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

1. INTRODUCTION
1.1. BACKGROUND
In 1997 the IAEA compiled, consolidated and organized existing information, and published
the TECDOC Method for Development of Emergency Response Preparedness for Nuclear or
Radiological Accidents, IAEA-TECDOC-953 [1]. Subsequently this publication was used
extensively by the IAEA for training and for evaluation of emergency response programmes.
In November 1999 a technical committee meeting (TCM) with representatives of over 20
States reviewed and provided feedback on IAEA-TECDOC-953.
In March 2002, the IAEA’s Board of Governors approved a Safety Requirements publication
[2], “Preparedness and Response for a Nuclear or Radiological Emergency”, jointly sponsored
by seven international organizations, which establishes the requirements for an adequate level
of preparedness and response for a nuclear or radiological emergency in any State. The IAEA
General Conference in resolution GC(46)/RES/9 encouraged Member States “to implement, if
necessary, instruments for improving their own preparedness and response capabilities for
nuclear and radiological incidents and accidents, including their arrangements for responding
to acts involving the malicious use of nuclear or radioactive material and to threats of such
acts” and has further encouraged them to “implement the Safety Requirements for
Preparedness and Response to a Nuclear or Radiological Emergency”.
The obligations, responsibilities and requirements for preparedness and response for radiation
emergencies are set out in the safety standards, in particular the 1996 "International Basic
Safety Standards for Protection against Ionizing Radiation and for the Safety of Radiation
Sources" [3]. Consensus information on relevant radiation protection criteria was established
in 1994 and published in "Intervention Criteria in a Nuclear or Radiation Emergency" [4].
Several other guides and publications in the area of emergency preparedness and response had
previously been issued.
The present publication now being issued in the Emergency Preparedness and Response
(EPR) series is an update to IAEA-TECDOC-953. It aims to: 1) fulfil in part the IAEA’s
function under article 5.a(ii) of the Assistance Convention, and 2) to provide a compendium
of best practice for planners aiming both to comply with the Requirements [2] and to improve
their own capabilities for responding to radiation emergencies, while the Secretariat facilitates
consensus on formal guidance for meeting the Safety Requirements.
The publication incorporates material from existing IAEA emergency preparedness Safety
Guides [5–10] updating it to be consistent with the Requirements [2], to incorporate best
practice, the results of research and the latest lessons identified in past emergencies, and to
reflect relevant issues of international law. It provides a practical source of information
relevant to the development of an integrated national, local and operator capability for
emergency response based on the potential nature and magnitude of the risk.
In order to apply the method described in this publication, emergency planners should have a
good understanding of the basic principles for response to a nuclear or radiological
emergency. They should review the relevant international guidance [2, 3, 4] beforehand.
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