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

1.2. OBJECTIVE
This publication provides information concerning methodologies, techniques and available
results of research relating to response to nuclear or radiological emergencies. It also provides a
practical, step-by-step method for developing integrated operator, local and national
capabilities for emergency response. It does not provide IAEA endorsed guidance or
recommendations because this material has not undergone the process of peer reviews needed
to become part of the IAEA Safety Standards Series.
1.3. SCOPE
This publication concerns preparations for radiation emergencies 2 . The range of potential
radiation emergencies of concern is enormous, extending from a major reactor emergency to
emergencies involving lost or stolen radioactive material. This method covers planning for the
entire range.
The method recognizes that a minimum level of preparedness is appropriate in every State,
even in those without any known practices using nuclear or radioactive material, because any
State could be affected by an emergency involving transport, lost or stolen sources, or
transboundary contamination.
Clearly, the method cannot take all site specific or emergency specific factors into account.
Moreover, this publication does not represent a set of obligations. Planners should remain
flexible in its use and adapt the method to local socio-political, economic, and other factors.
Emergency preparedness must be carried out at two major levels. First, the operator must be
prepared to mitigate the potential consequences of the emergency at the source and notify offsite
officials. Second, the off-site officials must be prepared to manage and reduce the impact
on the public and the environment. This publication addresses development of a response
capability at both levels.
This publication does not address the preparations needed for an adequate tactical or investigative
response to terrorist or other criminal acts. It does address the co-ordination of such a response with
the response dealing with the actual or potential radiological consequences.
1.4. STRUCTURE
The remainder of the publication is divided into three sections.
Section 2 reviews basic concepts and describes the overall steps to follow in order to establish
an adequate emergency response capability. It also explains how to select the appropriate
threat category (see Section 2.1.2) applicable to practices in any given State. Section 3
contains a worksheet for the identification and assignment of critical emergency preparedness
and response functions. Section 4 contains descriptions of severe emergencies, descriptions of
the ideal response (concept of operations) to these emergencies and detailed checklists of
items that should be considered by emergency planners in developing and maintaining the
capability to respond to radiation emergencies. Readers need to refer only to the items that are
applicable to their threat categories.
The publication also contains a number of appendices, which provide further elaboration or
clarification.
2 The term “radiation emergency”, as used in this publication, is a common term for nuclear and/or radiological emergency.
2