Roles and Responsibilities of PNRA for

Preparedness and Responseto Radiological Emergency

by

Tufail Ahmad

Scientific OfficerRegional 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

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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)

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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

• 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

Functions of PNRA

RADIOLOGICAL EMERGENCY

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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.

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Radiological Accident/Emergency • A situation in which there is an unintentional

exposure to ionizing radiation or radioactive contamination

• Exposure may be real or suspected

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Radiological Accident/Emergency (definitions)

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

Types of Radiological Emergencies

• Radiological emergencies can be grouped into four major types

1. Facility emergencies 2. Transport emergencies 3. Severe overexposure or

contamination emergencies

4. Terrorist threats or criminal activities

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

The Nuclear Sector

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Radioactive Sources in Medical and Industry

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Consequences … few examples

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• External Dose From Small (In Size) Sources (Found-Stolen) – Common Source of Injury/ Death

•Doctors– discover most cases

Cont…

Stuck Source

orphan source

orphan source

Cont…

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orphan source Cs-137Missing Sources

then recovered

Cont…

Missing Sources then recovered

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PREPAREDNESS AND RESPONSE

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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

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Regulatory Requirements

• 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

Ensure Coordinate Enforce

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National Radiation Emergency Coordination Center (NRECC)

• 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

Ensure Coordinate Enforce

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Emergency Coordination

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

Ensure Coordinate Enforce

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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

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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

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Detection Equipment

PRD NSD Teleprobe Protection Kit

RID Air Sampler Remote Visual Ins. Camera

Radiation Monitor

(α,β,γ,n)

Detection Equipment

Backpack system Contamination Monitor

Food Analyzer HPGe

Radi

Tabletop Exercises

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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.