Preparedness and Response Roles and Responsibilities of PNRA for Preparedness and Response to Radiological Emergency by Tufail Ahmad Scientific Officer Regional Nuclear Safety Directorate-III, Karachi Pakistan Nuclear Regulatory Authority

Presentation Layout PNRA (Brief history, Mission and Functions) Radiological Accident/Emergency (definitions) Why Radiological Emergency? Types of radiological emergencies Where radiological emergencies can occur Consequences- Few examples PNRA obligations Regulatory Requirements NRECC/NuSECC Trainings and Public Awareness

1994: Creation of Pakistan Nuclear Regulatory Board (PNRB) Brief history of PNRA 1984: Establishment of Directorate of Nuclear Safety & Radiation Protection (DNSRP) 1994: Creation of Pakistan Nuclear Regulatory Board (PNRB) (partial compliance of Nuclear Safety Convention) 2001: Establishment of Pakistan Nuclear Regulatory Authority (PNRA) with the Promulgation of PNRA Ordinance (full compliance with Nuclear Safety Convention) The work to establish an independent group to regulate was started early in 80s. an independent Directorate was established to look after regulatory activities named as…….. In 1990, 1st regulation on nuclear safety and radiation protection were established. In 2001 PNRA was created and this was total compliance to Nuclear safety convention.

Mission of PNRA To ensure safe operation of nuclear facilities and to protect radiation workers, general public and the environment from the harmful effects of radiation by formulating and implementing effective regulations and building a relationship of trust with the licensees and maintain transparency in its actions and decisions.

Licensing of Nuclear Installations and Radiation Facilities Functions of PNRA Licensing of Nuclear Installations and Radiation Facilities Safety Review and Assessment Regulatory surveillance and Inspections Physical Protection of nuclear facilities and materials Preparation of Regulations, Guidelines, Standards and Licensing Procedures Implementation and Enforcement of PNRA Regulations Liaison with International Agencies like, IAEA To achieve the mission, these are the ….

RADIOLOGICAL EMERGENCY

Radiological Accident/Emergency (definitions) Accident [Safety Standards Series, Glossary]: “Any unintended event including operating errors, equipment failures or other mishaps, the consequences or potential consequences of which are not negligible from the point of view of protection and safety.” Emergency [Safety Standards Series, Glossary] A non-routine situation or event that necessitates prompt action, primarily to mitigate a hazard or adverse consequences for human health and safety, quality of life, property or the environment.

Radiological Accident/Emergency (definitions) A situation in which there is an unintentional exposure to ionizing radiation or radioactive contamination Exposure may be real or suspected

Why Radiological Emergency? L-003: Past Radiological Emergencies Why Radiological Emergency? The use of sources of radiation is growing rapidly Emergencies involving radiation sources occur more frequently than reactor emergencies Unlike reactor emergencies, the impact is generally limited to a small number of people But the risk of deterministic effects is high RISK is measured in terms of likelihood and consequences Radiation sources are now an integral part of our technology-based life. As we will see later, they are used in industry, medical applications, educational institutions, etc. Although safety precautions and safety programs are getting better all the time, the fact that more and more organizations and countries are using radiation for peaceful purposes also means that the potential for accidents is there and it is not disappearing. This potential is not limited to nuclear power stations. Indeed, there have been more accidents involving non-nuclear power practices than in the nuclear power industry itself. The potential hazard associated with nuclear power plant accidents is quite large because of the large amount of radioactive fission products “stored” in a reactor. By contrast, radiological accidents involve much smaller amounts of radioactive material, and the potential hazard is fairly limited, both in terms of geographic extent and number of people that could be affected. However, it would be a mistake to underestimate the seriousness of radiological accidents. Such accidents can lead, and have led, to serious deterministic effects, including severe injuries and death. IAEA Training in Emergency Preparedness & Response

Types of Radiological Emergencies L-003: Past Radiological Emergencies Types of Radiological Emergencies Radiological emergencies can be grouped into four major types Facility emergencies Transport emergencies Severe overexposure or contamination emergencies Terrorist threats or criminal activities One may classify radiological accidents in many different ways. The classification presented here is done from an emergency management prospective. It is consistent with the IAEA document EPR-Method (2003) “Method for Developing Arrangements for Response to a Nuclear or Radiological Emergency”. A brief description of each is presented in the following slides. IAEA Training in Emergency Preparedness & Response

Where Radiological Emergencies Can Occur? L-003: Past Radiological Emergencies Where Radiological Emergencies Can Occur? Almost anywhere Nuclear installations Medical and industrial sector Radiography site (gamma radiography sources) Terrorist or criminal activities Illicit trafficking In scrap yards (wrongly disposed source) Research institutes There are other potential activities that could involve radiological accidents, as shown on this slide. Such accidents are complex because, in most cases, the emergency could occur in totally unexpected places. IAEA Training in Emergency Preparedness & Response

The Nuclear Sector

Radioactive Sources in Medical and Industry

Consequences … few examples San Salvador Irradiator Accident 1989 Three workers were exposed to high radiation doses and developed acute radiation syndrome. This was treated but the legs of two of the three men were so seriously injured that amputation was necessary. The worker who had received the highest dose died 6 ½ months after the accident; his death being attributed to residual lung damage due to irradiation, exacerbated by injury sustained during treatment.

Doctors– discover most cases L-020: Major Lessons Learned in Response to Radiation Emergencies Cont… External Dose From Small (In Size) Sources (Found-Stolen) – Common Source of Injury/ Death A common cause of deaths and injuries are lost dangerous sources. The typical emergency involves a dangerous source being found or stolen and then sold, by someone unaware of the hazard, to a small scrap metal dealer who disassembles the source. During this process people are exposed and when they start exhibiting symptoms (burns, vomiting), they seek medical treatment. The medical professional, after several visits, suspects that the injuries are the result of radiation exposure and alerts the appropriate officials. Once the possibly of a radiation emergency is recognized, the officials, using common instruments, quickly isolate the danger, preventing further injuries. In all these cases there has been considerable public and media interest and concern. The major lessons learned from these emergencies are: —they can occur anywhere, unexpectedly; —the medical community and scrap dealers need to be informed on how to identify a potentially dangerous source and resulting medical symptoms of radiation exposure. Doctors– discover most cases IAEA Training in Emergency Preparedness and Response

Cont… orphan source Stuck Source orphan source

Cont… orphan source Cs-137 Missing Sources then recovered

Preparedness and Response

(PNRA Ordinance 2001 Section 39) PNRA Obligation The Authority shall ensure, co-ordinate and enforce preparation of emergency plans for actions to be taken following foreseeable types of nuclear incidents that might affect the public (PNRA Ordinance 2001 Section 39) Ensure Coordinate Enforce

Regulatory Requirements Ensure Coordinate Enforce National Regulations on Management of a Nuclear or Radiological Emergency (PAK/914) Require emergency preparedness and response arrangements from the licencee Implementability of emergency arrangements to be demonstrated on regular basis The Authority reviews and approves emergency plans

National Radiation Emergency Coordination Center (NRECC) Ensure Coordinate Enforce To coordinate nuclear or radiological emergencies “National Radiation Emergency Coordination Center- NRECC” is established at PNRA HQ NRECC coordinates with Licensees Governmental authorities/organizations IAEA under the conventions 21

Emergency Coordination Ensure Coordinate Enforce Recommendations/ guidance/ actions Information NRECC / PNRA NPP and other PAEC Facilities Local Govt. Provincial Govt. Federal Govt. PAEC HQ IAEA Notification/ Assistance Implementation of off-site protective measures Other Licensed Facilities First Responders (police, rescue services, fire fighters, medical responders) (Transboundary Accidents) Met. Deptt. Other Ministries MFA Ministry of Health Ministry of Interior Ministry of Environment SPD NDMA 22

Licensee Emergency Exercises Ensure Coordinate Enforce Regulations require that staff responsible for critical response functions shall participate in drills/ exercises at least once every year Nuclear power plant (and other licencees as well) perform various emergency exercises as per their emergency plans Joint team of PNRA HQ and Regional Directorate evaluates the emergency exercises to ensure effective implementation of emergency plans and procedures

Licensee Emergency Exercises Ensure Coordinate Enforce Observations and recommendations are discussed in post exercise meeting and communicated to licensee for compliance Record of emergency response personnel training, drills and exercises is reviewed during inspections Licensee actions on recommendations are followed up to ensure improvements in the emergency plans

Nuclear Security Emergency Coordination Center (NuSECC) Focal point for the coordination with the first responders, front line offices, law enforcing agencies, local governments and PNRA Regional Offices. Network of six emergency response mobile labs at each Directorate/Inspectorate Response team (s) will be able to reach for expert opinion within 4 to 6 hours in the major cities of the country. Round the clock manning through: Toll Free Number: 0800 777 66

Trainings and Public Awareness Arrange National/International training courses, workshops, seminars, tutorials, Tabletop exercises Arrange lectures in universities/institutes of the country Launched media campaign Distribute pamphlets/ brochures for public awareness PNRA conducted seminars on handling and management of contaminated and exposed individuals. Planning for national level of emergency exercise

Detection Equipment PRD NSD Teleprobe Protection Kit RID Air Sampler Remote Visual Ins. Camera Radiation Monitor (α,β,γ,n)

Contamination Monitor Detection Equipment Backpack system Contamination Monitor Food Analyzer HPGe Radi

Tabletop Exercises

Field Exercises

Summary Sole responsibility for management of a nuclear accident or radiological emergency situation lies with the licensee. PNRA facilitates the exchange of information between PNRA licensee, public authorities and relevant international organizations with the aim to diminish consequences to property, environment and public. PNRA coordinate and ensures the emergency preparedness at radiation and nuclear facilities Improve preparedness and response capabilities of response organization through drills and exercises Provision of information to general public regarding radiation and radiation hazards.