organizations.
A2.4 Arrange for the identification of a radiation emergency and determine the appropriate level of
response. Include a system for classifying all potential radiation emergencies that warrant an emergency
intervention to protect workers and the public, in accordance with international standards. Address the
following emergency types: general emergencies, site area emergencies, facility emergencies, alerts, and
uncontrolled source emergencies (4.19).
The classification system should be consistent with the information in Appendices 6 and 7. 29
Arrange to assess threats of terrorist or other criminal acts 30 involving radioactive or fissionable material and
to initiate an appropriate response including: 1) identification of the national level ministry responsible for
prompt assessment of such threats; 2) informing local and national law enforcement organizations of their
immediate action upon receipt of a threat; 3) a system for characterizing the credibility of a threat that will
initiate a response consistent with Appendix 17; and 4) provisions to co-ordinate the response to criminal
activity and to deal with the associated radiological, psychological and economic impact of a radiological
emergency, 5) notifying facilities in threat categories I, II or III of potently threats and 6) provision at these
facilities to enhance their level of protection commensurate with the threat. This should also include a
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30 These include bomb threats, bombings, sabotage, attacks, kidnapping, hostage taking, theft of dangerous amounts (See Appendix 8) of radioactive or fissionable material, or other criminal acts
potentially resulting in an actual or perceived radiation emergency.